Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand


Mukteshwar is a spectacular hill resort lying at an altitude of 2,286 m above the sea level in the Kumaon division of the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. Located 42 km from Haldwani, 51 km from Nainital and 395 km from Delhi – Mukteshwar is a beautiful destination which must be visited while holidaying at Uttaranchal. A tour to Mukteshwar will essentially feature an idyllic holiday at this secluded retreat endowed with pleasant weather and breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayas.

Associated with a legend of Lord Shiva who gifted immortality or “mukti” to a demon that he slew, Mukteshwar was a quiet mountain hamlet surrounded by fruit orchards and dense coniferous forests. The place gained prominence when the British developed the Indian Veterinary Research Institute here in 1893. Today, the land is a celebrated scenic destination, overlooking the snow-capped Himalayas.



While on tour to Mukteshwar, enjoy scenic vistas of the Himalayan peaks of the 6596m-high Neelkantha (Blue-throated Shiva), the 7120m Trishul (Shiva’s Trident), the 7817m Nanadadevi (Goddess of Bliss), 6310m Nanadaghunti (the Veil of the Goddess), and the Panchuli Group.


The Mukteshwar Temple lying atop a rock and dedicated to Lord Shiva is another important site on Tour to Mukteshwar. Located at an altitude of 2,315 m, the temple houses a lingam made of white marble and the main shrine can be reached by stone stairs.

Another destination worth visit is the Chauthi Jali – the site marked by rocks jutting out from the hill face at a bizarre angle. This place offers amazing views of eagles and other scavenger birds swooping down on prey.

Your tour to Mukteshwar may also introduce you to some enchanting wildlife like Rhesus monkeys and langurs, deer and birds, and some rare mountain leopard and Himalayan black bear.

How to Reach
Mukteshwar lies at about 350 km from Delhi, from where it can be reached by a drive of about 8-9 hours via Nainital. The nearest rail station is at Kathgodam - about 72 km away, from where buses and taxis can be availed to reach Mukteshwar.

laces of Interest :

Mukteshwar Temple :The Mukteshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated at an altitude of 2,315 m above sea level and is accessible by stone stairs. It has a marvelloous Shivlinga all in white marble. The idols of other God and Goddess Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati, Ganesh, Nandi and Hanuman surround the Shivlinga.

Chauti Jaali: Near to Mukteshwar temple is Chauti Jaali, a natural latticework on the rock. There is a belief that women who cannot conceive are blessed with a child after touching this jaali.

Indian Veterinary Institute: Established in 1898, Indian Veterinary Institute comprises of a large campus with various departments like Research, Animal Nutrition, Genetics and Bacteriology.

Methodist Church: The Church lies on the narrow path that has been cut in rock and polished over the years by the people who walk over this place to visit the church. The church is homely keeping in line with the old colonial structures around the city.

Sitla 5 K from Mukteshwar Sitla Estate is located at a height of 7000 ft in the Kumoun region of the Himalayas Spread over 39 acres consisting of dense oak and pine trees, it has a British stone bungalow of over hundred years old, To have an enchanting view of the beautiful and reverberating majestic scenes of Himalayas, tourists come in the midst of verdant orchards in the Kumaon area close to Mukteshwar,many resort and hotel are avaliable in Sitla.

General Info :

Altitude :
2,315 m above sea level
Temperature
Maximum 27 Degree Minium 10 Degree
Distance :
Delhi 350 kms, Haldwani 60 Km ,Nainital 45 Kms
Established i1898 by the Britishers as research and education institute

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