Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar

Come here for a glimpse of rare birds

SITUATED 2,286m ABOVE sea level Mukteshwar offers as its USP, a 180-degree view of the himalayan ranges. It is an important hillstation in Kumaon. The town became popular after the classic novel, the man eaters of Kumaon, written by Jim Corbett apparently, Jim Corbett apparently jim corbett hunted half a dozen of the man eating tigers of kumaon like the champawat tiger and panar leopard, which had killed hundreds of people. In 1893, the british developed a research and education institute in the town. A popular spot is chauli jali with natural lattice work on the rock and believed to have the power of blessing women with a child. The overhanging cliffs are a great place for rock climbing and rappelling.

The Mukteshwar temple is devoted to Shiva. A lingam made of white marble, is surrounded by idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesh, Parvati, Nandi and Hanuman. Dense conifers and fruit orchards are found in abundance. These evergreen woodlands are home to uncommon birds liks himalayan ruby throat, whits crested laughing thrush, among others. See the peaks of Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Nandakot, Trishul and Panchachauli at sunrise and sunset, and watch glorious colurs splayed on the snowy peaks.

GOOD TO KNOW:  About 70 km away from Kathgodam the nearest railway station. It will be about three hours away.