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As the whole world was at a standstill since the beginning of the year 2020, and all of us were confined to stay inside the four walls, this was nothing but just like a nightmare for most of us especially to those who are keen wanderers like ‘me’ who seeks pleasure while travelling to one place to another, who needs to have a plan ready for next destination on way back from another. And trust me initially it was not at all easy for me to cope up with the situation but it was what it was! I felt helpless, but as we all somewhat adjusted ourselves in this situation, slowly and steadily the world was moving forward to the ‘new normal’.
Plan to Mukteshwar
Every industry was taking each step forward to resume their operations. And when I saw that Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are open for tourism again, It was a sigh of relief and hope that I will be able to travel again.
My first preference was to look for an offbeat destination, where there will be less people and where I can just relax and rejuvenate my mind and soul.
I was pondering for a lot of destinations and then I came across MUKTESHWAR.
I travelled with my family for 3 nights-4 days trip and took all the precautions for covid-19.
About Mukteshwar
MUKTESHWAR is a small town situated in the KUMAON region of Uttarakhand just 2hrs away from Nainital. It is a perfect place for those who want to relax in the lap of nature. The place is really peaceful and perfect for a family getaway.
On the way to Mukteshwar
I travelled with my family, we started our journey at 5 am from Delhi and it took us around 11hrs to reach Mukteshwar. We took care of all the safety precautions.
We packed one whole meal from home including 4-5 cups of tea just to be on a safer side, and stopped at McD in gajraula for a quick break.
The difference that I felt while travelling post covid was we all have to be really cautious where ever we were, we carried 3 bottles of disinfectants and sanitizers of course. In October, the travel restrictions for COVID-19 in Uttrakhand were somewhat relaxed as we did not have to go through covid test before visiting, but we have to register our names on a government website of Uttarakhand which will ask for passengers names to the name n address of the place you are staying in. There was a check post at Bazpur which the Uttarakhand’s border where they asked us about our registration and from where we are coming from and going to, they noted down everything and then allowed us to enter. And at moment we all were so happy that we finally made it to the mountains.
I just rolled down the window glasses of my car, and then for the initial 2 minutes felt the fresh n cold breeze on my face. I was feeling so grateful that after waiting for so long, I’m finally doing what I missed n loved the most.
Accessibility
- Kathgodam is the closest railway station, 70 km away. Cabs and buses carry passengers to Mukteshwar.
- The nearest airport is in Pantnagar which is around 100 km away from Mukteswar.
- You can take a taxi or a bus from Pantnagar to reach here.
- You can also take a train to Bareilly or to Haridwar and take a cab or a bus from there to reach Mukteshwar.
- And it is accessible to various major cities in India by road.
Accommodation
There are a number of accommodations available ranging from homestays to hotels.
Some of the famous hotels in Mukteshwar are:
- The Moksh inn
- The Ojaswi Himalayan resort
- Casa dream resort
- The perch
- Zostel Mukteshwar
We stayed in the casa dream resort, it is a four star property. The premises was huge and beautiful and the view from there was just amazing. Our room was a duplex, having one washroom upstairs and another on the ground so it was yay situation. Our balcony had the front facing room and each morning I had a cup of tea while looking at the mighty Himalayas.
One thing I have to say, that whole staff were taking full precautions, they sanitized our rooms, but there were some ups and down in terms of their services.
The nights were extremely cold, the minimum temperature was around 10 degrees and the days were sunny and windy.
Attractions
There are very few places to which one can visit in Mukteshwar.
Mukteshwar Dham Temple
The most famous is the Mukteshwar Dham Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and this temple has a prominent historical significance and close to that there is another attraction we visited was Chauli ki Jhali.
Chauli ki Jhali
This place gives you a 180-degree view of the snow-clad Himalayas only when the day is clear. This it is believed that a Demon and a Goddess fought a battle. The place is marked with what is believed to be faint outlines of a sword, a shield and a trunk of an elephant.
People also hold it as a belief that women unable to bear children will be blessed with children when touched by the natural lattice around the rock.
One can also enjoy a number of adventure activities like rock climbing, zip rappelling. There are a number of food stalls which serves the yummiest bun maska that I have had in my life along with Maggie and tea/coffee.
Another is the Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
The Indian Veterinary Research Institute is a considered college which was set up in 1885. Its establishment was laid by the suggestion of Col. JHB Hallen. The grounds at Mukteshwar covers a region of 3450 sections of land of land and involves Division of Virology and that of Temperate Animal Husbandry. Since it is arranged at the tallness of 7620 ft on the crossing point of Gagar and Lohaghat scopes of the Kumaon slopes, the area adds to the grand excellence of the spot and makes it considerably more delightful.
The above mentioned places are some of the prominent attractions that one should visit.
2nd day of the trip
On our day 2, we decided to go to Nainital, but it was a huge bummer as we did not find a single place to park our car. That day Nainital seems like a fish market. So, unfortunately we had to come back, but we stopped at an adorable food truck on the way back to fill our tummies. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the beautiful ride and then came back to our hotel.
3rd day of the trip
On day 3, we did not do anything much but relax and enjoyed time with each other, played some games.
Tips for trip
- With my personal experience, I would say that one or maximum two days are enough to explore this place.
- If someone is visiting Nainital then they can also do an excursion tour to Mukteshwar.
- This place is a best suitable for people who wants to stay close to nature enjoy tranquillity with the lush green valleys having a view of the mighty Himalayas.
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