Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is a small town in the state of Uttaranchal and is a part of Nainital district. Mukteshwar sits atop an elevated ridge in a secluded corner of the Kumaon Mountains and is enclosed by fruit orchards and thick coniferous woodland. Mukteshwar came into the limelight after the establishment of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in 1893.
Mukteshwar got its name from a 350 year old temple of Shiva, known as Mukteshwar Dham, which is situated at the highest point at the town, within the IVRI campus. Close to it lays the overhanging cliffs which are locally known as Chauli-ki-Jali. These are used for rock climbing and rappelling, providing a panoramic view of the valley below. The sunrise point is located at the PWD guest house that is run by the government. The Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory had its genesis at Pune on December 9, 1889 and was later relocated to Mukteshwar in 1893. There it was established to facilitate segregation and quarantine of highly contagious organisms. Later it was converted into the Indian Veterinary Research Institute. Although its headquarters were moved to Izatnagar but still Mukteshwar serves as the hill campus of IVRI, including various facilities such as an experimental goat farm.
Mukteshwar is located at an average elevation of 2,171 meters. Mukteshwar is rich in scenic beauty with splendid vista of the Indian Himalayas as well as India's second highest peak, Nanda Devi. The town is affluent in picturesque grandeur and commands a spectacular view of the Himalayas. 'Renewable Park' in Mukteshwar was developed by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). The renewable park uses solar energy for most of its electricity needs. Recently the town has experienced some construction activity and townships have begun to flourish in and around Mukteshwar.
Agriculture in Mukteshwar chiefly consists of potato cultivation and fruit orchards.
This calm and secluded place is situated 51 kms from Nainital & is one of the major tourist destinations of the district. This little beautiful town adorned with endearing homes, ruddy roofs, and antique window framework along with picket barriers brings the reminiscences of British Raj.
Exploring the near by woods is a pleasure that defies all depiction. A short trail into these peaceful areas unfurls nature in its immaculate beauty. Small streams of crystal clear water, green meadows and water falls seem to emerge straight out of picture postcards. From here, one can see a range of peaks, including Neelkanth (blue throated Shiva) at 6596 m, Nandaghunti (the veil of goddess) at 6310 m, Trishul (the trident of Shiva) at 7120 m, Nandadevi ( goddess of bliss) at 7817 m and the majestic Panchhuli peaks. On a clear day, you can also view the the peaks of Api and Nampa. The view at sunrise from the small hilltop opposite the resort is awesome and will stay as a cherished memory in your minds long after you've left the place.
The town's name is derived from two Sanskrit words 'mukti' meaning eternal life and 'ishwar' another term for god, and refers to an ancient legend in which a demon battles with Lord Shiva, one of the three main gods of the Hindu mythology and though the demon is defeated, he attains immortality. The small century-old Shiva temple, perched on an outcrop above the sleepy town, is a delightful place- serene and tranquil, from where you can look out across the magnificent valley spread hundreds of feet below.