| Rhesus monkeys and langurs jabber in the
trees, deer and birds abound, and the occasional mountain leopard and Himalayan black bear
can be spotted here. It was in the forests of the Mukteshwar region that Jim Corbett
hunted half a dozen of the famous man-eating tigers of Kumaon, including the notorious
Champawat Tiger and the Panar leopard that had killed hundreds of people. The evergreen
forests and deciduous woodlands are home to the Himalayan ruby throat, white-crested
laughing thrush, red-billed leothrix, black winged kite and a host of other mountain
birds. The elusive Himalayan Mountain Quail was last seen in the Nainital vicinity near
Mukteshwar. Beyond the forests, past fields and
farms are lush fruit orchards that grow apples, plums, peaches, apricots and pears.
From Mukteshwar there is a divine view of the Himalayas, each peak with a sacred identity
and myth of its own. See the 6,596 m high Neelkantha (Blue-throated
Shiva), the 7,120 m Trishul (Shiva's Trident), Nandadevi,
7817 m (Goddess of Bliss), Nandaghunti, 6,310 m (the Veil of the Goddess)
and the five-pronged chimneys of the Panchuli peaks.
Another awe-inspiring view is from Chauthi Jali, where rocks jut out from
the hill face at a bizarre angle. This is a great place to observe eagles and other
feathered scavengers as they swoop down at their prey. Ramgarh, 26 km
away, has blissful fruit orchards, Bhowali, 40 km is a health resort and Ghorakhal,
37 km has the Temple of Gollu Devta, an important deity of the Kumaonis.
Other excursions are the Devidhura temple, 120 km, the Reetha
Sahib Gurdwara and the Punyagiri temple.
Getting to Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is 350 km from Delhi, a drive of about 8-9 hours via Nainital, 53 km or
Haldwani, 49 km. The nearest railhead is at Kathgodam, 72 km, from where buses and taxis
are available for Mukteshwar.
Best time to visit Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is a year-round holiday destination. Summer temperatures range from 27º C to
10ºC, while in winter it is from 17ºC to 3ºC. August and early September are rainy
months and can be avoided. Light woollens are fine for summer, but heavy winter woollens
are necessary.
Accommodation in Mukteshwar
KMVN has a tourist bungalow and there is a District Board guesthouse midway to Nainital
where you can stay with permits. Other than this, deluxe cottages, luxury tents and rooms
are available at an up-market resort - tariffs start at Rs1,550 to Rs3,800 for a double
room. For further information contact Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited, Oak Park,
Nainital, Tel 5942-236209, 36356. Fax 5942-236897. |
