Ever felt like escaping to a place where nature takes your breath away? Mukteshwar is that perfect getaway! Nestled in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district, it’s a scenic 7.5-hour drive from Delhi. The best part? You get to leave behind the urban chaos and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the hills without much planning!

Mukteshwar Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Road Trip to Mukteshwar

We started our journey early in the morning, taking NH88, and enjoyed the picturesque roads along the way. By afternoon, we reached Bougainvilla Cottage, our cozy little hideaway in Mukteshwar. The sight of the majestic Trishul and Nanda Devi peaks from our balcony was breath taking. After a delightful homemade lunch, we caught up on some work and then rested for a while.

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In the evening, we went for a village walk, exploring the simplicity of life in Mukteshwar. Strolling through the narrow paths, we watched locals go about their day, saw cattle grazing, and admired the charm of traditional village houses with vibrant orange shrubs blooming outside. The locals were warm and welcoming, and their stories added to our experience. The night was extremely cold, but conversations with these friendly villagers made it warmer.

Day 2: Exploring Mukteshwar

We woke up to a sunny morning next day and enjoyed a hearty breakfast on the balcony, soaking in the views and planning our day.

Bhalugarh Falls

Our first stop was Bhalugarh Falls, a hidden gem about 40 minutes from Mukteshwar. It is about half an hour’s trek up on paved roads. There are many spots on the way where you may sit, rest and even have refreshments.

The effort that you put in well-worth. The waterfall is like a basin amidst mountains.  Surrounded by lush greenery, the soothing sound of cascading water makes it a perfect picnic spot. The floor is shallow and you can take a quick dip too. We spent some time there, enjoying the peaceful environment before moving on to our next destination.

Sunset at Chauli ki Jali

Next, we headed to the famous Chauli ki Jali, a cliff side viewpoint known for its adventurous rock formations and mesmerizing valley views. The rock here has a natural hole, and legend has it that passing through it fulfils wishes! Shivratri is the biggest festival here.

We stayed back to witness the sunset, and it was truly magical. The sun gradually hid behind the clouds leaving behind shades of vibrant orange and gold. While there, we also sipped on some freshly squeezed Malta juice—something you must try when visiting Mukteshwar.

Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple

Just 200 meters from Chauli ki Jali is the serene Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, the spiritual heart of the town. This hill town is named after the Mukteshwar Temple.

The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is believed to be centuries old. We ditched the conventional steps and trekked through the forest and reached just in time for the evening prayers and Aarti. The divine chants and bell sounds created an incredibly peaceful ambiance. The main temple and the small shrines around it were all very simple and there was no noteworthy architecturally brilliance here. Yet, the energy in the air was uplifting, and we couldn’t help but soak in the spirituality of the place.

After an enriching day of sightseeing, we headed back to our cozy cottage, reminiscing about the beautiful places we had explored.

What to Eat in Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar offers a variety of local and North Indian delicacies. Must-try dishes include the Kumaoni aloo ke gutke, bhatt ki churkani, and fresh Malta juice. There are several small cafes and dhabas serving delicious home-style food, and a visit to Chirping Tales Café or Café Chandi Mati is in order.

What to Shop in Mukteshwar

Shopping in Mukteshwar is all about picking up local handicrafts and organic products. You can find hand woven woollen shawls, wooden artefacts, and homemade fruit preserves. Local markets also sell honey, rhododendron juice, and organic pulses, which make for great souvenirs.

How to Reach Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 90 km away, with taxis available for the onward journey. The closest railway station is Kathgodam, around 62 km away, from where taxis and buses ply to Mukteshwar. If traveling by road, NH88 offers a scenic and smooth drive from Delhi, taking approximately 7.5 hours. Since we just drove, we speak from first-hand knowledge that the roads are simple excellent!

Best Season to Visit Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from March to June and September to November. Summers are pleasant, while winters can be quite cold, even witnessing snowfall. Monsoons bring lush greenery but can make travel slightly difficult due to landslides.

Where to Stay in Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar offers a variety of stay options ranging from budget homestays to luxury resorts. Bougainvilla Cottage, where we stayed, provided cozy accommodations with stunning mountain views. Other great options include The Birdcage, Casa Dream, and Ojaswi Himalayan Resort.

Also Read: Nainital & Kausani: An Ideal Weekend Getaway from Delhi

Day 3: The Journey Back to Delhi

The next morning, we packed our bags and bid farewell to Mukteshwar, carrying a treasure trove of memories. On our way back to Delhi, we made a quick stop at Bhimtal for a plate of the famous kadhi chaawal. This was oodles of childhood nostalgia. The warm, flavourful meal was the perfect end to our wonderful trip.

Mukteshwar is a must-visit if you love road trips, nature, and peace. Whether you’re looking for adventure, spirituality, or just a break from city life, this charming hill station has something for everyone.

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