Mukteshwar is a beautiful hill station located in Uttaranachal, at an altitute of 2,286 metres above sea level in the Kumaon district. It is located about 42 kms. from Haldwani, 51 kms. from Nainital and 395 kms. from the National Capital, Delhi. It is a serene hilly town that is surrounded by thick wooded forests and offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayas.
The town of Mukteshwar is associated with an old legend of Shiva who gifted immortality or Mukti to a demon that he had killed, and hence this place was named Mukteshwar. A major part of the land surrounding Mukteshwar is possessed by the Indian Veterinary Research Institute. Wildlife can be found aplenty at this place, right from Rhesus monkeys and langurs to various kinds of birds and an occasional mountain leopard as well. It was in these forests of the Kumaon region that Jim Corbett hunted half a dozen of the famous man-eating tigers of Kumaon, including the ever elusive Champawat Tiger and the Panar leopard that killed hundreds of people.
The beautiful forests surrounding Mukteshwar are home to the Himalayan Ruby throat, the white crested laughing thrush, red billed leothrix, black winged kite and a host of other mountain birds. There are also many fruit orchards that are located past the huge forests of Mukteshwar that grow apples, plums, peaches, apricots and pears.
Mukteshwar is a place that is not only famous for the wonderful and serene environment, but is also known because of the wonderful view that it provides. All the major ranges, the Neelkantha, the Trishul , Nandadevi, Nandaghunti and the five pronged chimneys of the Panchuli peaks are visible from Mukteshwar.
