Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand

Mukteshwar is a spectacular hill resort lying at an altitude of 2,286 m above the sea level in the Kumaon division of the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. Located 42 km from Haldwani, 51 km from Nainital and 395 km from Delhi – Mukteshwar is a beautiful destination which must be visited while holidaying at Uttaranchal. A tour to Mukteshwar will essentially feature an idyllic holiday at this secluded retreat endowed with pleasant weather and breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayas.

Associated with a legend of Lord Shiva who gifted immortality or “mukti” to a demon that he slew, Mukteshwar was a quiet mountain hamlet surrounded by fruit orchards and dense coniferous forests. The place gained prominence when the British developed the Indian Veterinary Research Institute here in 1893. Today, the land is a celebrated scenic destination, overlooking the snow-capped Himalayas.



While on tour to Mukteshwar, enjoy scenic vistas of the Himalayan peaks of the 6596m-high Neelkantha (Blue-throated Shiva), the 7120m Trishul (Shiva’s Trident), the 7817m Nanadadevi (Goddess of Bliss), 6310m Nanadaghunti (the Veil of the Goddess), and the Panchuli Group.


The Mukteshwar Temple lying atop a rock and dedicated to Lord Shiva is another important site on Tour to Mukteshwar. Located at an altitude of 2,315 m, the temple houses a lingam made of white marble and the main shrine can be reached by stone stairs.

Another destination worth visit is the Chauthi Jali – the site marked by rocks jutting out from the hill face at a bizarre angle. This place offers amazing views of eagles and other scavenger birds swooping down on prey.

Your tour to Mukteshwar may also introduce you to some enchanting wildlife like Rhesus monkeys and langurs, deer and birds, and some rare mountain leopard and Himalayan black bear.

How to Reach
Mukteshwar lies at about 350 km from Delhi, from where it can be reached by a drive of about 8-9 hours via Nainital. The nearest rail station is at Kathgodam - about 72 km away, from where buses and taxis can be availed to reach Mukteshwar.

laces of Interest :

Mukteshwar Temple :The Mukteshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated at an altitude of 2,315 m above sea level and is accessible by stone stairs. It has a marvelloous Shivlinga all in white marble. The idols of other God and Goddess Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati, Ganesh, Nandi and Hanuman surround the Shivlinga.

Chauti Jaali: Near to Mukteshwar temple is Chauti Jaali, a natural latticework on the rock. There is a belief that women who cannot conceive are blessed with a child after touching this jaali.

Indian Veterinary Institute: Established in 1898, Indian Veterinary Institute comprises of a large campus with various departments like Research, Animal Nutrition, Genetics and Bacteriology.

Methodist Church: The Church lies on the narrow path that has been cut in rock and polished over the years by the people who walk over this place to visit the church. The church is homely keeping in line with the old colonial structures around the city.

Sitla 5 K from Mukteshwar Sitla Estate is located at a height of 7000 ft in the Kumoun region of the Himalayas Spread over 39 acres consisting of dense oak and pine trees, it has a British stone bungalow of over hundred years old, To have an enchanting view of the beautiful and reverberating majestic scenes of Himalayas, tourists come in the midst of verdant orchards in the Kumaon area close to Mukteshwar,many resort and hotel are avaliable in Sitla.

General Info :

Altitude :	2,315 m above sea level
Temperature	Maximum 27 Degree Minium 10 Degree
Distance :	Delhi 350 kms, Haldwani 60 Km ,Nainital 45 Kms
Established	i1898 by the Britishers as research and education institute

Yamunotri

Yamunotri
Altitude : 3165 mts
Climate : Summer-Cool during the dayy and cold at night.
Winter - Snow bound. Touching sub-zero.
Clothing : April to July - Light woollens
Language : Hindi, Garhwali & English

The Sacred Origin Of the Yamuna
The Garhwal Himalayas have been blessed with some of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites and Yamunotri is one such. One of the Char Dhams according to Hindu mythology, Yamunotri is the origin of the sacred river Yamuna. Famous for its thermal springs and glaciers, it is one of the most important stopovers on the itinerary of the Hindu pilgrim. According to an old legend, Asit Muni, the revered sage, used to reside here.

Location and Climate
Perched at an altitude of 3293 meters above sea level, Yamunotri is located in the Uttarkashi district of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. It is very close to the Indo-Chinese border and is surrounded by the Himalayan offshoots on all sides. Yamunotri, lies near the Bandarpunch Mountain, which is 6315 m high and lies to the north. The glacial lake of Saptarishi Kund, on the Kalind Parbat, at an altitude of 4421 m, is the real source of the Yamuna River. Yamunotri is at a distance of 278 km from Dehradun, 236 km from Rishikesh, 176 km from Chamba, and 21 km from Sanya Chatti. It remains cool even during summers. The winters are snow-bound and temperatures fall below 0°C. One is advised to carry light or heavy woolens depending on the time of visit.

The first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra is the westernmost shrine of Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, it is perched atop a flank of the Bandar Poonchh peak (3165 mts. above sea level) and is situated opposite to Gangotri. The shrine attracts devotees in large numbers from May to October.

Yamunotri is the source of the revered river Yamuna which originates from the Champassar Glacier lying 1 km ahead of the shrine, at an altitude of 4421 mts. Pilgrims do not frequently visit the source of the river as it is not easily accessible.

Yamunotri finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology. According to a legend, this secluded hilly spot was the home of an ancient sage, Asit Muni.

Among the major attractions of Yamunotri are hot water springs nearby. Devotees prepare rice and potatoes to offer at the shrine, by dipping them in these hot water springs, tied in muslin cloth.

The trek to Yamunotri is spectacular, dominated by a panorama of rugged peaks and dense forests.

From Rishikesh, a 213 kms. journey by road takes one to Hanumanchatti. From here, the remaining 13 kms. trek is covered on foot or on ponies. Palanquins and Porters are also available on hire.


Prime Pilgrimage Attractions
Yamunotri Temple
The main temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The present temple was built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the late nineteenth century. Once destroyed by an earthquake, it has been rebuilt. A holy dip in the nearby tank filled by hot springs and cooking rice in its water are common rituals performed by the devotees.

Surya Kund
One of the important thermal springs known for its very high temperature of 190°F. Pilgrims cook rice and potatoes here to offer to the deity in the temple.

Divya Shila
A huge rock pillar venerated before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

Hanumanchatti
The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers forms the starting point for the scenic Dodi TaL Trek.

Sayanachatti
A scenic spot along the banks of river Yamuna that makes a lovely sight enroute the trek upto Yamunotri.

Chamba
A sylvan spot on way to Tehri that offers an excellent view of the Himalayan peaks. Situated at an altitude of 1,676 mts., Chamba is an ideal summer retreat.

Accessibility
Airport
Jolly Grant, 196 kms. from Yamunotri via Dehradun
Rail
Rishikesh, 213 kms. & Dehradun, 172 kms.
Road
Dharasu, 107 kms. Tehri, 149 kms. Rishikesh, 213 kms.& Dehradun, 172 kms

Source: http://www.pilgrimage-india.com/chardham/yamunotri.html