Mukteswar

 Mukteswar is another beautiful location in the Kumaon hills at about 7500 ft above sea level and nearly 72 to 75 Km from Haldwani. As we near the destination we are greeted with thick corneferous forests, jungles of silver oaks and Deodars, huge meadows and different hues of trees and leaves. The Mahadev temple located at the top of the hill is an added attraction.One has to climb  steep steps and we are greeted with a Durga, Hanuman and finally the Mahadev  shrine  on the hill top. Looking down one can just see the vast expanse of the forests and the big valleys of green. Jim Corbett has mentioned this place often in his Man eating Tigers of Kumaon and the Temple Tiger and I was always curious to visit this place but never found the time to do so. I could do this, now  thanks to Dr. Surabhi Rai who came all the way from Rudrapur and insisted we travel to Mukteswar with her. It was an enjoyable journey sharing many stories and memories en route. There is a doll museum and a local chocolate shop here, but we could not visit it for want of time. Instead, we spent a lot of time in the shop, Kilmora selling the local woollen wares. The different coloured shawls, woollen sarees, dress material, caps, scarfs and cardigans were a treat to the eye. I had to resist myself from purchasing many of these for they can never be used in the Hyderabad climate. However, on the way down a stop at the restaurant, Chandi Mati is a must for it is known for its tasty food. Since it was past lunch time we enjoyed  some very tasty snacks that are served and enjoyed the ambience of the place. The cold was bone chilling and as we moved away from the hill station the sparkling lights down in the valleys added to the beauty and aura of the stillness of the night.