Hidden Gems of Mukteshwar & Mauna: Weekend Escape

Visiting offbeat places has a charm in itself. Imagine going to a place which is off the tourist map, finding the most photogenic places, spending time amidst nature, away from the crowd and taking some time away from the regular nuances of life. 

This is how I felt when I visited a small village named Mauna, silently tucked in between Mukteshwar and Almora. Not only will you find some much-needed tranquillity here, but Mukteshwar and Almora too can be visited easily from this place.

If you are searching for places to visit for a weekend trip from Delhi, check out my guide below for all the details you will need to visit this hill station.

How Long Should You Plan For?

You can take a trip to Mukteshwar over a weekend or a long weekend, easily. A drive to Mukteshwar takes 7.5 hours. If you travel by local transport, I would suggest that you travel overnight. If you are taking your own vehicle and want to enjoy the road trip, start early from Delhi to be able to explore Mukteshwar once you reach. 

Depending on what you want to do, plan your travel accordingly.

Best Time to Visit Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is accessible all year. During the summer, the weather is pleasant, which is between March and May. In winter, you can expect heavy snowfall, which is between January to March.

Summers offer majestic scenery with the trees heavy with fruits, while it is at its best during the monsoons, as the entire area is full of greenery.

I would suggest avoiding the rainy season and snowy winters, as there are chances of roadblocks.

You can check out my other list of hill stations if you are not sure where to go for your perfect holiday to the hill stations – Top Hill Stations in India

How to Reach Mukteshwar

There are several ways to reach Mukteshwar. Below, I am listing the modes of transport from Delhi that you can take to reach Mukteshwar.

By Train

The cheapest way to reach Mukteshwar is to take a train from Delhi to Kathgodam, which is the nearest major railway station. Kathgodam is well connected to Delhi with regular trains like Ranikhet Express, Shatabdi Express, and Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express.

From Kathgodam, you can catch a shared taxi or a bus to Mukteshwar. While buses are available, shared taxis tend to be more frequent and faster. It takes about 5.5 to 6.5 hours to reach Kathgodam by train and then another 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Mukteshwar.

By Bus

You can also take a bus from Kashmiri Gate ISBT or Anand Vihar ISBT to either Haldwani or Kathgodam. These are overnight buses, and both government (UTC) and private operators run frequent services. While there are no direct buses to Mukteshwar, you can easily find onward connections.

Alternatively, you can book a luxury Volvo bus to Nainital or Haldwani. From Nainital, Haldwani, or Kathgodam, regular buses or shared taxis operate till Mukteshwar. 

It takes about 7 to 8 hours to reach Haldwani/Nainital and then another 2 hours to Mukteshwar.

Planning to go solo to Mukteshwar? Read our solo guide here – Solo Travel Tips to Adopt in India

Places to Visit In and Around Mukteshwar

Here, I have added all the places you should visit in Mukteshwar, including the tourist spots as well as the offbeat spots. 

Mukteshwar Temple

Located on a hilltop at an elevation of 2,312 metres, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be around 350 years old and is considered spiritually significant. From here, you can also visit Chauli ki Jali, which is one of the most magnificent natural formations in the region.

Chauli ki Jali

Apart from the beautiful views, this place is also famous for its adventurous activities such as rock climbing, zip-lining, and even paragliding during certain seasons. The panoramic view from here is breathtaking, and during sunset, you can see red streaks in the sky shining brightly over the valley.

Mauna

Mauna is about one and a half hours from Mukteshwar and is one of the most peaceful, offbeat places to explore. On a clear day, you can see both Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks standing tall in the distance. Below, I am covering a few places that you can explore in Mauna:

Kapileshwar Temple

An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to have been built around the 8th century. It’s a serene spot nestled amidst hills, and you can also enjoy the nearby river streams – Kumiya and Sakuni.

Pine Forest Hike

You can also go on a short hike through the pine forests, where you may come across friendly locals engaged in farming or simply enjoying the peace of the hills.

Breathtaking Views from Mauna

As a part of the ‘Stay on Skill Accelerator’ program, I got a chance to experience Machu Cottage, a paradise hidden in the Himalayan region. Their tagline is “a home away from home.” The roads were empty, with not a single vehicle to be seen even in the far-off distance.

Right in front of us stood the Nanda Devi peak (the second-highest peak of India) and the Trishul peak. It was truly mesmerising!

Accommodation in Mukteshwar

Where I Stayed

Machus Cottage is located in the Kumaon hills, from where you can see lovely views of the Almora hills. If you are looking for a luxury stay in the lap of Mother Nature, then Machus Cottage is the one for you. Surrounded by green hills, this place offers a perfect weekend therapy. The wooden floor and antique structure offer a vintage look to the entire experience.

Either you can book the entire cottage for INR 15,000 or book a single for INR 4,500 to INR 5,000. The king-sized beds, bathrooms with all the facilities and a living area to relax are exceptional.

Food in Machus Cottage

This property also offers mouth-watering cuisine with a homely vibe. You have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. They also have menu cards in every room where you can easily opt for snacks, beverages and proper meals.

The Route I Followed

Below, you will find the places I visited during the weekend. This will also show you how you can get the best of both worlds – Mukteshwar and Mauna.

Typical Cost

Bus and Train

The bus would cost about INR 600–800 till Kathgodam/Haldwani, and another INR 150–250 for the final stretch to Mukteshwar via a shared taxi or bus.

Although if you plan to take a train instead, you can opt for a Chair Car for around INR 125/- or 3rd AC for approximately INR 1,200 to INR 1,500/-, depending on the train and booking time.

Accommodation

The cost of an entire cottage is around INR 15,000 per night. However, if you’re looking to book just a single room, it will cost you between INR 4,500 to INR 5,000.

You can also find budget-friendly stays and homestays starting from as low as INR 1,000 per room – perfect for solo or backpack travellers.

Private Taxi Cost

If you want to book a private taxi for a day tour, it might cost you about INR 3,000 to INR 3,500, depending on the season and route.

You can also take buses or shared taxis, but do note that some places like Kapileshwar Temple might become inaccessible without a personal vehicle, especially if you’re short on time.

I hope you will enjoy your stay in Mukteshwar, and my guide helped you. Do comment below if you need any further help with the planning!