Mukteshwar, Nainital

It sits high in the Kumaon Hills at an altitude of 8500 feet, 51 km from Nainital, 72 km from Haldwani, and 343 km from Delhi.
The IVRI laboratories (experiments on tiny rats, gold-plated books, cattle-sheds), orchards of Central Institutes of Temperate Horticulture-Regional Station, 16 mile x 14 mile wide deodar forest, 22 pristine snow-peak views, and the adventure of living among wildlife like tigers and bears are some of the major attractions of this sleepy town. The charm of visiting Mukteshwar lies in enjoying nature, listening to air gushing through deodar forests, bird watching, meditation, and seeking peace. The cleanliness, solitude and nature can bore people who like urban excitement.
Close to it lie the overhanging cliffs, locally known as Chauli-ki-Jali, used for rock climbing and rappelling, with an excellent view of the valleys below. The sunrise point is at the government-run PWD guest house.
IVRI hostels and the PWD rest house were the prominent shelters for ages. Now, Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) operates a tourist rest house (can be booked from Delhi as well as on phone/wireless from other KMVN guest houses). Several other hotels, resorts, guest houses and seasonal tent/hut-based camps come up. Nice scenery can be viewed from Chaulli ki Jaali, where rocks jut out from the hill face at a bizarre angle. This is a great place to observe eagles and other feathered scavengers as they swoop down at their prey