Decided to go to Mukteshwar and fretting over the itenary. Here you go with some handy tips and budget ideas:
When to visit: Any long weekend is good to explore this destination. It is 7-8 hrs drive from Delhi by road. However, if looking for the best time to visit, then December to January is highly recommended. It will be bone chilling cold in the area and if you are lucky you might get to see snowfall. But do check the weather forecast if you plan to spend the New Year in this scenic place. A word of caution here – in case you are expecting a snow fall, do check with the hotel about travel arrangements back home just to ensure that you are not stranded in the place
What all to see: Shiv temple, Chauli ki Jalli, old guesthouse, Bhimtal, Nainital
What to do: Paragliding at Bhimtal, Shopping, walking along the lake and boating at Nainital, trekking at Mukteshwar
What to shop: Nainital is very famous for hand made candles – you can pick up a few for gifting to friends and family. There are few shops in the Nainital main market where you can get hand made juttis. The leather is good and so are the designs. You also get some quality woolen shawls, jackets etc.
Where to stay: Hotel Krishna Orchard is a good budget hotel to stay. Exteriors of the property are quite mesmerizing and location is also excellent. However, interiors and service is not that great. A must stopover place for food – good to try chicken tikka, chole bhature, sandwiches and masala chai
Where all to eat: In Mukteshwar, i will recommend Indian food at Krishna Orchard is quite good. In Nainital, there are plenty of options and you can suit one according to your budget
What to carry: In case you are going in winters, carry lot of woolens as it is really cold in Mukteshwar. Carry medicines along if you have hill sickness as Mukteshwar being a small town procuring medicines can be a task!
Explore Mukteshwar through my pen if you want to read about my experience!!