This is one of a series of posts describing short strolls/hikes from a trip of Kumaon undertaken with my family during December 2012. While sightseeing was an important aspect of this trip, it had added significance since I have family roots in this Himalayan region (indeed, both my parents were born and brought up here). I myself was born and brought up in the middle of the Indo-Gangetic plain (and visited limited parts of Kumaon only a few times), but almost all the family stories I heard as a child were rooted in that area. Interestingly, I myself acquired a love for the hills while living halfway across the world, when I moved to the NYC area for work, and became a (day) hiking enthusiast. This trip was an opportunity to both visit the places I had often heard about as well as acquire at least a passing acquaintance with a part of the mighty Himalayas that span the northern frontiers of India. Some hiccups at the start of the trip required us to modify our plans to omit long walks from our itinerary, but there were still enough opportunities to experience and visually document the natural beauty of the area, as well as some of the worrisome signs of its spoilage.
Date: December 8, 2012
Location: Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand, India
Description: Mukteshwar is a small town in District Nainital at an altitude of approx. 8000 ft. The area surrounding it is known for its orchards of apples and apricots.
Near the Mukteshwar temple, a trail makes its way through the trees along the edge of a steep slope, and then emerges out onto a series of rocky outcrops. On one of these can be seen a circular hole. This is Chauli Ki Jali which gives the site its name. As per local legend, women seeking to be blessed with children visit this spot on the evening of Shivaratri, and attempt to descend down through this hole. It is said that if they succeed in doing so, their wishes do indeed come true.
On any other day of the year, this is a perfect spot of a quiet hike. It affords great views of the surrounding hills and valleys, as well as panoramic vistas of the distant snow-clad ranges. One can potentially spend several hours here enjoying the natural beauty. We had to keep our visit very brief, but thoroughly enjoyed what we saw. On the way back, we ascended a side trail to the quiet and peaceful Mukteshwar temple.
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| The circular hole known as Chauli Jali can be seen beyond the trees |
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A rocky outcrop provides the foreground for a
panoramic view of the surrounding hills |
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| Snow-capped peaks can be viewed in the distance |
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| Signboards for the Mukteshwar Temple |
Additional photos not from the hike but from an excellent viewpoint at the nearby PWD Guest House which we visited right after our little stroll to Chauli Ki Jali:
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| Annotations on a metal disc indicate the various peaks visible in the distance |
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| Panoramic view spanning Trishul to Panchachuli |
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| Trishul and Mrigathuni |
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| Panchachuli peaks and glacier |
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