Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow
Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow
Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow
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Pankaj Toppo
Gurugram (Gurgaon), India56 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
To be frank I have lost count of how many times I have been to Mukteshwar post 2000. The last time I visited this lovely place was in November 2018. While there are many place worth visiting in Mukteshwar but inspection bungalow and the little open patch of land infront of it is truly the jewel in the crown. It is the best place to watch the sunrise and sunset in the midst of the mighty peaks of the Himalayas. Infact you can spend the whole day in the lawns of the inspection bungalow. Now the interesting part. Did you know that Jim Corbett, stayed in this bungalow when he had come to Mukteshwar to shoot the Champawat man eating tigress. Further parts of the old bollywood movie Masoom was shot in these very lawns. A part of the song "tujhse naarz nahin zindagi" was shot here. Lastly a few kilometres before the inspection bungalow, at Sargakeht, you can view the Annapurna group of peaks in Nepal from Mukteshwar. Yes you heard it right you can views peaks of Nepal from Mukteshwar.
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
t1nkud
London, UK3,437 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
1987 - Pan Singh was the chowkidar. He is the one who was the chowkidar when Corbett stayed here and shot the Muktesar maneater. Pan Singh is there in the photo with Corbett and the dead tiger with others.
!992 - Jagat Singh, Pan Singh's eldest son was the chowkidar.
2014 October - the unrelated Gopal Singh, is the chowkidar.
Well,those were the 3 chowkidars in my 3 stays at this Inspection Bungalow - all very fine Kumaonis, all gracious cooks, gardeners and service minded, all a pleasure to chat with. But I dare say that Gopal Singh is the best cook of the lot - ooh! the huge, sumptuous stuffed Uttaranchali alu-parathas for breakfasts - still drool about them. But the garden was somewhat in better hands in Pan Singh's time. Internally, the maintenance is better in Gopal Singh's hands.
The place is still as beautiful as ever; large rooms, great views, reasonably well maintained lawns and gardens, wholesome food - I thought there was more greenery around this time in the neighbourhood - mainly because most of the neighbourhood land is IVRI owned who would not peddle it to the land mafias. Well the water heating system was pretty primitive in 1987 and 1992 with primitive wood burners - now there are large geysers.
This vantage point in the Kumaon hills is so pretty that I normally don't do too many things except simple walks and strolls - to Chauli Ki Jaali, to the Shiv Mandir, to the IVRI campus, to the orchards below, to the tea shop in the market. No elaborate excursions to Nainital or Almora for me - because no place is as pretty and wholesome as this point.
Well, while reaching this bungalow from Kathgodam railway station for our two nights stay, we did amble around Nakhuchiyatal and Bhimtal, some in a boat, but there are prettier lakes in the world (even in India). But we did venture out to one place which is interesting and nice.
We went to nearby Ramgarh - firstly to visit Hindi literature doyen Mahadevi Vermas' bungalow (now a museum) where she used to bring her pet dogs from time to time
and opened her house to myriad literary activities; and secondly, to visit the spot from where Tagore composed many of his Geetanjali poems. At the turn of the twentieth century, Ramgarh had become an important literary point in India. Ramgarh's beauty used to inspire many of these poets.
We spent about an hour at Mahadevi Verma's bungalow and then proceeded towards
where Tagore spent some time. Tagore actually stayed at least twice around Ramgarh, the first time where we were headed for and the second time in a bungalow which belongs to the Neemrana group now. Where we were headed, Tagore brought his young son and daughter - daughter had advanced tuberculosis an Tagore thought that the Ramgarh air would be good for her. In fact, Tagore lost his daughter to the illness soon after.
A friendly soul showed us the approximate direction to Tagore's place as said that it was about 2 kms away. He was wrong - typical hill metrics - we walked for three and a half kilometers on ledges and orchards and still did not reach his place - by the way, nothing remains at this place in terms of a building any longer. We asked a friendly farmer, if he knew where Tagore composed some of the Geetanjali poetry. `Who -Tagore, Geetanjali - no sir!' but he knew of the existence of a place called `Tiger Top'.
We took another friendly young farmer who decided to guide us (amongst sweet peas and French beans bushes - the peas were very sweet indeed) - until we reached what he termed as the `Geetanjali fields' - it is a part of the surrounding orchard. Some of the Geetanjali poetry was conceived and drafted here. Beautiful vistas; well until one of our group fell off a small ledge and twisted his ankle. We had to call off our walk at this point. One of our group members knew a few Tagore songs - his beautiful bass renditions of some of these songs, in a wild and spectacular setting as we walked, will be remembered for a long time.
It was only two days later, that I suddenly had a brainwave - the `Tiger top' that the earlier farmer had mentioned is nothing but a corruption of the words `Tagore top'. Now it made sense.
But a question has lingered in my mind. How did the elderly Tagore manage to walk so much on a regular basis - there is nothing beyond Pagdandis or `footmark hill trails' here - and that too with a convalescing small daughter.
!992 - Jagat Singh, Pan Singh's eldest son was the chowkidar.
2014 October - the unrelated Gopal Singh, is the chowkidar.
Well,those were the 3 chowkidars in my 3 stays at this Inspection Bungalow - all very fine Kumaonis, all gracious cooks, gardeners and service minded, all a pleasure to chat with. But I dare say that Gopal Singh is the best cook of the lot - ooh! the huge, sumptuous stuffed Uttaranchali alu-parathas for breakfasts - still drool about them. But the garden was somewhat in better hands in Pan Singh's time. Internally, the maintenance is better in Gopal Singh's hands.
The place is still as beautiful as ever; large rooms, great views, reasonably well maintained lawns and gardens, wholesome food - I thought there was more greenery around this time in the neighbourhood - mainly because most of the neighbourhood land is IVRI owned who would not peddle it to the land mafias. Well the water heating system was pretty primitive in 1987 and 1992 with primitive wood burners - now there are large geysers.
This vantage point in the Kumaon hills is so pretty that I normally don't do too many things except simple walks and strolls - to Chauli Ki Jaali, to the Shiv Mandir, to the IVRI campus, to the orchards below, to the tea shop in the market. No elaborate excursions to Nainital or Almora for me - because no place is as pretty and wholesome as this point.
Well, while reaching this bungalow from Kathgodam railway station for our two nights stay, we did amble around Nakhuchiyatal and Bhimtal, some in a boat, but there are prettier lakes in the world (even in India). But we did venture out to one place which is interesting and nice.
We went to nearby Ramgarh - firstly to visit Hindi literature doyen Mahadevi Vermas' bungalow (now a museum) where she used to bring her pet dogs from time to time
and opened her house to myriad literary activities; and secondly, to visit the spot from where Tagore composed many of his Geetanjali poems. At the turn of the twentieth century, Ramgarh had become an important literary point in India. Ramgarh's beauty used to inspire many of these poets.
We spent about an hour at Mahadevi Verma's bungalow and then proceeded towards
where Tagore spent some time. Tagore actually stayed at least twice around Ramgarh, the first time where we were headed for and the second time in a bungalow which belongs to the Neemrana group now. Where we were headed, Tagore brought his young son and daughter - daughter had advanced tuberculosis an Tagore thought that the Ramgarh air would be good for her. In fact, Tagore lost his daughter to the illness soon after.
A friendly soul showed us the approximate direction to Tagore's place as said that it was about 2 kms away. He was wrong - typical hill metrics - we walked for three and a half kilometers on ledges and orchards and still did not reach his place - by the way, nothing remains at this place in terms of a building any longer. We asked a friendly farmer, if he knew where Tagore composed some of the Geetanjali poetry. `Who -Tagore, Geetanjali - no sir!' but he knew of the existence of a place called `Tiger Top'.
We took another friendly young farmer who decided to guide us (amongst sweet peas and French beans bushes - the peas were very sweet indeed) - until we reached what he termed as the `Geetanjali fields' - it is a part of the surrounding orchard. Some of the Geetanjali poetry was conceived and drafted here. Beautiful vistas; well until one of our group fell off a small ledge and twisted his ankle. We had to call off our walk at this point. One of our group members knew a few Tagore songs - his beautiful bass renditions of some of these songs, in a wild and spectacular setting as we walked, will be remembered for a long time.
It was only two days later, that I suddenly had a brainwave - the `Tiger top' that the earlier farmer had mentioned is nothing but a corruption of the words `Tagore top'. Now it made sense.
But a question has lingered in my mind. How did the elderly Tagore manage to walk so much on a regular basis - there is nothing beyond Pagdandis or `footmark hill trails' here - and that too with a convalescing small daughter.
Written 14 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dilip S
Vadodara, India1,110 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
Being an ardent admirer of Jim Corbett’s hunting expeditions since my childhood , I knew the jungle , below Room No . 3 of the PWD guest house at Mukteshwar where he lived when he was on his mission to kill the man eater tigress , as the lines on my palm . He was a hunter par excellence and even greater hunting story teller . For the uninitiated readers I could tell just one thing about his hunting skills . There were number of local sportsmen at Mukteshwar who were keen on bagging the man eater tigress – who was operating right on their doorsteps - but couldn’t , even after she killed twenty four human beings . The same tigress was shot down by Jim within seventy two hours of his leaving and returning home at Naini Tal . Pl remember his transport was his two sturdy legs and the one way distance between his home and Mukteshwar was 60 km and he had to trudge on hilly terrain eighty five years ago . To appreciate his story telling prowess pl read his following two sentences :
At first the tigress took no notice , but when the woman cut the grass right up to where she was lying , the tigress struck once , the blow crushing the woman’s skull . Death was instantaneous , for , when found the following day , she was gasping her sickle with one hand and holding a tuft of grass , she was about to cut when struck , with the other.
So while preparing the itinerary of our Kumaon tour I had reserved 20th October for visiting Ramgarh and then Mukteshwar 31 km far from it . Blue pine , deodar and oak woods guarded the road leading to Mukteshwar . The first thing I would always remember regarding Mukteshwar was its gusty winds which seemed to determine to sweep me off my feet . The second thing for which we visited Mukteshwar was the entire range of Himalaya . Mukteshwar was the only place from where one could see the entire range of peaks of both Garhwal & Kumaon Himalaya and of Nepal .
From the lawns of the PWD guest house we enjoyed the above range consisting of Niti ( 3600 m ) , Mana 7273 m ) ,Ghori Parbat ( 6708 m ) , Hathi Parbat ( 6727 m ) in Garhwal and Nanda Ghunti ( 6309 m ) , Trishul I ( 7120 m ) , Trishul II ( 6690 m ) , Trishul III (6008 m ) , Mrigthuni ( 6855 m ) , Maiktoli ( 6803 m ) , Nanda Devi ( 7824 m ) , Nanda Devi East ( 7434 m ) , Chhanguch (6322 m ) , Nandakot ( 6861 m ) , Nandakhat ( 6611 m ) , Panwali Dwar (6663 m ) , Panchachuli I ( 6354 m ) , Panchachuli II ( 6903 m ) , Panchachuli III ( 6312 m ) , Panchachuli IV (6334 m ) , Panchachuli V ( 6437 m ) and Api ( 7132 m ) in Nepal . However the engraved plaque in the lawn illustrated only seven prominent peaks , namely Nanda Ghunti , Trisul , Trisul East , Nanda Devi , Nanda Devi East , Nanda Kot and Panchchuli .
We went to Mukteshwar on 20th October , as October and November are the months when in general the sky remains clear giving ample opportunities to see the Himalayan peaks . March and April are the months when one can see the blooming of flowers in the orchards whereas one can savour the fruits in July and August . Whenever one visits Mukteshwr , she should not forget to wear a jacket to fend against the chilly and gusty winds .
At first the tigress took no notice , but when the woman cut the grass right up to where she was lying , the tigress struck once , the blow crushing the woman’s skull . Death was instantaneous , for , when found the following day , she was gasping her sickle with one hand and holding a tuft of grass , she was about to cut when struck , with the other.
So while preparing the itinerary of our Kumaon tour I had reserved 20th October for visiting Ramgarh and then Mukteshwar 31 km far from it . Blue pine , deodar and oak woods guarded the road leading to Mukteshwar . The first thing I would always remember regarding Mukteshwar was its gusty winds which seemed to determine to sweep me off my feet . The second thing for which we visited Mukteshwar was the entire range of Himalaya . Mukteshwar was the only place from where one could see the entire range of peaks of both Garhwal & Kumaon Himalaya and of Nepal .
From the lawns of the PWD guest house we enjoyed the above range consisting of Niti ( 3600 m ) , Mana 7273 m ) ,Ghori Parbat ( 6708 m ) , Hathi Parbat ( 6727 m ) in Garhwal and Nanda Ghunti ( 6309 m ) , Trishul I ( 7120 m ) , Trishul II ( 6690 m ) , Trishul III (6008 m ) , Mrigthuni ( 6855 m ) , Maiktoli ( 6803 m ) , Nanda Devi ( 7824 m ) , Nanda Devi East ( 7434 m ) , Chhanguch (6322 m ) , Nandakot ( 6861 m ) , Nandakhat ( 6611 m ) , Panwali Dwar (6663 m ) , Panchachuli I ( 6354 m ) , Panchachuli II ( 6903 m ) , Panchachuli III ( 6312 m ) , Panchachuli IV (6334 m ) , Panchachuli V ( 6437 m ) and Api ( 7132 m ) in Nepal . However the engraved plaque in the lawn illustrated only seven prominent peaks , namely Nanda Ghunti , Trisul , Trisul East , Nanda Devi , Nanda Devi East , Nanda Kot and Panchchuli .
We went to Mukteshwar on 20th October , as October and November are the months when in general the sky remains clear giving ample opportunities to see the Himalayan peaks . March and April are the months when one can see the blooming of flowers in the orchards whereas one can savour the fruits in July and August . Whenever one visits Mukteshwr , she should not forget to wear a jacket to fend against the chilly and gusty winds .
Written 14 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Always_Seeing_Things
New Delhi, India12 contributions
Dec 2022
Gives a good view of the snowpeaks on a clear day. Garden is not nice. Nothing much to see or do here. Worth a visit only if you have lots of spare time at hand. A better option would be to stay at the bungalow and then enjoy the place rather than just visiting.
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pushpendra K
Greater Noida, India389 contributions
Dec 2017
The bungalow is old fashioned which was once a heritage site. Now it is run by KMVN as a hotel. The luxury rooms are well kept and the staff is courteous. Breakfast and Dinner are included in room tariff. The food is delicious and home-style. There is a nice lawn/garden. The view is amazing. Mornings are very special very bird chirping and the scenic beauty of sunrise hitting the top of snow bounded mountains.
Just grab a cup of tea and enjoy a nature.
Just grab a cup of tea and enjoy a nature.
Written 4 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArindamC_Kolkata
Kolkata (Calcutta), India68 contributions
May 2015 • Family
We visited in May 2015 once in the morning and second time during the sunset. The flower garden is nice. Peaks were not visible due to the haze but we experienced sunset from the garden. The bungalow has historical significance as Jim Corbet used to stay here. KMVN Mukteshwar is just behind the Inspection bungalow.
Written 8 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kanikaneg
Mumbai, India361 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
It is the most beautiful bungalow with a scenic view. One can see the mountain range from here. Very beautiful.
Written 30 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ziniatalks
Kalimpong District, India246 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
We have been to this bunglow on the recommendation of our guide of the Mukteshwar dham temple. The guide is not required, but we have fixed him in Rs 150 looking at his poor condition. At the end of the temple and chauli ki jali trip, luckily for escorting to the inspectin bunglow, he handed over to another elderly person who used to work in that bunglow for many years and seen Mr Jim Corbett in-person. As a fan of Mr Corbett, I feel blessed to hear some personal experiences from him. Eventually he expressed that he is father of our guide. As an ex-employee he helped us to look at the bunglow more closely and we purchased Walnut from a village girl there at Rs 250 per kilo!
Everyone visiting Mukteshwar (and who are not lucky to stay in this bunglow), must visit the bunglow which is appx 2 km from temple as this is the only spot to have the mesmerizing view of the full himalayan range from Mukteshwar and the best part is you will have a legend of all the peaks you can see in front of you in that bunglow view point (so you will identify the Nanda Kote to Nanda Ghunti including Nanda Devi, Nanda Devi East, Trishul, Trishul East, and Panch Chulli). Views you may get from other places also, like Supi, Gagar, Kausani, but legend map of the peaks not available anywhere for common tourist.
Everyone visiting Mukteshwar (and who are not lucky to stay in this bunglow), must visit the bunglow which is appx 2 km from temple as this is the only spot to have the mesmerizing view of the full himalayan range from Mukteshwar and the best part is you will have a legend of all the peaks you can see in front of you in that bunglow view point (so you will identify the Nanda Kote to Nanda Ghunti including Nanda Devi, Nanda Devi East, Trishul, Trishul East, and Panch Chulli). Views you may get from other places also, like Supi, Gagar, Kausani, but legend map of the peaks not available anywhere for common tourist.
Written 21 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CedarCourt
New Delhi, India55 contributions
May 2016 • Family
This beautiful PWD bungalow at the edge of Mukteshwar top ( the actual top is the temple) is now being dismantled for renovation. It has been a beautiful bungalow with a flat grassy land in front and some beautiful rose plants. Just where the land ended was a stone plaque depicting the mountain peaks Nandadevi, Trishul, Panchachuli etc that was visible from the place.
It was a nostalgic trip to visit this old house with garden.
Hope the PWD people manage to renovate this bungalow the way it used to be for over a hundred years.
It was a nostalgic trip to visit this old house with garden.
Hope the PWD people manage to renovate this bungalow the way it used to be for over a hundred years.
Written 22 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pratibha S
New Delhi, India201 contributions
Oct 2015
Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow is actually PWD guesthouse located at the best location in Mukteshwar. It offers fantastic views of the Himalayas. One can see snowcladded mountains right in front of the guesthouse. Absolutely Amazing view!
Written 26 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HI,
Can you tell me How to book Inspection Bungalow.
Should I travel from Kathgodam or Haldwani ? Which one is shorter or better ?
Written 15 July 2015
Hi, Inspection bungalow is a small cottage and is not available for booking. If you want to stay in that area, you have to book for KMVN property which is next to inspection bungalow. Otherwise there are few good options at Mukteshwar. Kathgodam is nearer than Haldwani though the difference is not more than 15-20 min.
Written 16 July 2015
How to book Inspection bungalow ?
Written 15 July 2015
There is a hotel in mukteshwar which is located in natural beauty . it will be better for u to do the booking in oak chalet. i don't know how to do booking in inspection bangalow.
Written 16 July 2015
Should I take jakets along with me when I visit mukteshwar in march
Written 23 March 2015
As you are going to Himalayas where no one can guarantee the weather conditions , it is always better to carry a jacket any time one visits Himalaya .
Written 23 March 2015
Hi!! Is this place open for visitors not staying here? Also, is there a restaurant here?
Written 13 March 2015
We never stayed there . We just went to see the mountain peaks and pay respect to Jim . We were not debarred from visiting it .
Restaurant is there but as we did not eat there I am unsure about whether it serves the surprise visitors.
Written 20 March 2015
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