The moment summers arrive, my brain starts scanning the calendar for long weekends and all I can think of is sipping a hot cup of tea while the cool breeze blows through my hair, in taking the scenic views of the mountains. Up in the hills, there is hardly any spot that doesn’t feel like paradise. The peaceful and mesmerizing beauty of nature has the charm of letting yourself free. The chaotic and busy schedules of everyday life can get really depressing and that’s the time you know that you’re looking for a change.
Popular tourist destinations are usually pretty crowded in the peak season so it’s best to explore the unexplored. Ditch Nainital’s beautiful lakes this time for an adventurous uphill climb to Mukteshwar. A small village located at a slightly higher altitude to Uttarkhand’s Nainital district, Mukteshwar is a pleasant and peaceful change of scene for nature lovers. For the adrenaline rush, you can go for paragliding and other thrilling activities while witnessing the tranquil Kumaoni hills in the evenings.
Take a trip to Mukteshwar to experience the blissful combination of good food, good weather and a memory of a lifetime. Here are our recommendations for the best eateries in this small hill station where you catch the most scenic views too.
1. Nirvana Organic Kitchen
The good part about hilly terrains is that they totally depend on natural produce. Treat yourself to fresh fruits and vegetables without any pesticides at this organic kitchen in Mukteshwar. One of the top choices for tourists when it comes to savouring the authentic Kumaoni cuisine, you cannot leave without trying their simple yet delicious Kumaoni thali.
Source: Nirvana Organic/Instagram
2. Rosefinch Café And Restaurant
A cute, comfy and cozy setting located in the natural habitat of Kumaoni hills, Rosefinch café helps to unwind and relax with its scenic views and soothing music. Let loose and soak in the pristine beauty of the outdoors while you wait for your burgers and coffee to arrive.
Source: Pranneels/Instagram
3. Chirping Tales Café
Away from the hustle-bustle of city life, this mountain café lets you live life in the Himalayas in peace. Take a small trek up the hill and you’d find this green hut-shaped café right in front of you. Overlooking Kumaoni hills, you would get the best of local flavours here. Not only do they use homegrown vegetables and herbs, their breads are also baked in house. With a multi-cuisine approach, you can pick anything from their north Indian menu and not be disappointed.
Source: Chirping Tales Cafe/Instagram
4. Café Local
We must tell you that there is nothing too local about this café. The hill-top eatery offers breathtaking views of the mountains along with a fresh breath of air with its outdoor seating. The rustic and simple wooden interiors with book shelves and the aromatic brewing of coffee beans will not want to make you leave. They’ve got a range of coffees, from cappuccino, espresso to more.
5. La Rose Restaurant
Housed inside the luxurious, Casa The Dream Resort, this in-house restaurant is open to outsiders too. The best time to visit would be in the evening for dinner because the open-air seating is enjoyed the most during this time. As the small houses in the villages lit up and the darkness surrounds us, it is a stream of glittering lights and a sight to behold. Chinese delicacies to Continental dishes, this place has it all.
Source: La Rose Restaurant/Instagram
