Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Kainchi Dham from Delhi to Nainital by Train
Kainchi Dham is a tranquil ashram in the lap of the Kumaon hills of Nainital, Uttarakhand. Known for its serene surroundings and deep spiritual significance, it was established in the 1960s by the revered saint Neem Karoli Baba. The ashram is a spiritual haven for devotees of Lord Hanuman and Neem Karoli Baba and a place where nature’s beauty and divine presence come together to create a memorable experience.
This detailed guide will help you plan your journey from Delhi to Kainchi Dham, with a special focus on the train route to Nainital and additional travel options to reach the ashram.
About Kainchi Dham: Why Kainchi Dham is Famous?
Kainchi Dham is more than just a temple; it is an ashram infused with spiritual energy that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists worldwide. Neem Karoli Baba, the founder of the ashram, was a highly revered spiritual leader whose teachings continue to inspire millions. The ashram is also closely associated with the worship of Lord Hanuman, and many visitors claim to feel a divine connection upon entering its serene premises.
Set amidst lush forests and flowing rivers, Kainchi Dham offers an experience of inner peace and divine blessings. It is particularly famous among followers of Neem Karoli Baba, including celebrities like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, who reportedly drew inspiration from their visits.
How to Reach Kainchi Dham
By Train: The Convenient Route from Delhi to Nainital
Kainchi Dham Nearest Railway Station
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM)
Distance: 38 km from Kainchi Dham
Connectivity: Kathgodam is the terminus for several trains from Delhi and other parts of India.
One of the best ways to reach Kainchi Dham is by taking a train from Delhi to Kathgodam, the nearest railway station to the ashram. Kathgodam serves as the gateway to the Kumaon region and is well-connected to Delhi by several trains.
From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or board a local bus to cover the 38-kilometer distance to Kainchi Dham, which takes about 1.5–2 hours.
Here’s a detailed table of train options from Delhi to Kathgodam:
| Train Name | Train Number | Departure (Delhi) | Arrival (Kathgodam) | Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranikhet Express | 15013 | 10:00 PM | 5:05 AM | 7 hrs 5 mins | Daily |
| Uttar Sampark Kranti Express | 15035 | 4:00 PM | 10:45 PM | 6 hrs 45 mins | Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
| Kathgodam Shatabdi Express | 12040 | 6:20 AM | 11:55 AM | 5 hrs 35 mins | Daily |
| Dehradun Kathgodam Express | 14120 | 11:55 PM | 7:10 AM | 7 hrs 15 mins | Sunday |
Read more:- Nearest Airport to Somnath Temple
From Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham
Once you reach Kathgodam, you can choose between taxis and local buses to reach Kainchi Dham.
- Taxis: Easily available outside the station, with fares ranging from ₹800 to ₹1,200 for the 38-kilometer journey.
- Buses: Local buses are an economical option, charging approximately ₹50–₹100, though they might take slightly longer.
Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham Bus
From Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham, local transportation options such as buses and shared jeeps are readily available. Here’s what you need to know about bus services:
Bus Services from Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham
- Type of Buses: Local Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) buses and private mini-buses.
- Frequency: Buses run frequently from Kathgodam to Bhowali and then onward to Kainchi Dham. The route is popular, so services are regular, especially in the morning and early afternoon.
- Duration: Approximately 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic and stops.
- Fare: Around ₹50–₹100 per person, depending on the type of bus.
Route
- Buses from Kathgodam head toward Bhowali, which is a major transport hub.
- From Bhowali, buses or shared jeeps proceed to Kainchi Dham (about 10 kilometers from Bhowali).
Tips for Travelers
- Timing: Start early in the morning to ensure you get a bus without much waiting. The last buses typically leave around 5–6 PM.
- Crowd Levels: Public buses can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season or religious events.
- Alternatives: If buses are unavailable or full, shared jeeps are an excellent alternative, with fares ranging from ₹100–₹150 per person.
If you prefer a more convenient and quicker option, hiring a taxi from Kathgodam directly to Kainchi Dham is a good choice, costing around ₹800–₹1,200.
Kainchi Dham to Kathgodam
Traveling from Kainchi Dham to Kathgodam is straightforward with multiple transportation options like buses, shared jeeps, and taxis. Here’s a detailed guide:
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: Approximately 38 kilometers.
- Travel Time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
Transport Options
1. Buses
- Type: Local buses operated by the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private mini-buses.
- Route: Kainchi Dham → Bhowali → Kathgodam.
- Availability: Frequent, especially during the day.
- Fare: ₹50–₹100 per person.
- Duration:
- Kainchi Dham to Bhowali: ~30 minutes.
- Bhowali to Kathgodam: ~1 hour.
2. Shared Jeeps
- Shared jeeps are a quicker and more convenient option, operating frequently between Kainchi Dham, Bhowali, and Kathgodam.
- Fare: ₹100–₹150 per person.
- Duration: Around 1.5 hours.
3. Taxis
- Hiring a private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel.
- Fare: ₹1,000–₹1,500 (depending on vehicle type and negotiation).
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours.
Best Travel Option
- If you’re traveling on a budget, take a shared jeep or bus via Bhowali to Kathgodam.
- For more convenience and flexibility, hire a taxi directly to Kathgodam.
Other Train Options
If Kathgodam doesn’t align with your schedule, you can consider Haldwani Railway Station, just 2 kilometers before Kathgodam.
- Famous Trains to Haldwani: Same as Kathgodam trains but alight one stop earlier.
By Air: Nearest Airport To Kainchi Dham
The nearest airport to Kainchi Dham is Pantnagar Airport, located about 75 kilometers away. While it has limited connectivity, flights from Delhi are available. From the airport, you can hire a taxi, with fares ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 for the journey to Kainchi Dham.
By Road
If you prefer a road trip, Kainchi Dham is well-connected by motorable roads.
- From Delhi: Take NH 9 to reach Kathgodam, and then follow the scenic route to Bhowali and Kainchi Dham. The total driving distance is approximately 350 kilometers, taking around 7–8 hours.
- Local Transport: Shared jeeps and buses are available for budget travelers.
Places to Visit Near Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham is surrounded by natural and cultural treasures, making it an excellent base for exploring the Kumaon region. Here are some must-visit places nearby:
1. Nainital Lake
- Distance: 20 kilometers
- Entry Fee: ₹160–₹210 for boating
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Nainital Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. The crescent-shaped freshwater lake, surrounded by green hills, offers serene boating experiences.
2. Jim Corbett National Park
- Distance: ~90 kilometers
- Entry Fee: ₹200–₹1,000
- Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
India’s first national park, Jim Corbett National Park, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Famous for its tiger population, it offers jeep safaris to explore its rich biodiversity.
3. Sariyatal (Woodland Waterfall)
- Distance: 25 kilometers
- Entry Fee: ₹50–₹100
- Timings: 9 AM to 5:45 PM
Sariyatal, developed as a natural waterfall by the Nainital Zoo, is a perfect spot for nature lovers. It’s a serene escape surrounded by dense forests.
Where to Stay Near Kainchi Dham
There are several accommodation options near Kainchi Dham, catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets:
1. Clarks Exotica Resort, Ramgarh
- Location: Mall Ramgarh
- Highlight: Luxurious stay with panoramic views of the hills.
- Price: ₹4,000–₹6,000 per night.
2. Bhawani Guest House, Bhowali
- Location: Near HP Petrol Pump, Bhowali-Almora Road
- Highlight: Affordable and peaceful, perfect for spiritual seekers.
- Price: ₹1,000–₹2,500 per night.
3. Hotel Vista, Bhowali
- Location: PWD Road, Bhowali
- Highlight: Vegetarian dining and modern amenities.
- Price: ₹2,500–₹4,000 per night.
Shopping Near Kainchi Dham
Don’t miss exploring local markets around Kainchi Dham, which offer a variety of traditional clothes, religious artifacts, and handmade crafts. Popular shopping spots include:
- Walkway Mall
- DSquare
- Chaudhary Shopping Point
Real Estate Near Kainchi Dham
The serene surroundings of Kainchi Dham have also attracted real estate investments. If you are considering settling in the area, here’s what you need to know:
Residential Properties
- Price Range: ₹1,554–₹12,666 per sq.ft
- Popular Locations: Bhimtal, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar
Commercial Properties
- Excellent opportunities in the hospitality sector due to the area’s growing popularity among tourists.
Haldwani to Kainchi Dham
Traveling from Haldwani to Kainchi Dham is convenient due to the availability of buses, shared jeeps, and taxis. Here’s a detailed guide:
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: Approximately 40 kilometers.
- Travel Time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the mode of transport and traffic.
Transport Options
1. Buses
- Type: Local buses operated by the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private mini-buses.
- Route: Haldwani → Bhowali → Kainchi Dham.
- Frequency: Regular buses are available from Haldwani to Bhowali. From Bhowali, you can get another bus or shared jeep to Kainchi Dham.
- Fare: Approximately ₹50–₹100.
- Duration:
- Haldwani to Bhowali: ~1 hour.
- Bhowali to Kainchi Dham: ~30 minutes.
2. Shared Jeeps
- Shared jeeps are faster than buses and operate frequently.
- Fare: ₹100–₹150 per person.
- Route: Direct or via Bhowali.
- Duration: Around 1.5 hours.
3. Taxis
- You can hire a private taxi for a direct trip.
- Fare: ₹1,000–₹1,500 (depending on the type of vehicle and bargaining).
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours.
Best Option for Budget Travelers
- Take a bus or shared jeep from Haldwani to Bhowali.
- From Bhowali, switch to another bus or shared jeep heading toward Kainchi Dham.
Tips for Travelers
- Start Early: To avoid delays, especially during the tourist season.
- Peak Times: Buses and jeeps may be crowded in the mornings or during festival periods.
- Connectivity: Direct buses to Kainchi Dham may be limited, so Bhowali serves as a key transit point.
Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly ride or a more comfortable journey, the options are flexible to suit all types of travelers!
A visit to Kainchi Dham is not just a spiritual journey but also an opportunity to reconnect with nature and yourself. Whether you choose to travel by train, air, or road, the experience of visiting this serene ashram and the surrounding attractions is truly unforgettable. With its convenient location, warm hospitality, and natural beauty, Kainchi Dham is a must-visit for anyone seeking tranquility and spiritual rejuvenation.
Pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get ready to embark on a journey that promises to soothe your soul and refresh your mind!
FAQs About Visiting Kainchi Dham
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip to Kainchi Dham effortlessly:
1. What is the significance of Kainchi Dham?
Kainchi Dham is a renowned spiritual ashram founded by Neem Karoli Baba in the 1960s. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is considered a sacred place for meditation, prayer, and seeking blessings. The ashram is famous for its serene environment and spiritual energy.
2. Where is Kainchi Dham located?
Kainchi Dham is located on the Nainital-Almora road in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, approximately 20 kilometers from Nainital.
3. What is the best time to visit Kainchi Dham?
The ideal time to visit Kainchi Dham is between March and June or September and November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the natural surroundings are at their best. The annual Bhandara (feast) held on June 15 attracts thousands of devotees.
4. How can I reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi by train?
You can take a train from Delhi to Kathgodam Railway Station, the nearest railway station to Kainchi Dham.
- From Kathgodam, hire a taxi or take a local bus to cover the 38 kilometers to Kainchi Dham.
- Famous trains from Delhi to Kathgodam include:
- Ranikhet Express
- Kathgodam Shatabdi Express
- Uttar Sampark Kranti Express
5. Are there direct buses from Delhi to Kainchi Dham?
No direct buses are available to Kainchi Dham. However, you can take an overnight bus from Delhi to Nainital or Kathgodam and then proceed to Kainchi Dham via local transportation.