Kainchi Dham is a spiritual place situated in the beautiful Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand and stands as a respected pilgrimage destination linked to the renowned Neem Karoli Baba. It has drawn considerable attention from disciples, tourists and even prominent international figures such as Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg who visited this place. The ashram’s serene surroundings and the mystical aura of the Himalayas are a siren call to visit this place. This journey from Delhi to Kainchi Dham via road travel offers breathtaking landscapes, serene stops and a perfect blend of adventure and devotion. This guide will enable you to plan your trip. Detailing the best routes, modes of travel, stopovers and attractions close by ensuring that your journey is a memorable one.
Best Time to Visit Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham can be visited throughout the year, but the optimal periods for visiting are March to June and September to November. The climate during these times is favorable for a road trip. While many pilgrims gather at Kainchi Dham annually for the Bhandara on June 15th, making it a prime time to visit, it can also be quite crowded. If you are booking a Delhi to Nainital Tempo Traveller, plan a stop at Kainchi Dham for 2-3 hours before proceeding to the city.
Delhi to Kainchi Dham Distance
Kainchi dham distance from Delhi is about 315 km and would take 7 to 8 hours by the road, depending on the traffic and the condition of the roads. It goes through various sceneries while crossing through the bustling cities, dense forests and mountain roads. The drive becomes more beautiful as one approaches the Kumaon region with a bird’s eye view of the green cover and the unspoiled beauty of Uttarakhand. Whether you are driving your own or taking a cab your journey to Kainchi Dham will be a memorable one.
How to Reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi?
You can Visit Kainchi Dham from Delhi through road, rail and air. You can choose any of these as per your preference.
Travel by Road
Road travel is the most popular mode of reaching Kainchi Dham as it offers scenic views of the Himalayas and lush green valleys. There are multiple ways to travel.
By Car: Drive from Delhi to Kainchi Dham, which is pretty flexible in the sense of places to stop by and time consumed. NH9 and NH109 route quite smooth. You may use your private vehicle or you can hire Innova crysta car hire in Delhi for a family road trip.
By Bus: State-run and private buses that run between Delhi and Nainital, about 18 km from Kainchi Dham, can be taken. One can hire a taxi or catch a local bus here to reach the ashram.
By Tempo Traveller: For a group trip, one should book services of Tempo Traveller Rental Delhi for Kainchi Dham because there will be more space for luggage and more comfort on a long trip. Different types of rentals are there for a tempo traveller that includes the capacity to seat multiple passengers.
Travel by Train
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is at a distance of 34 km. Numerous trains run between Delhi and Kathgodam like.
Ranikhet Express
Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express
Kathgodam Shatabdi Express
From here one may hire a taxi or use a local bus to reach Kainchi Dham in about an hour.
Travel by Flight
Pantnagar Airport, located 68 kilometers from Kainchi Dham, is the closest option. As direct flights from Delhi to Pantnagar are infrequent, it’s recommended to verify availability ahead of time. Once at Pantnagar taxis can transport you to Kainchi Dham in roughly 2 hours.
Delhi to Kainchi Dham Routes
There are two major roads to reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi.
NH9 and NH109
Delhi → Ghaziabad → Moradabad → Rampur → Haldwani → Kathgodam → Kainchi Dham
This route has smooth roads and a scenic view of the Kumaon hills.
NH334 and NH109
Delhi → Meerut → Kotdwar → Ramnagar → Haldwani → Kainchi Dham
This route is a bit longer but has a scenic view and less traffic.
Places to Stop En Route
A road trip to Kainchi Dham would not be complete without some refreshing stopovers. Here are a few recommended ones.
McDonald’s at Gajraula: A good place to halt for a quick bite and fresh coffee.
Bhimtal Lake: A calm place to rest and enjoy boating.
Kathgodam: A very scenic town with beautiful views and good eateries.
Suggested Read: Delhi to Jim Corbett Road Trip
Places to Visit near Kainchi Dham
Scenic landscapes and major tourist places surrounding Kainchi Dham will make your visit all the more rewarding. For spiritual comfort, natural beauty, or adventure, there are attractions close by for each of your desires:
Nainital (18 km) – The most popular hill station known for the mesmerizing Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, The Mall Road and Snow View Point. Enjoy boating, shopping and a serene beauty of mountains during Nainital Tour.
Bhimtal (23 km) – This picturesque lake town is ideal for a quiet, serene atmosphere. An island aquarium, and adventure activities like paragliding and kayaking. Bhimtal is quieter than Nainital but ideal for nature lovers.
Sattal (28 km) – A haven for birders and photographers. Sattal is a series of seven connected lakes surrounded by dense forests. It is the perfect place for nature walks, fishing, and boating.
Mukteshwar (60 km) – It is well known for its 350 years old Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple. It boasts some of the best Himalayan views, orchards, and adventure activities, including rock climbing and rappelling.
Ghorakhal Temple (15 km) – Golu Devta, the fulfiller of all wishes, has his sacred place. The thousands of bells presented by devotees in the form of gratitude at this temple distinguish it from all other temples.
Ramgarh (45 km) – Known as the ‘Fruit Bowl of Kumaon,’ Ramgarh is perfect for travelers looking for solitude amidst orchards and breathtaking valley views. It’s also linked to renowned writers like Rabindranath Tagore.
Khurpatal (22 km) – A hidden gem offering a pristine emerald-green lake surrounded by pine and cedar forests. This peaceful getaway is great for fishing and unwinding away from tourist crowds.
Hotels Near Kainchi Dham
For those who wish to spend the night, there are several options of accommodation near Kainchi Dham, catering to all budgets.
KMVN Tourist Rest House, Bhowali: Budget-friendly, with comfortable rooms and basic amenities.
Shervani Hilltop, Nainital: Luxurious stay with world-class services, ideal for those looking for a premium experience.
Neem Karoli Baba Ashram Guest House: Limited accommodation available within the ashram, mainly for devotees.
The Pavilion, Nainital: Mid-range hotel offering cozy rooms, excellent service, and proximity to major attractions.
Conclusion
A road trip from Delhi to Kainchi Dham is more than just a trip, it’s a spiritual and culturally diverse experience. A suitable mode of transportation improves the journey whether you are traveling alone, with family or in a group. The Tempo Traveller 20 seater is ideal for bigger groups and guarantees a comfortable ride. With attractions like Nainital, Bhimtal and Mukteshwar nearby this journey offers the devotion, adventure and peace. So get ready, pick the ideal mode of transportation and enjoy the beauty of Kainchi Dham and its surrounding areas.
