There is a peaceful and spiritual place in North India where thousands of devotees, travellers and nature lovers come—Kainchi Dham. This beautiful ashram is located in the hills of Uttarakhand near Nainital. What makes Kainchi Dham so special is its history and its connection with the great spiritual guru Neem Karoli Baba who founded the ashram in the 1960s. It’s said that Baba did his intense sadhana here and his teachings are still inspiring people all over the world. The ashram is famous not only for its spirituality but also because of its connection with influential personalities like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Virat Kohli.
With the hills, temple and spiritual vibe Kainchi Dham is one of the top places to visit in Uttarakhand with family. Moving forward, this blog post will help you know how to reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi.
How Far is Kainchi Dham from Delhi?
The distance of Kainchi Dham from Delhi is 313 km approx. It takes around 7-8 hours to reach by road depending upon the traffic and mode of transport. The drive from Delhi to Kainchi Dham is scenic and as you reach the hills of Uttarakhand the beauty increases manifold.
The route is well-connected and easy to navigate. You can drive your own car, hire a taxi or opt for a more comfortable journey by booking a 12 seater tempo traveller which has spacious seating and a smooth ride for you and your family or group.
How to Reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi?
There are many ways to reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi and the choice depends on your comfort, convenience and time. Below are the most common ways:
By Road
The road trip to Kainchi Dham from Delhi is the most popular. The drive is beautiful passing through many small towns and scenic landscapes. To make your journey comfortable you can opt for a Maharaja Tempo Traveller, which is good for families or big groups. Spacious seating, air conditioning and ample luggage space make this vehicle a good option for a comfortable trip.
Here are the best road routes to travel from Delhi NCR:
Route 1: Delhi – Ghaziabad – Moradabad – Rampur – Rudrapur – Haldwani – Kathgodam – Kainchi Dham
Distance: 320 km
Time: 6-7 hours
Route 2: Delhi-Hapur- Moradabad-Nainital-Kainchi Dham
Distance: 311 Km
Time: 6-7 Hours
Route 3: Delhi – Noida – Greater Noida – Khurja – Bulandshahr – Garh Mukteshwar – Gajraula – Moradabad – Rampur – Rudrapur – Haldwani – Kathgodam – Kainchi Dham
Distance: 400 km
Time: 9-10 hours
You can choose any route as per your location and travel plan. You can also hire a tempo traveller in Noida to start your journey directly from here. Noida to Kainchi Dham distance is 308 Km approx and takes 7 hours to reach.
By Train
If you prefer to travel by train then you can reach the nearest railway station to Kainchi Dham which is Kathgodam. Kathgodam is well connected to Delhi by Ranikhet Express, Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express and Kathgodam Shatabdi Express. By train, it takes 6 to 7 hours to reach Kathgodam Railway Station followed by 40 minutes drive to Kainchi Dham. You can hire a cab, private taxi or local bus to reach comfortably. The distance from Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham is 40 minutes. The train is a good option for those who don’t want to drive.
By Air
If you want to travel fast to Kainchi Dham from Delhi then the nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is 70 km away. Pantnagar is well connected to Delhi with flights and the journey takes 1.5-2 hours. From Pantnagar, you can hire a taxi to Kainchi Dham which will take 2 hours to cover the distance.
Although flying is the fastest option, it is more expensive.
What to Expect After Arriving at Kainchi Dham?
Kainchi Dham is a peaceful place to meditate and introspect. As you enter the premises you will be surrounded by greenery, birds chirping and hills all around. The Neem Karoli Baba Temple is the main attraction where you will see a big statue of Baba and devotees offer prayers and light incense sticks as a mark of respect. The ashram also provides free food (Bhandara) to the visitors, a tradition which continues to this day as per the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba of selfless service and devotion.
You can also take a walk around the ashram and meditate on the peaceful environment. A perfect place to get away from the daily grind and connect with yourself. If you want to stay within Maharaji-ji’s Kainchi Dham Ashram then you need to write a formal request to the ashram manager with the explanation of your intent to stay. You can stay at the ashram for a maximum of 3 days. So it is important to plan your visit accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Kainchi Dham
The best time to visit Kainchi Dham from Delhi is during summer from March to June. Weather is pleasant with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. Monsoon (July to September) should be avoided as it rains heavily and travel becomes difficult.
Winter (October to February) is also a good time to visit if you like cold and snow. But temperature drops drastically so pack accordingly.
Nearby Attractions to Explore Around Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham itself is a peaceful and spiritual place but there are many more places to visit around. Here are the top places to visit in Uttarakhand with family:
- Nainital Lake
It is situated at a distance of 18 km from Kainchi Dham. The lake is surrounded by hills and has boating, picnics and photography opportunities. Its beauty attracts visitors throughout the year and is a favourite among families and tourists.
- Naina Devi Temple
On the northern shore of Nainital Lake, Naina Devi Temple is a sacred place dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi. According to the mythology, it is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The temple is situated on a hilltop and offers great views of the surrounding area.
- Bhimtal Lake
The distance of Bhimtal Lake from Kainchi Dham is 22 km and is very peaceful. It’s good for boating, fishing and relaxing by the water. Less crowded than Nainital Lake, it’s perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle.
- Naukuchiatal Lake
Naukuchiatal Lake is famous for its 9 corners and that’s how it got its name. This beautiful lake is 983 meters long and 693 meters wide and 40.3 meters deep, the deepest in the Nainital region. Situated at 1,220 meters above sea level it is surrounded by oak forests with diverse flora and fauna, perfect for trekking and bird watching.
- Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)
This is just 4 km from Nainital and offers a 360-degree view of the valleys and lakes. Also known as Dorothy’s Seat, it’s a popular trekking and photography spot. A great place to have a picnic amidst the hills.
- Snow View Point
For the view lovers, Snow View Point offers the best view of the Himalayan snow peaks. Situated at 2270 meters above sea level, it can be reached by a cable car from Nainital. Here you can see Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks.
Concluding Thoughts
Getting to Kainchi Dham from Delhi is easy whether you drive, take the train or fly. The route is scenic and the surroundings are peaceful. Once you are here you can indulge in spiritual practices, enjoy nature and explore nearby places.
For a relaxed and comfortable road trip rent a car or Tempo Traveller. It will give you comfort and space so your journey to this beautiful place will be smooth and enjoyable. Whether you are looking for peace, spirituality or just a mountain retreat Kainchi Dham will leave you with memories to cherish.
