If you’re looking for a spiritual getaway from Delhi, Kainchi Dham is a great option. Located in the serene hills of Uttarakhand, Kainchi Dham is a popular pilgrimage site that attracts thousands of devotees every year. However, getting there can be a bit challenging if you don’t know the right way.
In this article, we will guide you on how to reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi, including different modes of transportation, travel time, and other essential information. First, let’s learn more about history and why Kainchi Dham is so famous.
The History of Kainchi Dham
The site is a hub for spiritual seekers. Particularly notable is the June 15th Bhandara. During this festival, it’s estimated that over 100,000 people gather here for a communal feast. The name ‘Kainchi’ is derived from the local dialect, referring to the sharp bends in the road nearby. Interestingly, it has nothing to do with scissors.
Founded in 1962 by Maharaj Neem Karoli Baba, Kainchi Dham is a testament to his vision. The ashram is meticulously maintained, reflecting a sense of peace and order.
The origins of Kainchi Dham date back to 1942. It was then that Maharaj Neem Karoli and Shri Poornanand of Kainchi Village envisioned an ashram here. They dedicated it to Sombari Maharaj and Sadhu Premi Baba, who performed yagnas in this area. By 1962, their dream became a reality. The land was cleared, and a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman was built.
The Hanuman temple is central to Kainchi Dham. It stands on a platform that was part of the original construction. Devotees from various regions flock here, engaging in bhandaras, kirtans, and bhajans. The idols of Hanumanji and others were consecrated on June 15th across different years. This date is now celebrated annually as Pratishtha Divas, attracting a large number of devotees.
The influx of visitors during these events is so significant that local authorities have to regulate traffic. Changes have been made to the complex to facilitate easier movement for the people.
3 Nights 4 Days Kainchi Dham & Nainital Tour
Why Kainchi Dham is so famous?
Kainchi Dham is a spiritual center located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The ashram was founded by the famous saint Neem Karoli Baba in the 1960s and has since become a popular destination for people seeking spiritual solace. The ashram is surrounded by lush green forests and is situated on the banks of the Kosi River, making it an ideal place for meditation and reflection.
Kainchi Dham’s influence reached global icons like Steve Jobs, the Apple Founder. Jobs, known for his innovative thinking, was also deeply influenced by Indian spirituality. His visit to India in the 70s included a stay at Kainchi Ashram. This experience is said to have played a role in his visionary approach to technology and business.
Even Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg was drawn to this spiritual haven. During the early days of Facebook, he visited a temple in India on Steve Jobs’ recommendation. This visit, as reported by the Economic Times, was a pivotal moment in Zuckerberg’s journey with Facebook.
Read also: Where to Go Around Delhi in October: A Travel Guide
List of People Who Visited Kainchi Dham
1. Steve Jobs: Co-founder of Apple Inc., visited India in 1974 to explore Hinduism and Indian spirituality. His journey included a plan to meet Neem Karoli Baba.
2. Dan Kottke: A close friend of Steve Jobs and an early Apple employee, accompanied Jobs on his 1974 trip to India.
3. Julia Roberts: The renowned Hollywood actress, influenced by Neem Karoli Baba, embraced Hinduism after being drawn to a picture of the guru.
4. Mark Zuckerberg: Influenced by Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Facebook visited Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram in Kainchi.
5. Larry Brilliant: An American physician and epidemiologist, known for his work with the World Health Organization and Google, visited Kainchi Dham.
6. Larry Page: Co-founder of Google, visited Kainchi Dham, accompanied by Larry Brilliant.
7. Jeffrey Skoll: Co-founder of eBay, also joined the pilgrimage to Kainchi Dham with Larry Brilliant and Larry Page.
Best Time to Visit Kainchi Dham:
The best time to visit Kainchi Dham is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the place without any hindrances. However, the ashram is open throughout the year, and you can visit it any time you want.
Nainital Itinerary 3 Nights 4 Days
How to Reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi
Kainchi Dham, a spiritual haven nestled between Nainital and Almora, is easily accessible from Delhi. Situated just 9 km from Bhowali and 17 km from Nainital, it’s home to the esteemed ashram of Shri Neem Karoli Baba Maharajji. To reach this serene destination from Delhi, you have three primary transportation options: road, train, and air. Each mode offers a unique journey experience:
New Delhi Kainchi Dham by Road
The easiest way to reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi is by road. You can take a taxi or a bus from Delhi to Nainital, which is the nearest town to Kainchi Dham. From Nainital, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Kainchi Dham. The entire journey takes around 8-9 hours, and the distance is approximately 300 km.
Here are some Road route options to reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi:
Route 1
Delhi – Ghaziabad – Moradabad – Rampur – Rudrapur – Haldwani – Kathgodam – Kainchi Dham
This is the most popular route to reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi. The total distance is around 320 km, and it takes around 8-9 hours to reach. The road is mostly smooth and well-maintained, except for some patches near the hills.
Route 2
Delhi – Noida – Greater Noida – Khurja – Bulandshahr – Garh Mukteshwar – Gajraula – Moradabad – Rampur – Rudrapur – Haldwani – Kathgodam – Kainchi Dham
This is another route to reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi. The total distance is around 400 km, and it takes around 9-10 hours to reach. The road is mostly smooth, but some patches may slow you down.
Route 3
Delhi – Meerut – Muzaffarnagar – Roorkee – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag – Gwaldam – Kausani – Almora – Kainchi Dham
This is a scenic route that takes you through the hills of Uttarakhand. The total distance is around 550 km, and it takes around 14-15 hours to reach. The road is mostly well-maintained, but some steep and narrow stretches require careful driving.
Route 4
Delhi – Panipat – Karnal – Ambala – Chandigarh – Roorkee – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag – Gwaldam – Kausani – Almora – Kainchi Dham
This is another scenic route that takes you through some of the most beautiful hill stations in Uttarakhand. The total distance is around 650 km, and it takes around 16-17 hours to reach. The road is mostly smooth, but some steep and narrow stretches require careful driving.
New Delhi Kainchi Dham by Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service available from Delhi to Kainchi Dham. However, you can take a train to the nearest railway station and then travel by road to Kainchi Dham. Here are the train options available:
Delhi to Kathgodam: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Kainchi Dham, located at a distance of around 40 km. The travel time ranges from around 6-8 hours, depending on the train.
Here is a table showing some of the popular trains running from Delhi to Kathgodam:
| Train No. | Train Name | Departure Station | Departure Time | Arrival Station | Arrival Time | Travel Time |
| 15035 | UTR Sampark Kranti Express | Old Delhi | 4:00 PM | Kathgodam | 10:45 PM | 6h 45m |
| 12040 | Kathgodam Shatabdi Express | New Delhi | 6:20 AM | Kathgodam | 11:55 AM | 5h 35m |
| 15013 | Ranikhet Express | Old Delhi | 10:05 PM | Kathgodam | 5:05 AM | 7h 00m |
Once you reach Kathgodam or Haldwani, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Kainchi Dham. The travel time by road is around 1-2 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
New Delhi Kainchi Dham by Air
The nearest airport to Kainchi Dham is the Pantnagar Airport, which is approximately 72 km away. However, the airport has limited connectivity, and it’s not a popular option for travellers. The closest major airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. From Delhi, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Kainchi Dham.
Local Transportation in Kainchi Dham
In Kainchi Dham, your options for local travel include taxis or buses, ideal for visiting surrounding areas. The ashram’s remote setting means limited public transport, but the available options are budget-friendly. The area’s well-kept roads facilitate easy travel. For a closer experience of the region’s natural splendor, consider trekking or hiking through the scenic landscapes.
How to stay inside Kainchi Dham?
To arrange a stay within Maharaji-ji’s Kainchi Dham Ashram, it’s essential to contact the ashram in advance. This involves writing a formal request to the ashram’s manager, explaining your intent to stay and the desired dates. The ashram has a policy of allowing guests to stay for a maximum of three days. This rule is in place to accommodate the many visitors who seek spiritual solace at this revered site.
More information visit official website: https://nkbashram.org/maharaj-ji-indian-ashrams/kainchi-dham
How many days to stay in Kainchi Dham?
Guests at Kainchi Dham Ashram are typically permitted to stay for up to three days. This duration is designed to provide an immersive yet concise spiritual experience, allowing for a rotation of visitors who wish to experience the tranquility and teachings of the ashram. It’s important to plan your visit accordingly and respect the ashram’s guidelines on the length of stay.
Hotel Options in Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham has limited accommodation options. The ashram provides basic accommodation facilities for visitors, including dormitories and private rooms. You can also find some budget guesthouses and homestays in the nearby areas. However, if you’re looking for luxury accommodation, you’ll have to stay in Nainital, which is around 20 km away from Kainchi Dham.
Places to Visit near Kainchi Dham
Apart from the ashram, there are several other places to visit near Kainchi Dham. Some of the popular attractions include:
- Nainital Lake: A beautiful natural lake located in the heart of Nainital town.
- Bhimtal: A serene lake town located around 22 km from Kainchi Dham.
- Mukteshwar: A scenic hill station located around 47 km from Kainchi Dham.
- Ranikhet: A picturesque hill station located around 60 km from Kainchi Dham.
Essential Tips for Visiting Kainchi Dham
- Dress appropriately: Kainchi Dham is a spiritual center, and you’re expected to dress modestly while visiting the ashram.
- Respect the culture: Kainchi Dham is a place of worship, and it’s essential to respect the local culture and traditions.
- Carry essential items: The ashram is located in a remote area, and you might not find all the necessary items nearby. It’s advisable to carry essential items like medicines, snacks, and water.
- Be mindful of the environment: Kainchi Dham is situated in a beautiful natural setting, and it’s essential to be mindful of the environment. Don’t litter and avoid using plastic.
Conclusion
For anyone looking for a peaceful and beautiful spot, Kainchi Dham is perfect. It might be a bit hard to get there, but the effort is totally worth it. From Delhi, you can go by car, train, or plane – there are many ways to reach Kainchi Dham. When you’re there, you can check out the surrounding area and enjoy the calm vibe of the ashram. Just remember, it’s important to respect the local customs and traditions during your visit.
FAQs
1. Is Kainchi Dham open throughout the year?
• Yes, Kainchi Dham is open throughout the year.
2. What is the best time to visit Kainchi Dham?
• The best time to visit Kainchi Dham is from March to June and September to November.
3. Are there any accommodation options available in Kainchi Dham?
• Yes, Kainchi Dham has basic accommodation facilities for visitors. You can also find some budget guesthouses and homestays in the nearby areas.
4. What are the popular attractions near Kainchi Dham?
• Some of the popular attractions near Kainchi Dham include Nainital Lake, Bhimtal, Mukteshwar, and Ranikhet.
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