A religious journey always gives peace to the mind and also gives an opportunity to understand new places, people and traditions. One such holy place is Kainchi Dham, which is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. This is a peaceful and spiritual ashram surrounded by mountains and greenery. This ashram was established by Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji), who is known as a great saint.
Every year thousands of devotees come here and fill their mind with peace and positive energy by having the darshan of Baba. If you are planning to visit Kainchi Dham from Delhi, then this complete travel guide will help you – whether it is about temple timings, correct route, mode of travel, place to stay and eat, or places worth visiting nearby.
About Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham is a famous religious ashram located near Nainital. It was established in 1962 by Neem Karoli Baba. The word “Kainchi” means scissor, and this place is named after the shape of two hills which cut each other like the scissors of a pair.
This ashram is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and devotees from all over the country and abroad come here to visit. Every year on 15th June, a huge langar is organized here in which lakhs of people get food without any discrimination.
The small waterfalls flowing around the ashram, calm hilly scenery and dense forest make this place absolutely suitable for meditation and worship.
Kainchi Dham Temple Timings
There are certain times for visiting the temple which you should keep in mind:
Morning opening time: 5:00 AM
Afternoon closing time: 1:00 PM
Evening opening time: 4:00 PM
Evening closing time: 6:00 PM
This time may change a little during festivals and winters. Morning or evening time is considered the best, because then the atmosphere is more peaceful and sacred.
Delhi to Kainchi Dham Distance
Delhi to Kainchi Dham is approximately 340 km via road and the distance takes approximately 8 to 9 hours. Hapur, Moradabad, Rampur, Haldwani and Bhowali are the places through which the route passes. Highway driving is smooth and then it gets hilly towards Nainital. It is advisable to leave early in the morning to avoid traffic and reach the temple on time. Most visitors make a day trip or stay closer to appreciate the serene ambiance of Kainchi Dham.
By Road: 330 km, Time: 8–9 hours
Train : 5–6 hours train + 1 hour taxi from Kathgodam
Flight : 1 hour flight to Pantnagar + 2 hours taxi from pantnagar
Delhi to Kainchi Dham Routes
Route 1:
Delhi → Moradabad → Rampur → Haldwani → Bhimtal → Bhowali → Kainchi Dham
Distance: 330 km
Time: 8–9 hours
This route offers more beautiful scenery and better roads.
Route 2:
Delhi → Ghaziabad → Hapur → Gajraula → Rudrapur → Haldwani → Bhowali → Kainchi Dham
Distance: 350 km
Time: 9–10 hours
There is less traffic but the journey is long.
NOTE: If you are going for the first time, then Route 1 is the best.
Best Time to Visit Kainchi Dham
March – June (Summer): The Weather is pleasant, best for travelling and roaming.
July – September (Rain): There is greenery everywhere, but there is also a risk of landslides in the mountains.
October – February (Winter): It is very cold but the crowd is less and there is more peace.
Most devotees come around 15 June because the annual Bandara takes place on that day. If you are coming at this time, you must book the hotel in advance.
Read More: How to Book VIP Darshan Tickets at Kashi Vishwanath Varanasi
How to reach Kainchi Dham From Delhi?
Kainchi Dham is a famous religious place located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Every year thousands of devotees and tourists come here to visit and find peace. If you are planning to go to Kainchi Dham from Delhi, then you have many options – road, rail and air. Let’s know in detail:
1. Kainchi Dham by Road:
The most convenient way to reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi is by road. You can easily travel by your car, taxi or tempo traveller. This journey is about 330 km and it takes about 8–9 hours to complete it.
The best thing about this journey is that you get to see natural views and mountain views along the way. There are also many good places to stop in between to have breakfast and rest.
If you are going in a group with family or friends, hiring a Maharaja Tempo Traveller is the most comfortable and economical option.
2. Kainchi Dham by Rail:
If you want to travel by train, Kathgodam Railway Station (38 km away) is the nearest station. There are many direct trains available from Delhi to Kathgodam, such as:
Ranikhet Express
Kathgodam Shatabdi
Uttar Sampark Kranti
The journey from Delhi to Kathgodam takes 6–7 hours. After this, you can take a taxi or local bus and reach Kainchi Dham Ashram in about 1 hour. This option is better for those who like to travel comfortably.
3. Kainchi Dham by Flight:
If you want to reach in less time, then flight option is also available. The name of the nearest airport to Kainchi Dham is Pantnagar Airport, which is about 70 km away from here.
The flight time from Delhi to Pantnagar is just 1 hour.
You can take a taxi from the airport to Kainchi Dham and reach the ashram in about 2 hours.
Although the cost of flight is more than train or road, but it is the fastest option to save time.
NOTE: We give neat and comfortable Tempo Traveller in Delhi for Delhi to Kainchi Dham, which you can book quickly. This option is good for both family trips and group tours. Our Tempo Traveller has AC, soft seats, music player and big space for bags. You will get ease, safe travel and on-time reach during the trip. If you plan to go to Kainchi Dham, our Tempo Traveller service will make your travel simple, happy and unforgettable.
What are the places to stop on the route?
If you are going from Delhi to Kainchi Dham, then there are many beautiful and special places on the way where you can stop and make the journey even more memorable. This journey takes about 7-8 hours, so it is important to take breaks in between. Let’s know some of the best stops on the way:
1. Gajraula – famous for delicious breakfast-
Gajraula is the first big stop after leaving Delhi. There are many famous dhabas and restaurants here. This place is perfect for breakfast. Here you will easily find parathas, chole-bhature, aloo-puri and South Indian dishes. If the journey starts with good food, then the whole day is full of energy.
2. Jim Corbett National Park – Enjoy Jungle Safari
If you have a little more time, then you can go to Jim Corbett National Park by taking a small detour towards Ramnagar ahead of Gajraula. This is India’s first national park and one can enjoy jungle safari here. Elephants, deer, tigers and many types of birds are seen here. This experience will take you closer to nature.
Rampur – A city of historical importance, where old forts and mosques are worth seeing.
Haldwani – Called the gateway to the mountains, the path from here goes through lush green forests and winding hilly roads.
What are the best places to visit near Kainchi Dham?
Kainchi Dham is not only a religious place, but there are many tourist places around it where you can make your trip even more special by visiting.
1. Nainital Lake (20 km)-
Nainital Lake is one of the most famous lakes in Uttarakhand. Everyone likes the experience of boating here. The mountains around the lake and the light of the lamps burning in the evening make it even more beautiful. Walking on the banks of the lake in the evening is a very relaxing experience.
2. Bhimtal Lake (15 km)-
The most special thing about Bhimtal Lake is that there is a small island in the middle of it, where an aquarium is built. This island can be reached by boat. Here you will get to see many types of colorful fish. This place is very entertaining for children and families.
3. Naukuchiatal (25 km)-
Naukuchiatal is special because of its unique shape. It is called the “nine-cornered lake”. The greenery and peace here is very much liked by nature lovers. Activities like paragliding and boating are also done here.
4. Sattal (22 km)-
As the name suggests, Sattal is a group of seven lakes. This place is famous for photography and bird watching. The environment here is very calm and green. The chirping of birds in the morning and the sound of water waves soothes the mind.
5. Hanuman Garhi Temple (21 km)-
This temple dedicated to Hanuman ji is built on a hill. The view of sunset from here looks very beautiful. One has to climb a little to reach the temple, but the view from above is so beautiful that all the tiredness goes away in a moment.
Read More: How to Book VIP Darshan at Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain?
What are the best Hotels near Kainchi Dham?
Budget Stay-
Dharamshala (near the temple)
Small guesthouse (in Bhowali)
Mid-Range Hotels-
The Pine Resort, Bhimtal
Hotel Chandra, Bhowali
Hotel Ashok, Nainital
Luxury Resorts-
Shervani Hilltop, Nainital
The Naini Retreat
Country Inn, Bhimtal
Hotels get full in June and weekends, so booking should be done in advance.
Travel Tips:
1. Leave early in the morning, the journey to the mountains till night can be a little risky.
2. Carry an umbrella and raincoat in the rain.
3. Clicking pictures is not allowed inside the temple, so keep this in mind.
4. Wear simple and comfortable footwear as the hilly tracks can be slightly hard.
5. Keep water and small food items with you in the trip, as at some points there are fewer choices available on the route.
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Conclusion:
The trip from Delhi to Kainchi Dham is not only a trip, but also a lovely experience. This place is a mix of faith, nature and calmness. The stories of Neem Karoli Baba, the peaceful feel of the ashram and the close mountains make it very unique.
Whether you need peace in your mind or want to enjoy a short weekend rest, Kainchi Dham is the right place to visit.
The mode of your travel depends on your comfort – road trip, train, or flight – and seeing the beautiful places nearby makes the journey even more memorable.
If you want to get away from the crowded life of Delhi and calm your mind in the peace of the mountains, then Kainchi Dham is the best place.