How to Reach Neem Karoli baba From Canada

To visit Neem Karoli Baba’s ashrams in India from Canada, you’ll need to plan your travel logistics carefully. Neem Karoli Baba (also known as Maharaj-ji) had ashrams in several places, with the most famous being in Kainchi Dham (near Nainital) and Vrindavan. Here’s a general guide on how to get there:

1. Book Flights from Canada to India

• Primary airports: The major international airports in Canada are in cities like Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), and Montreal (YUL).
• Destinations in India: You can fly into either Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport) or directly to a closer airport such as Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport), Pantnagar Airport (near Kainchi Dham), or Agra (for Vrindavan), depending on where you plan to visit. The most common route is through Delhi, since it is a major international hub, and you can take further transportation from there to reach the ashrams.

2. Arriving in India (Delhi)

If you arrive in Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport):

• Kainchi Dham: It’s about a 6-8 hour drive from Delhi to Kainchi Dham in the state of Uttarakhand. You can take a private taxi, or take a train or bus to Nainital and then a local taxi to Kainchi Dham.
• Vrindavan: From Delhi, Vrindavan is around 3 hours by road. You can either hire a taxi or take a train from Delhi’s major stations (like New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin) to Mathura Junction, and then a short taxi ride to Vrindavan.

3. Transportation Options

• Taxis/Private Cars: Hiring a private taxi for the entire journey is a convenient but more expensive option.
• Trains: India’s extensive railway system offers routes to many of the major destinations, including Nainital and Mathura (for Vrindavan). You can book tickets through the Indian Railways website or apps like IRCTC.
• Buses: There are bus services from Delhi to cities like Nainital, Rishikesh, and Vrindavan, though they can be less comfortable for long distances.

4. Places to Visit

• Kainchi Dham: This is one of the most significant ashrams associated with Neem Karoli Baba, located in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand, near Nainital. The famous Hanuman Temple here is a place of pilgrimage for devotees.
• Vrindavan: Another prominent place linked to Neem Karoli Baba, Vrindavan, is a sacred town for Hindus, known for its temples and its association with Lord Krishna. Neem Karoli Baba had a strong presence in Vrindavan, and many devotees visit the ashram there.

5. Accommodation and Staying at the Ashram

• Most ashrams, including the ones at Kainchi Dham and Vrindavan, offer simple accommodations for visitors and devotees. You can either stay at these ashrams or look for nearby hotels.
• In both Kainchi Dham and Vrindavan, there are guesthouses and rooms where you can stay, usually at an affordable rate.

6. Important Travel Tips

• Visa: Canadian citizens will need a tourist visa to travel to India. You can apply for an Indian e-Visa online, which is available for most tourists visiting India for short-term stays.
• Best time to visit: The best time to visit the ashrams in Uttarakhand and Vrindavan is during the cooler months, typically from October to March. The summer months can be quite hot, especially in Delhi and the plains.
• Health precautions: It’s recommended to stay hydrated and take necessary health precautions, such as vaccines, depending on the advice of your healthcare provider before traveling to India.

7. Connecting with Other Devotees

• It may help to connect with other devotees or organizations that follow Neem Karoli Baba, such as the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Kainchi Dham or the Ram Dass Foundation. Many of these communities organize visits, pilgrimages, and spiritual events that can offer additional guidance.

In summary, the journey to Neem Karoli Baba’s ashrams involves flying from Canada to Delhi, then taking a connecting train or car ride to either Kainchi Dham or Vrindavan. Planning ahead for transport, accommodation, and any necessary visas will ensure a smoother trip.