To reach Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashram (Kainchi Dham) from Khajuraho, you will need to travel by a combination of train, bus, and taxi. Since Khajuraho is located in Madhya Pradesh, and Kainchi Dham (Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram) is in Nainital district, Uttarakhand, here’s how you can make the journey:
1. Travel from Khajuraho to Kainchi Dham (Nainital)
Option A: Train + Taxi
- Khajuraho to Jhansi by Train:
- The nearest major railway station to Khajuraho is Jhansi, about 175 km away.
- You can take a train from Khajuraho to Jhansi. The most convenient train option is Chhatarpur-Jhansi Express or other trains from Khajuraho Railway Station to Jhansi Junction.
- Train Duration: The train journey will take around 4-5 hours.
- Jhansi to Kathgodam by Train:
- From Jhansi, you will need to travel to Kathgodam, which is the closest railway station to Kainchi Dham.
- You can take a train from Jhansi to Kathgodam, but there may not be a direct train, so you may need to transfer at Delhi or another major station. The Ranikhet Express or Shatabdi Express (from Delhi) are popular options.
- Train Duration: The total train journey will take about 12-14 hours, including the transfer.
- Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham by Taxi:
- From Kathgodam (approximately 35 km away), you can take a taxi to Kainchi Dham.
- Taxi Duration: The taxi ride will take around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Option B: Train via Delhi
- Khajuraho to Delhi by Train:
- You can take a train from Khajuraho to Delhi. The Chhatarpur Express or other trains can take you to New Delhi (or nearby stations like Agra).
- Train Duration: This journey takes about 10-12 hours.
- Delhi to Kathgodam by Train:
- From New Delhi, take a train to Kathgodam, such as the Ranikhet Express or Shatabdi Express.
- Train Duration: About 6-7 hours.
- Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham by Taxi:
- Once you arrive at Kathgodam, take a taxi to Kainchi Dham (about 35 km, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours).
Option C: Bus + Taxi
- Khajuraho to Jhansi by Bus:
- You can take a bus from Khajuraho to Jhansi, though the journey could take 5-6 hours.
- Jhansi to Delhi by Train or Bus:
- From Jhansi, take a train or bus to Delhi (around 6-7 hours by train).
- Delhi to Nainital by Bus:
- From Delhi, you can take a direct bus to Nainital (approximately 6-8 hours).
- Nainital to Kainchi Dham by Taxi:
- From Nainital, take a taxi to Kainchi Dham, which is about 17 km (approximately 30-40 minutes by road).
Option D: Flight + Taxi
- Khajuraho to Delhi by Flight:
- Fly from Khajuraho Airport (HJR) to New Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport).
- Flight Duration: The flight takes about 1.5 hours.
- Delhi to Pantnagar by Flight:
- From Delhi, you can take a flight to Pantnagar Airport (Pantnagar is about 70 km from Kainchi Dham).
- Flight Duration: The flight will take about 1 hour.
- Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham by Taxi:
- From Pantnagar, take a taxi to Kainchi Dham, which takes about 2-3 hours by road (around 70 km).
2. Summary of Routes
Here are a few travel route options:
- Route 1 (Train + Taxi):
- Khajuraho → Jhansi → Kathgodam (Train) → Kainchi Dham (Taxi)
- Duration: 4-5 hours to Jhansi + 12-14 hours to Kathgodam + 1 to 1.5 hours by taxi.
- Route 2 (Train via Delhi):
- Khajuraho → Delhi → Kathgodam (Train) → Kainchi Dham (Taxi)
- Duration: 10-12 hours to Delhi + 6-7 hours to Kathgodam + 1-1.5 hours by taxi.
- Route 3 (Bus + Taxi):
- Khajuraho → Jhansi → Delhi → Nainital → Kainchi Dham (Bus + Taxi)
- Duration: 5-6 hours to Jhansi + 6-7 hours to Delhi + 6-8 hours to Nainital + 30-40 minutes by taxi.
- Route 4 (Flight + Taxi):
- Khajuraho → Delhi → Pantnagar (Flight) → Kainchi Dham (Taxi)
- Duration: 1.5 hours flight to Delhi + 1 hour flight to Pantnagar + 2-3 hours by taxi.
Travel Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Kainchi Dham is from March to June and September to November, as the weather is pleasant during these months.
- Book in Advance: Try to book your train and flight tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (like festivals and holidays).
- Accommodation: The ashram has basic accommodation facilities, but it’s always a good idea to check availability and book ahead, especially during busy seasons.
Would you like further assistance with train schedules, flight bookings, or any other part of the journey?