How to Reach Kainchi Dham From Surat
To travel from Surat to Kainchi Dham (Neem Karoli Baba Ashram) near Nainital in Uttarakhand, here’s a step-by-step guide with multiple travel options:
1. By Train
The closest railway station to Kainchi Dham is Kathgodam Railway Station, approximately 38 km away.
Steps:
- From Surat:
- Take a train from Surat Railway Station (ST) to Kathgodam (KGM).
- No direct trains from Surat to Kathgodam exist, so take a connecting train via Delhi or Lucknow:
- Surat → Delhi
- Delhi → Kathgodam (e.g., Ranikhet Express or Shatabdi Express)
- From Kathgodam, hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kainchi Dham (1–1.5 hours).
Duration: ~24–30 hours (including connections)
Cost: ₹1,500–₹3,000 (depending on class and train)
2. By Bus
Travel by bus involves multiple transfers but is an affordable option.
Steps:
- Take a bus from Surat to Delhi (GSRTC or private buses).
- From Delhi, take an overnight bus to Nainital or Haldwani (near Kathgodam).
- From Haldwani or Nainital, hire a taxi or local transport to Kainchi Dham.
Duration: ~30–36 hours (total)
Cost: ₹2,000–₹4,000 (all connections combined)
3. By Flight
The nearest airport to Kainchi Dham is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), which is 70 km away.
Steps:
- Take a flight from Surat Airport (STV) to Delhi Airport (DEL).
- From Delhi, take a connecting flight to Pantnagar Airport (PGH).
- From Pantnagar, hire a taxi to Kainchi Dham (~2 hours).
Alternatively, you can skip the flight to Pantnagar and take a taxi or train from Delhi to Kathgodam, then proceed to Kainchi Dham.
Duration: ~8–10 hours (including layovers and travel time to/from airports)
Cost: ₹5,000–₹10,000 (one way)
4. By Car
If you’re planning a road trip, driving is an adventurous and scenic option.
Route:
- Distance: ~1,400 km
- Route: Surat → Udaipur → Jaipur → Delhi → Kathgodam → Kainchi Dham
- Use NH48 for a smooth drive.
Duration: 24–28 hours (depending on stops)
Cost: Fuel and toll charges (₹8,000–₹12,000)
Tips for Visiting Kainchi Dham
- Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November for pleasant weather.
- Accommodation: Stay at ashram guesthouses (with prior permission) or nearby hotels in Bhowali or Nainital.
- Local Transport: Taxis are the most convenient option for traveling from Kathgodam or nearby areas to Kainchi Dham.