How to Reach Neem Karoli Baba (Kainchi Dham) From Baroda
To travel from Vadodara (Baroda) to Neem Karoli Baba’s Kainchi Dham, located near Nainital, Uttarakhand, here are the best travel options:
1. By Train
The nearest railway station to Kainchi Dham is Kathgodam Railway Station, approximately 38 km away.
Steps:
- From Vadodara:
- Take a train from Vadodara Junction (BRC) to Delhi (NDLS).
- Recommended trains:
- Rajdhani Express
- August Kranti Express
- Swaraj Express
- Alternatively, you can take a train to Lucknow or Bareilly and then connect to Kathgodam.
- From Delhi to Kathgodam:
- Take a connecting train from Delhi to Kathgodam.
- Recommended trains:
- Ranikhet Express
- Shatabdi Express
- Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express
- From Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham:
- Hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kainchi Dham (~1–1.5 hours).
Duration: ~20–25 hours (including connections)
Cost: ₹1,500–₹3,000 (depending on class and train)
2. By Flight
The nearest airport to Kainchi Dham is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), 70 km away.
Steps:
- Fly from Vadodara Airport (BDQ) to Delhi (DEL).
- Multiple daily flights are available.
- From Delhi, take a connecting flight to Pantnagar Airport (PGH).
- From Pantnagar, hire a taxi to Kainchi Dham (~2 hours).
Alternative:
Instead of flying to Pantnagar, you can travel from Delhi to Kathgodam by train or bus and then take a taxi to Kainchi Dham.
Duration: ~8–10 hours (including layovers and travel time to/from airports).
Cost: ₹5,000–₹10,000 (one way).
3. By Bus
Buses are a budget-friendly option but involve multiple transfers.
Steps:
- Take a bus from Vadodara to Delhi (GSRTC or private operators).
- From Delhi, take an overnight bus to Nainital or Haldwani (near Kathgodam).
- From Haldwani or Nainital, hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kainchi Dham.
Duration: ~24–30 hours (depending on connections).
Cost: ₹2,000–₹4,000.
4. By Car
A road trip can be a scenic and adventurous way to travel.
Route:
- Distance: ~1,400 km
- Suggested Route: Vadodara → Udaipur → Jaipur → Delhi → Kathgodam → Kainchi Dham.
- Use NH48 for a smooth drive.
Duration: 24–28 hours (with stops).
Cost: Fuel and toll charges (₹8,000–₹12,000).
Tips for Your Visit to Kainchi Dham
- Best Time to Visit:
- March to June and September to November for pleasant weather.
- Accommodation:
- Stay at the ashram guesthouse (with prior permission) or in nearby towns like Bhowali or Nainital.
- Local Transport:
- Taxis are the most convenient way to travel from Kathgodam, Haldwani, or Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham.