How to Reach Kainchi Dham (Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashram) from the United States
To reach Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashram (Kainchi Dham), located in Nainital district, Uttarakhand, India, from the United States, the journey involves several steps, including international flights to India, domestic travel within India (by flight, train, or bus), and a local taxi to the ashram. Here’s a detailed guide:
Step 1: Flight from the United States to India
- International Flight from the United States to India:
- Major Airports in the U.S.: You can fly from major airports in the United States, such as:
- New York (JFK or Newark)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- **San Francisco (SFO)
- Major Arrival Airports in India: The two most common international airports in India to arrive at are:
- New Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport – DEL): The closest and most popular entry point.
- Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport – BOM): An alternative, but further from Kainchi Dham.
- Flight Options:
- There are direct flights from major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco to New Delhi and Mumbai.
- Airlines that offer direct flights to India from the U.S.:
- Air India
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Connecting flights through Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), Abu Dhabi (Etihad Airways), or Singapore (Singapore Airlines) are also available. Flight Duration:
- New York to New Delhi: Approx. 14-16 hours direct.
- Los Angeles to New Delhi: Approx. 16-17 hours direct.
- Chicago to New Delhi: Approx. 14-15 hours direct.
Step 2: Domestic Travel within India
Once you arrive at New Delhi (the most convenient international entry point for Kainchi Dham), you can take a flight, train, or bus to continue your journey toward Kainchi Dham.
Option A: Flight + Taxi (Fastest Option)
- New Delhi to Pantnagar (Flight):
- Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the nearest airport to Kainchi Dham, located around 70 km from the ashram.
- You can take a direct flight from New Delhi to Pantnagar with Air India or SpiceJet.
- Flight Duration: About 1 hour.
- Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham by Taxi:
- From Pantnagar, hire a taxi to Kainchi Dham (approximately 70 km).
- Taxi Duration: About 2 to 3 hours depending on road conditions.
Option B: Train + Taxi
- New Delhi to Kathgodam by Train:
- Kathgodam is a popular railway station near Kainchi Dham. It is about 35 km from the ashram.
- You can take a train from New Delhi to Kathgodam. Trains like the Ranikhet Express and Shatabdi Express are good options.
- Train Duration: Approximately 6-7 hours.
- Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham by Taxi:
- From Kathgodam, take a taxi to Kainchi Dham (approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, about 35 km).
Option C: Bus + Taxi
- New Delhi to Nainital by Bus:
- From New Delhi, you can take a bus to Nainital. Several bus services operate from ISBT Kashmiri Gate (Delhi) to Nainital.
- Bus Duration: Around 6-8 hours.
- Nainital to Kainchi Dham by Taxi:
- From Nainital, take a taxi to Kainchi Dham (about 17 km, approximately 30-40 minutes).
Step 3: Arrival at Kainchi Dham
- Kainchi Dham is a peaceful ashram surrounded by nature, and it’s a great place for meditation and spiritual reflection.
- The ashram offers basic accommodation, but it’s recommended to check in advance or book a room through their official website or local contacts.
Summary of the Travel Journey:
- Flight from the U.S. to New Delhi (approx. 14-16 hours from major U.S. cities).
- New Delhi to Pantnagar by Flight (approx. 1 hour) or New Delhi to Kathgodam by Train (approx. 6-7 hours).
- Taxi from Pantnagar/Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham (approx. 1-3 hours by road).
Alternatively, you can take a bus from New Delhi to Nainital (approx. 6-8 hours) and then take a taxi to Kainchi Dham (about 30-40 minutes).
Total Estimated Time:
- Flight (U.S. to India): 14-17 hours.
- Transit (India): 1-3 hours for flights or 6-7 hours by train.
- Taxi Duration: 1-3 hours to reach Kainchi Dham.
Total travel time from the U.S. to Kainchi Dham (including all transit and layovers) would typically take 20-30 hours.
Additional Travel Tips:
- Visa: U.S. citizens need a tourist visa to visit India. You can apply for an e-Visa online or get a regular tourist visa from the nearest Indian consulate.
- Best Time to Visit: The best months to visit Kainchi Dham are March to June (spring and early summer) and September to November (autumn). The weather is cooler and pleasant during these months.
- Booking in Advance: If you’re traveling during high seasons, such as Indian festivals or holidays, it’s advisable to book your flights, train tickets, and accommodations in advance.
Alternative Route: Via Mumbai
- If you’re landing in Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport), you can follow a similar route:
- Mumbai to New Delhi by Flight (approx. 2-3 hours).
- Follow the New Delhi to Pantnagar (by flight) or New Delhi to Kathgodam (by train) route as described earlier.