How to Reach Kainchi Dham From Mumbai
To travel from Mumbai to Neem Karoli Baba’s Kainchi Dham, near Nainital, Uttarakhand, you have several travel options. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each:
1. By Train
The nearest railway station to Kainchi Dham is Kathgodam Railway Station, around 38 km away.
Steps:
- From Mumbai:
- Take a train from Mumbai CST (CST) or Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak (LTT) to Delhi (NDLS).
- Recommended trains from Mumbai to Delhi:
- Mumbai Rajdhani Express
- August Kranti Express
- Swaraj Express
- From Delhi to Kathgodam:
- From Delhi, take a connecting train 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: ~24–30 hours (including connections)
Cost: ₹1,500–₹3,500 (depending on class)
2. By Flight
The nearest airport to Kainchi Dham is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 70 km away.
Steps:
- Fly from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi.
- 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 take a train or bus from Delhi to Kathgodam and then travel to Kainchi Dham by taxi.
Duration: ~8–10 hours (including layovers and travel time to/from airports)
Cost: ₹6,000–₹12,000 (one way)
3. By Bus
Traveling by bus is an economical but time-consuming option.
Steps:
- Take a bus from Mumbai 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: ~30–36 hours (depending on connections)
Cost: ₹2,500–₹5,000
4. By Car
Driving from Mumbai is an adventurous option, offering scenic views but requiring a long journey.
Route:
- Distance: ~1,600 km
- Suggested Route: Mumbai → Surat → Udaipur → Jaipur → Delhi → Kathgodam → Kainchi Dham
(You’ll be using NH48 and NH9 for most of the journey.)
Duration: 28–30 hours (depending on breaks and stops)
Cost: Fuel and toll charges (₹12,000–₹15,000)
Additional Tips:
- Best Time to Visit:
- The best time is between March and June or from September to November when the weather is pleasant.
- Accommodation:
- You can stay at the ashram guesthouse (with prior permission) or opt for hotels in nearby towns like Bhowali or Nainital.
- Local Transport:
- From Kathgodam, you can hire taxis to Kainchi Dham. It’s also possible to find local buses.
