To reach Kathgodam from Agra, you have several options, including train, bus, or private car. Here’s a detailed guide on how to travel from Agra to Kathgodam, which is the nearest major railway station to Nainital and Kainchi Dham (Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashram):
Option 1: By Train (Agra to Kathgodam)
There are no direct trains from Agra to Kathgodam, but you can take a connecting train via Delhi or Moradabad.
Step-by-Step Train Journey:
Agra to Delhi:
Duration: About 2-3 hours by train.
Popular Trains: Some common trains that travel from Agra to Delhi are Shatabdi Express, Gatimaan Express, and Yamuna Express.
Booking: You can book your train tickets via IRCTC or other travel booking platforms like Cleartrip or MakeMyTrip.
Delhi to Kathgodam:
After reaching Delhi, you can board a train from Delhi Junction (NDLS) or Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) to Kathgodam.
Duration: About 6-7 hours.
Popular Trains: Ranikhet Express, Kathgodam Express, and Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express. Alternatively, you can take a train from Delhi to Moradabad and then board a Moradabad to Kathgodam train. This would be an indirect route but a viable option.
Total Duration:
Train Travel Time: 8-10 hours (including transfer time in Delhi).
Booking: Book through IRCTC or other travel platforms.
Option 2: By Road (Agra to Kathgodam)
Traveling by road is another option, especially if you prefer a more flexible journey.
By Car or Taxi:
Distance: Approximately 380-400 km.
Duration: Around 8-10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
You can take the National Highway 44 (NH 44) and National Highway 109 (NH 109) for a smoother journey.
Taxi/Private Car: You can hire a private taxi or a car rental from Agra to Kathgodam. It’s recommended to book a taxi in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Fare: A private taxi will generally cost you around ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 for a one-way trip, depending on the vehicle type and operator.
By Bus:
Duration: Approximately 10-12 hours by bus, depending on the route and stops.
Bus Operators: You can look for UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) buses or other private operators offering services from Agra to Nainital or Haldwani.
From Haldwani, you can take a local taxi or bus to Kathgodam (16 km away).
Option 3: By Air (Agra to Pantnagar)
While Agra doesn’t have an airport with direct flights to Kathgodam, you can fly to Pantnagar Airport, which is the nearest airport to Kathgodam.
Step-by-Step Flight Journey:
Agra to Delhi:
By Train/Taxi: First, take a train or taxi from Agra to Delhi (about 3-4 hours).
Delhi to Pantnagar:
Flight Duration: About 1 hour.
Airlines: Air India and IndiGo operate flights from Delhi to Pantnagar.
Booking: Book flights via Google Flights, IndiGo, or Air India.
Pantnagar to Kathgodam:
Distance: About 50 km from Pantnagar.
Taxi Duration: Approximately 1 hour by taxi.
Fare: Approx. ₹1000 to ₹1500.
Summary of Travel from Agra to Kathgodam
Mode of Transport
Route/Details
Duration
Approximate Distance
Train (Agra to Delhi)
Shatabdi Express, Gatimaan Express
2-3 hours
200 km
Train (Delhi to Kathgodam)
Ranikhet Express, Kathgodam Express
6-7 hours
300 km
Total Train Duration
Agra to Kathgodam via Delhi
8-10 hours
380-400 km
By Car (Private Taxi)
Agra → Firozabad → Moradabad → Kathgodam
8-10 hours
380-400 km
By Bus (UPSRTC)
Agra to Nainital or Haldwani
10-12 hours
380-400 km
Flight (Agra to Pantnagar)
Agra → Delhi → Pantnagar
1 hour (Flight) + 1 hour taxi
380-400 km (Total)
Additional Tips:
Book in Advance: It’s best to book your train tickets or taxi in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and festivals.
Weather Considerations: Kathgodam and Nainital can get quite cold during the winter months (November to February). Pack accordingly.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kathgodam is during March to June (summer) or September to November (post-monsoon), as the weather is generally pleasant.
