To reach Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashram (Kainchi Dham) from Fiji and Canada, the journey will involve several steps, including international flights to India, domestic travel within India (by train, flight, or bus), and then a local taxi to Kainchi Dham in Nainital district, Uttarakhand.
Here’s a detailed guide for both Fiji and Canada:
1. How to Reach Kainchi Dham from Fiji
Step 1: Fly from Fiji to India
- International Flight:
The most common international airports to fly from Fiji to India are Nadi International Airport (NAN) or Suva Nausori International Airport (SUV). You will likely fly to New Delhi, as it is the main international gateway to India. Flights from Fiji:
- There are no direct flights from Fiji to India, so you’ll likely have to take a connecting flight via major hubs like Singapore (Changi Airport), Dubai (Dubai International Airport), or Hong Kong.
- Airlines: Qantas, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific often have routes with layovers. Flight Duration:
- Nadi to New Delhi: The total flight duration (including layovers) will be around 16-20 hours, depending on the layover time and connecting city.
Step 2: Domestic Travel in India
After arriving in New Delhi, you can choose to travel to Kainchi Dham either by train, flight, or bus.
Option A: Flight + Taxi (Faster Option)
- New Delhi to Pantnagar (Flight):
- Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the nearest airport to Kainchi Dham, about 70 km away.
- Take a flight from New Delhi to Pantnagar with airlines like Air India or SpiceJet.
- Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
- Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham by Taxi:
- Once you arrive in Pantnagar, take a taxi to Kainchi Dham (approximately 70 km).
- Taxi Duration: 2-3 hours.
Option B: Train + Taxi
- New Delhi to Kathgodam (Train):
- Take a train from New Delhi to Kathgodam, which is the nearest major railway station to Kainchi Dham. The Ranikhet Express and Shatabdi Express are good options.
- Train Duration: Approximately 6-7 hours.
- Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham by Taxi:
- From Kathgodam, hire a taxi to Kainchi Dham (approximately 35 km, about 1-1.5 hours).
Option C: Bus + Taxi
- New Delhi to Nainital (Bus):
- From New Delhi, you can take a bus to Nainital (about 6-8 hours).
- Nainital to Kainchi Dham by Taxi:
- From Nainital, take a taxi to Kainchi Dham (approximately 17 km, about 30-40 minutes).
2. How to Reach Kainchi Dham from Canada
Step 1: Fly from Canada to India
The most common entry points for Canadian travelers are New Delhi and Mumbai.
Flights from Canada:
- Toronto to New Delhi or Mumbai:
- Direct flights are available from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to New Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM).
- Flight Duration: Approx. 13-15 hours.
- Vancouver to New Delhi or Mumbai:
- There are no direct flights from Vancouver to India, but you can find connecting flights via Dubai, Doha, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
- Flight Duration: Total duration (with layovers) will be around 17-22 hours. Airlines: Air Canada, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Air India are popular choices.
Step 2: Domestic Travel in India
Once you arrive in New Delhi (or Mumbai), you can proceed with the domestic leg of your journey to Kainchi Dham.
Option A: Flight + Taxi (Faster Option)
- New Delhi to Pantnagar (Flight):
- From Delhi, take a flight to Pantnagar Airport (approximately 1 hour).
- Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham by Taxi:
- From Pantnagar, take a taxi to Kainchi Dham (approximately 70 km, 2-3 hours by road).
Option B: Train + Taxi
- New Delhi to Kathgodam (Train):
- From New Delhi, take a train to Kathgodam (about 6-7 hours).
- Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham by Taxi:
- From Kathgodam, take a taxi to Kainchi Dham (approximately 35 km, 1-1.5 hours by road).
Option C: Bus + Taxi
- New Delhi to Nainital (Bus):
- Take a bus from New Delhi to Nainital (around 6-8 hours).
- Nainital to Kainchi Dham by Taxi:
- From Nainital, take a taxi to Kainchi Dham (about 17 km, 30-40 minutes by road).
Travel Tips for Both Fiji and Canada Travelers:
- Visa: Both Fiji and Canada passport holders will need to apply for a tourist visa to visit India. e-Visa is available for most countries, but it’s important to check eligibility and apply in advance.
- Weather: The best time to visit Kainchi Dham is from March to June (spring and early summer) and September to November (autumn), as the weather is pleasant.
- Booking in Advance: If traveling during the peak season (especially during major Indian festivals), make sure to book your flights, trains, and accommodations in advance.
- Stay in Kainchi Dham: There are simple guesthouses and accommodation options around the ashram. It’s advised to check availability and book ahead if possible, especially during high seasons or festivals.
Summary of Routes for Both Fiji and Canada Travelers
- Flight from Fiji or Canada to New Delhi (or Mumbai for Canadian travelers).
- Flight to Pantnagar (recommended for faster travel) or train to Kathgodam.
- Taxi from Pantnagar/Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham (approximately 1-3 hours by road, depending on the airport or station).
- Alternatively, take a bus from New Delhi to Nainital and a taxi to Kainchi Dham.