To reach Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashram (Kainchi Dham) from Mathura, you will need to travel to Nainital district in Uttarakhand, where the ashram is located. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to travel from Mathura to Kainchi Dham:
Option 1: By Train (Mathura to Kathgodam)
Step 1: Mathura to Kathgodam by Train
Departure: You will first need to take a train from Mathura Junction (MTJ) to Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM), which is the nearest major railway station to Kainchi Dham.
Train Duration: The journey usually takes 6 to 8 hours depending on the train.
Popular Trains: There are no direct trains from Mathura to Kathgodam, but you can take a train to Delhi and then connect to Kathgodam via Bareilly or Moradabad.
Check train availability and timings on IRCTC or other travel platforms like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip.
Step 2: Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham
Distance: The distance from Kathgodam Railway Station to Kainchi Dham is about 16 km.
Duration: It will take approximately 30-40 minutes by taxi or private car.
You can hire a taxi or take a local auto-rickshaw to reach Kainchi Dham.
Option 2: By Road (Taxi or Private Car)
Step 1: Mathura to Kainchi Dham by Road
Distance: The road distance between Mathura and Kainchi Dham is approximately 350 to 380 km.
Duration: The travel time will be around 7 to 9 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
You will travel through cities such as Agra, Aligarh, and Haldwani on the way.
The route will mostly follow NH 44 and NH 109.
Route Options:
Via NH 44: A common route passing through Agra, Aligarh, and Haldwani.
Via Delhi: You can also take the Delhi route, which may take a little longer but offers better road infrastructure.
Taxi/Car Hire:
You can book a private taxi or car rental to travel directly from Mathura to Kainchi Dham.
It’s best to hire a taxi in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends.
Option 3: By Bus (Mathura to Nainital)
Step 1: Mathura to Nainital by Bus
There are long-distance buses from Mathura to Nainital, although this is a longer journey.
Duration: The bus journey typically takes around 10 to 12 hours, depending on the route and traffic.
You can check for bus options on platforms like RedBus or UPSRTC for state-run services.
Step 2: Nainital to Kainchi Dham
Once you reach Nainital, you can hire a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to Kainchi Dham.
Distance: About 16 km from Nainital.
Duration: Approx. 30-40 minutes.
Estimated Travel Summary
Mode of Transport
Duration
Distance
Cost Range
Train (Mathura to Kathgodam)
6-8 hours
300-350 km
$10 to $30 (Economy)
Taxi (Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham)
30-40 minutes
16 km
$10 to $20 (Per trip)
By Road (Taxi/Private Car)
7-9 hours
350-380 km
$100 to $150 (Per trip)
Bus (Mathura to Nainital)
10-12 hours
350-380 km
$20 to $40 (Economy)
Taxi (Nainital to Kainchi Dham)
30-40 minutes
16 km
$10 to $20 (Per trip)
Additional Travel Tips:
Train Booking: You can book train tickets through IRCTC or other platforms like MakeMyTrip and Cleartrip.
Road Travel: If you’re traveling by road, it’s advisable to hire a private taxi or car rental for more comfort and flexibility.
Bus Booking: For buses, you can book tickets via platforms like RedBus or UPSRTC for state-run buses.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kainchi Dham is between March and June (summer) and September to November (post-monsoon), as the weather is pleasant.