How to reach Neem Karoli Baba from Newyork
To reach Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashram (also known as Kainchi Dham), located in Uttarakhand, India, from New York, you’ll need to follow a multi-step travel process that involves international and domestic flights, as well as road travel within India. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get there:
Step-by-Step Journey:
1. Fly from New York to India
- Departure: From John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
- Arrival: The best option is to fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi. You can also fly to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) in Amritsar, but Delhi is more commonly used for reaching Kainchi Dham. Flight Options:
- Direct flights from New York to Delhi (DEL) are available with Air India or United Airlines, and the flight duration is around 14-16 hours.
- Alternatively, you can fly with a layover via airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Etihad Airways.
2. Travel from Delhi to Kainchi Dham
After arriving in Delhi, you will need to take a domestic flight, train, or road transport to reach Kainchi Dham, which is located in Nainital district, Uttarakhand. Kainchi Dham is approximately 300 km from Delhi.
Option 1: By Train
- From New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS):
- Take a train to Kathgodam, the closest railway station to Nainital. Ranikhet Express and Uttaranchal Express are popular trains that run between Delhi and Kathgodam. The journey usually takes about 6-7 hours.
- Once you reach Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Nainital, which is around 30 km away.
- From Nainital, Kainchi Dham is about 17 km and can be reached by taxi or local transport.
Option 2: By Bus
- You can take a long-distance bus from Delhi’s ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal) to Nainital or Haldwani. The bus ride typically takes 8-10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- From Haldwani, you can hire a taxi to Kainchi Dham (about 20 km away).
Option 3: By Private Car/Taxi
- For the most direct and comfortable option, you can hire a private taxi or car from Delhi to Kainchi Dham. The road journey will take about 8-10 hours (around 300 km), depending on traffic and road conditions.
- The route usually follows National Highway 9 (NH9), passing through towns like Moradabad and Rampur before heading toward Nainital.
- Once you reach Nainital, continue your journey toward Kainchi Dham, which is located about 17 km away from Nainital on the Nainital-Almora Road.
3. Arrival at Kainchi Dham (Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashram)
- After reaching Nainital (or Haldwani), you can take a taxi or local vehicle to reach Kainchi Dham, which is located in Kainchi village.
- Kainchi Dham is a serene and peaceful ashram, popular for its spiritual significance and its connection to Neem Karoli Baba (also known as Maharaj-ji). Many devotees visit the ashram for meditation and spiritual guidance.
Summary of Travel Route:
- Fly from New York (JFK/EWR) to Delhi (DEL) – 14-16 hours.
- From Delhi, take a train (Kathgodam), bus, or private car to Nainital or Haldwani (6-10 hours).
- From Nainital/Haldwani, take a taxi to Kainchi Dham (approximately 30-45 minutes).
Additional Tips:
- Visa: Ensure you have a valid Indian tourist visa before traveling.
- Health & Safety: Make sure you are physically prepared for the travel, especially the road journeys, as they can be long and tiring.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kainchi Dham is during the cooler months, from March to June or September to November. Winters (December to February) can be quite cold, and the monsoon (July-August) may cause road disruptions.