Kainchi Dham, located near Nainital in Uttarakhand, is a peaceful spiritual retreat associated with Neem Karoli Baba. If you’re traveling from Bangalore to Kainchi Dham, it’s a long journey, but there are multiple ways to make the trip using a combination of flights, trains, and road transport. Below, we’ll outline the most common travel routes and options.
How to Reach Kainchi Dham from Bangalore
1. By Air (Flight from Bangalore to Pantnagar)
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Kainchi Dham from Bangalore is by taking a flight to Pantnagar, the nearest airport to Kainchi Dham. From there, you can hire a taxi to the ashram.
Step 1: Flight from Bangalore to Pantnagar
- No direct flights: There are no direct flights from Bangalore to Pantnagar. You will need to take a connecting flight, usually through Delhi.
- Duration: The total flight time (including layovers) is usually around 6 to 8 hours, depending on the connection time in Delhi.
Step 2: Taxi from Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham
- The distance from Pantnagar Airport to Kainchi Dham is around 70 kilometers, and the journey by taxi takes approximately 2 hours.
- Taxi fare: A private taxi from Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham typically costs between INR 2,000 to INR 3,000, depending on the vehicle type and season.
2. By Air (Flight from Bangalore to Delhi)
Another option is to fly from Bangalore to Delhi and then travel by road or train to Kainchi Dham. This route is longer but offers more frequent flights and transportation options from Delhi.
Step 1: Flight from Bangalore to Delhi
- There are direct flights from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi.
- Duration: The flight takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Step 2: From Delhi to Kainchi Dham (By Road or Train)
Once you land in Delhi, you have two main options to reach Kainchi Dham: by road or by train.
A. By Road from Delhi to Kainchi Dham
You can hire a taxi or drive from Delhi to Kainchi Dham. The distance is around 320 kilometers, and the journey typically takes about 7 to 9 hours.
- Best route: Via NH9, passing through Ghaziabad, Moradabad, Rudrapur, Kathgodam, and Bhimtal.
- Taxi fare: A private taxi from Delhi to Kainchi Dham costs between INR 6,000 to INR 10,000, depending on the vehicle type (Sedan or SUV) and whether you book a one-way or round trip.
- Self-drive option: You can also rent a car from Delhi if you prefer a self-drive trip.
B. By Train from Delhi to Kathgodam (Nearest Station)
If you prefer to travel by train, you can take a train from Delhi to Kathgodam, the nearest major railway station to Kainchi Dham.
Step 1: Train from Delhi to Kathgodam
- Kathgodam is well-connected to Delhi by several daily trains. Some popular trains include:
- Shatabdi Express: One of the fastest and most comfortable options.
- Ranikhet Express: An overnight train, ideal for those who want to sleep during the journey.
- Duration: The train journey from Delhi to Kathgodam takes around 5 to 7 hours.
Step 2: Taxi from Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham
- From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi to Kainchi Dham, which is around 38 kilometers away.
- Taxi fare: The taxi fare from Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham is typically between INR 1,200 to INR 2,000.
- Travel time: The drive takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
3. By Train (Bangalore to Kathgodam)
If you prefer train travel all the way, there’s an option to take a long-distance train from Bangalore to Kathgodam. However, this will involve more travel time and planning.
Step 1: Train from Bangalore to Delhi
There are several trains from Bangalore to New Delhi. Some popular ones include:
- Karnataka Express
- Rajdhani Express
- Duration: The journey from Bangalore to Delhi takes around 33 to 40 hours, depending on the train.
Step 2: Train from Delhi to Kathgodam
Once you reach Delhi, you can take one of the Delhi to Kathgodam trains mentioned earlier.
Step 3: Taxi from Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham
From Kathgodam, hire a taxi to Kainchi Dham, as there are plenty of reliable taxi services in Nainital.
4. By Road (Self-Drive or Bus from Bangalore to Kainchi Dham)
While less common, some adventurous travelers prefer a road trip. If you’re looking for an extended journey, you could drive or take a long-distance bus.
By Self-Drive
- Driving from Bangalore to Kainchi Dham is a 2,200 km journey that can take 2 to 3 days, depending on how many stops you make.
- You would travel through cities like Hyderabad, Nagpur, Jhansi, and Delhi before heading towards Uttarakhand.
By Bus
- While there is no direct bus from Bangalore to Kainchi Dham, you can take a bus from Bangalore to Delhi and then either hire a taxi or take a bus from Delhi to Nainital. From Nainital, Kainchi Dham is just a short taxi ride away (around 18 kilometers).
Summary of Travel Options
- Fastest Route: Flight from Bangalore to Pantnagar (via Delhi) + taxi from Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham.
- Budget-Friendly Route: Flight from Bangalore to Delhi + train from Delhi to Kathgodam + taxi from Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham.
- Longest Route (All-Train): Train from Bangalore to Delhi + train from Delhi to Kathgodam + taxi to Kainchi Dham.
Conclusion
Reaching Kainchi Dham from Bangalore involves a combination of air, train, or road travel. The most efficient way is flying to Pantnagar or Delhi, then taking a taxi or train to Kathgodam and onward to Kainchi Dham. Choose the route that best suits your budget, schedule, and comfort preferences, and enjoy a serene visit to this peaceful spiritual haven.