Kainchi Dham: A Quaint Ashram near Nainital, Uttarakhand

Kainchi Dham is a revered ashram in the Kumaon hills near Nainital, Uttarakhand, about 20 km away on the Nainital–Almora road. It is dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba, the Hanuman devotee known to his followers as Maharaj ji, who set up the ashram in 1964. The best time to visit is March to June and September to November, and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam while the nearest airport is Pantnagar. The ashram is open for darshan with no entry fee, and its most important day is the Bhandara on 15 June, marking the ashram’s establishment day.

With the film Hanuman Ansh renewing interest in Neem Karoli Baba, this guide walks you through his life and teachings, the ashram’s bond with Lord Hanuman, its famous visitors like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, darshan timings, the best time to visit, and how to reach Kainchi Dham.