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Kainchi Dham

Kainchi Dham: A Quaint Ashram near Nainital, Uttarakhand



Neem Karoli Baba Ashram, Kainchi Dham

Kainchi Dham is situated at an altitude of 1400m above sea level on the banks of the Kosi river in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, approx 20km from Nainital. Kainchi Dham got the name from its location. It is located at a place where two hills cut and cross each other in the shape of Kainchi  which means scissors.

Kainchi Dham is the place where Neem Karoli Baba spent the last years of his life. Popularly known as Maharaj ji by his followers, Neem Karoli Baba was a Hindu guru and a devotee of the Hindu god Hanuman. Locals believe that Baba is an incarnation of Lord Hanuman. There stands an ashram on the name of Neem Karoli baba and Hanuman Temple that attracts thousands of visitors each year. A Kalash containing Baba’s ashes was installed in Kainchi Dham Ashram. The ashram is surrounded by hills and trees along with a river flowing just beside the Ashram. It is a heaven for people who seek peace and calm. 

The Kainchi Dham became famous when Steve Jobs, Ex-CEO of Apple visited the temple and meditated here in 1973. Later the Neem Karori Baba Ashram was also visited by Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook. Recently, the Kainchi Dham Ashram was visited by the Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and his wife and the Bollywood  actor Anushka Sharma. 

Anyone who wishes to visit the ashram needs prior permission. He/she can stay in the ashram for a maximum of three days after a permission letter from the ashram and a reference letter from one of the older devotees. The Neem Karoli Baba ashram is now looked after by Shri Ma- the principle disciple of Neem Karoli Baba. 

How to Reach Kainchi Dham Nainital

Located on the Nainital- Almora road, Kainchi Dham is situated at a distance of 20km from Nainital and 8km from Bhowali. Delhi to Kainchi Dham distance is 310 km approx. It is easily connected by motorable roads with all the nearby destinations of Uttarakhand.

Kainchi Dham by Air

The nearest airport to reach Kainchi Dham is Pantnagar Airport which is at a distance of about 71km. You can hire a taxi/ cab from the airport to reach Kainchi Dham.
Regular flights from New Delhi to Pantnagar: Indigo, Air India, and Spicejet

  • Time taken by the fastest flight is: 2h 15m approx

Regular flights Air India operate between Mumbai and Pantnagar.

  • Time taken by the fastest flight is: 7h approx

Kainchi Dham by Rail

The nearest railway station to reach Kainchi Dham is Kathgodam Railway Station which is at a distance of 37km approx. Cab/ Taxi is easily available from the station to reach Kainchi Dham.
Regular trains from New Delhi to Kathgodam are Ndls- Kgm Shatabdi Express, Ranikhet Express, Uttranchal Sampark Kranti Express, etc
Train from Mumbai to Kathgodam is BDTS- RMR Weekly SF Express, etc 

Kainchi Dham by Road

Kainchi Dham is situated on NH-109 which runs in Uttarakhand connecting the entire Kumaon region to the state and the country. The nearest bus stand to reach Kainchi Dham is the Nainital Bus stand (18km approx). Kainchi Dham is well connected by road to the various cities of the Kumaon region.

Best Time To Visit Kainchi Dham

Kainchi Dham Ashram welcomes pilgrims throughout the year. March to October is the best time when Kainchi Dham is visited by thousands of Pilgrims. The ashram is accessible only when Shri Ma is present in the ashram. During winters you cannot go inside the ashram because the ashram remains closed due to cold weather.

Activities in the Kainchi Dham Ashram

The Hanuman Chalisa is recited numerous times in the ashram throughout the day along with morning and evening prayers. You will find numerous followers chanting Maharaj Ji ki Jai. Pure vegetarian food is cooked and served in the ashram kitchen. Every year on 15th June a fair (Bhandara) is organized at the ashram which is visited by tourists as well as locals to celebrate the birth anniversary of Baba.