Kainchi Dham is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, about 17 kilometers from Nainital and approximately 45 kilometers from the town of Almora. It is situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters in a scenic valley along the banks of the Kosi River, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.
How to Reach Kainchi Dham:
1. By Air:
The nearest airport to Kainchi Dham is Pantnagar Airport, which is about 70 kilometers away. Pantnagar has limited connectivity, so you might need to fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) and take a connecting flight. From Pantnagar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kainchi Dham, which would take about 2 to 3 hours.
2. By Train:
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station, located about 37 kilometers from Kainchi Dham. Kathgodam is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. From the station, you can hire a taxi or take local transport to Kainchi Dham, which will take approximately 1.5 hours.
3. By Road:
From Delhi: Kainchi Dham is about 340 kilometers from Delhi, and it takes around 7-8 hours to reach by road. You can either hire a taxi or take a bus from ISBT Anand Vihar in Delhi to Nainital or Haldwani, and from there, you can catch a local taxi or bus to Kainchi Dham.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Kainchi Dham is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant, and the roads are clear. During the annual Bhandara (June 15th), thousands of devotees visit the ashram, and it is a significant time for spiritual seekers to experience the energy of the place.
To reach Kainchi Dham from Kathgodam, which is the nearest railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a private vehicle. The distance is approximately 37 kilometers, and the drive typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. You would follow NH109, passing through scenic landscapes and small towns, with the route leading you towards Nainital and then towards Kainchi Dham. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Kathgodam to Bhowali and then take local transportation to Kainchi Dham. Shared Taxis from Kathgodam to Bhowali or Nainital charge Rs.150/- or 200/- per person. These are convenient and comfortable. The temple is situated near the famous Kainchi Ashram, known for its spiritual significance and beautiful surroundings.