Kainchi Dham: Visiting Neem Karoli Baba's Ashram near Nainital

Kainchi Dham is the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba, in a narrow, forested bend of the Shipra stream on the road from Bhowali to Almora. Founded in the 1960s by the saint, whom his devotees call Maharaj-ji, it has become one of the most visited places in Kumaon, drawing people from across India and abroad. Some come because of the story of Steve Jobs's visit in 1974, many more out of devotion to Hanuman and to the Baba himself. Here is how to plan a visit.

The ashram

The ashram sits on both sides of the road where it makes two sharp turns, like the blades of scissors, which gives the place its name: kainchi means scissors. Its temples are dedicated to Hanuman, whom Neem Karoli Baba worshipped, and to Ram and Sita, Vaishno Devi and Shiva, with a shrine to the Baba himself. It is a working ashram: inside, visitors are asked to keep silent, not to take photographs and to dress modestly. Prasad is given at the gate.

The 15 June foundation day

The biggest day of the year is 15 June, the anniversary of the temple's foundation, when a fair and bhandara bring very large crowds; police set one-way traffic and parking far from the ashram, and the roads from Bhowali and Bhimtal jam for hours. Arrive the day before and walk, or choose another date if you want a quiet darshan. Weekends and holidays are also crowded; weekday mornings are calmest.

Getting there

Kathgodam is the nearest railhead, with trains from Delhi; taxis and shared jeeps run from there and from Haldwani. From Nainital it is under an hour by road through Bhowali. Parking near the ashram is limited and is often moved further away on busy days, so expect to walk.

Opening hours and etiquette

• The ashram is open to visitors in the daytime, usually from early morning to the early evening; check locally, as the timings change on festival days.
• Dress modestly, remove shoes where asked, and keep phones away inside.
• Do not photograph inside the temple area.
• Food is not sold inside; there are tea stalls and small eateries along the road.
• Stays at the ashram are for devotees by prior arrangement, not walk-in visitors.

Combining Kainchi Dham with a trip

Kainchi Dham is often added to a few days at Nainital, Bhimtal or Mukteshwar, or to the drive to Almora and beyond. From the Jim Corbett side, it makes a long day trip from Ramnagar through Kaladhungi and Nainital; or stop at Kainchi on the way between Corbett and the Kumaon hills. Our Corbett safari zones guide helps plan that half of the trip.

Where to stay

Bhowali, Bhimtal and Nainital, each within an hour, have the most rooms near the ashram; see our Nainital travel guide. Pulp lists hotels in Ramnagar, about two and a half hours away, which suits a trip that combines a Corbett safari with a visit to Kainchi Dham. Around 15 June, book well in advance wherever you stay.