How to Reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi by Train

Are you planning to reach the serene Kainchi Dham from the bustling city of Delhi by train? While there isn’t a direct train to Kainchi Dham itself, you can easily travel by train to the nearest major railway station and then complete your journey by road. This guide will help you plan your train journey and onward travel to the ashram.

Nearest Railway Station to Kainchi Dham

The closest major railway station to Kainchi Dham is Kathgodam (KGM), located approximately 35-43 kilometers away. Kathgodam serves as the gateway to the Kumaon region and is well-connected by train from Delhi.

How to Reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi by Train

Your journey from Delhi to Kainchi Dham by train will involve two main steps:

Step 1: Train Journey from Delhi to Kathgodam

Delhi offers excellent train connectivity to Kathgodam, with various options to suit your preferences for travel time and comfort.

• Distance: The train journey from Delhi to Kathgodam is approximately 280-300 kilometers.
• Travel Time: The train ride typically takes 5.5 to 9 hours, depending on the specific train you choose.
• Departure Stations in Delhi: Trains to Kathgodam usually depart from major Delhi railway stations like New Delhi (NDLS), Old Delhi (DLI), or Delhi Cantt (DEC).

Here are some popular train options:

1. Kathgodam Shatabdi Express (Train No. 12040):
   • Type: A fast and comfortable daytime superfast train.
   • Departure: From New Delhi (NDLS) at 06:20 AM (daily).
   • Arrival: Kathgodam (KGM) at 11:55 AM.
   • Duration: Approximately 5 hours 35 minutes.
   • Fares (approx.): AC Chair Car (CC) from ₹850-₹855, Executive Class (EC) from ₹1320-₹1325.
   • Pros: Fastest option, ideal for day travel, comfortable seating, and catering services available onboard.
   • Cons: Can be more expensive.
2. Uttar Sampark Kranti Express (Train No. 15035):
   • Type: Another convenient daily train.
   • Departure: From Old Delhi (DLI) at 04:00 PM (daily).
   • Arrival: Kathgodam (KGM) at 10:45 PM.
   • Duration: Approximately 6 hours 45 minutes.
   • Fares (approx.): Second Seating (2S) from ₹120, AC Chair Car (CC) from ₹425-₹430.
   • Pros: Economical option, suitable for afternoon departure.
   • Cons: Arrives late at night in Kathgodam, which might make onward travel slightly challenging if you haven’t pre-arranged a taxi.
3. Ranikhet Express (Train No. 15013):
   • Type: An overnight train, good if you prefer to travel while sleeping.
   • Departure: From Delhi Cantt (DEC) at 08:21 PM (daily).
   • Arrival: Kathgodam (KGM) at 05:05 AM the next morning.
   • Duration: Approximately 8 hours 44 minutes.
   • Fares (approx.): Sleeper (SL) from ₹205, AC 3-tier (3A) from ₹505-₹515, AC 2-tier (2A) from ₹710-₹720, AC 1st Class (1A) from ₹1175-₹1185.
   • Pros: Saves a day of travel, allows you to rest during the journey.
   • Cons: Arrives very early in the morning.

Booking Your Train Tickets:

• Online: The most convenient way is to book through the official IRCTC website (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) or other popular travel platforms like MakeMyTrip, Ixigo, or ConfirmTkt.
• Offline: You can also purchase tickets at any railway station in Delhi.
• Tips: Book your tickets well in advance, especially for popular trains and during peak travel seasons, as seats tend to fill up quickly.

Step 2: Road Journey from Kathgodam to Kainchi Dham

Once you arrive at Kathgodam Railway Station, you will need to complete the remaining part of your journey by road.

• Distance: Kainchi Dham is about 35-43 km from Kathgodam.
• Travel Time: This road journey usually takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions in the hills.

Here are your options for onward travel:

1. By Taxi/Cab (Most Convenient):
   • Availability: Taxis are readily available outside Kathgodam Railway Station. You can find both private and shared cabs.
   • Private Taxi Fares (approx.): Hiring a private taxi will cost between ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 for a one-way trip, depending on the vehicle type (sedan, SUV) and whether it’s peak season.
   • Shared Taxi Fares (approx.): A more budget-friendly option, shared taxis or jeeps heading towards Nainital (which pass by Kainchi Dham) can cost around ₹100 to ₹400 per person.
   • Pros: Comfortable, door-to-door service, and faster.
   • Cons: More expensive than public transport.
   • Tips: Always negotiate the fare or confirm it before starting your journey if you’re taking a private taxi.
2. By Local Bus (Economical):
   • Availability: Local buses operated by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) frequently run from Kathgodam to destinations like Nainital or Bhowali, which are very close to Kainchi Dham.
   • Fares (approx.): Bus fares are very economical, typically ranging from ₹100 to ₹130 to Kainchi Dham or nearby towns.
   • Travel Time: Bus journeys might take a bit longer, around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, due to multiple stops.
   • Pros: Very affordable.
   • Cons: Can be crowded and less comfortable, especially on winding hill roads.
   • Tips: Ask the bus conductor or driver to drop you off at Kainchi Dham, as it’s a well-known stop on the route.

Overall Journey Time

Combining your train journey from Delhi to Kathgodam and the subsequent road trip to Kainchi Dham, your total travel time will likely be:

• Fastest Option (Shatabdi + Taxi): Around 6.5 to 7.5 hours.
• Economical Option (Sampark Kranti/Ranikhet Exp + Bus/Shared Taxi): Around 8 to 11 hours.

Important Tips for Your Journey:

• Peak Season: If you are traveling during peak seasons (like summer holidays in June-July or major festivals), book your train tickets and possibly your onward taxi in advance, as demand is very high.
• Comfort: Consider the class of travel on the train based on your budget and comfort preference.
• Food: While trains have pantry cars, it’s a good idea to carry some snacks and water for your journey.
• Weather: Check the weather forecast for Kainchi Dham, especially if traveling in monsoon (July-September) or winter (December-February), as road conditions in the hills can be affected.
• Connectivity: Mobile network coverage might be patchy in some remote parts of the hills, so inform your family/friends about your travel plans.

Traveling by train from Delhi to Kathgodam offers a comfortable and efficient way to reach the vicinity of Kainchi Dham, providing a good balance between speed and experience before you delve into the serene beauty of the Kumaon hills. Enjoy your spiritual journey:)