Are you planning a spiritual journey from the historic city of Patna to the peaceful Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand? This is a considerable journey, but you can conveniently combine train travel with a short road trip to reach your destination. 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 various cities, including Patna.
How to Reach Kainchi Dham from Patna by Train
Your journey from Patna to Kainchi Dham by train will involve two main steps:
Step 1: Train Journey from Patna to Kathgodam
- Distance: The train journey from Patna to Kathgodam is approximately 750-890 kilometers, depending on the specific route and connections.
- Travel Time: The train ride typically takes 16 to 23 hours, depending on the train and any layovers/transfers.
- Departure Stations in Patna: Trains to Kathgodam usually depart from Patna Junction (PNBE) or nearby stations like Sonpur Jn (SEE).
Here’s a common train option:
- Bagh Express (Train No. 13019):
- Type: A daily Mail/Express train.
- Departure: This train originates from Howrah, but it stops at Sonpur Junction (SEE), which is near Patna. It departs Sonpur Junction around 11:23 PM (check latest timings).
- Arrival: Kathgodam (KGM) around 09:30 AM the next morning.
- Duration: Approximately 22 hours from Sonpur Junction.
- Fares (approx.): Sleeper (SL) from ₹430-₹500, AC 3-tier (3A) from ₹1,200-₹4,800, AC 2-tier (2A) from ₹1,700-₹6,500. Fares can vary significantly based on booking class and availability.
- Pros: Direct train, allowing you to complete the long journey overnight and arrive in the morning.
- Cons: Very long journey duration.
- Connecting Trains via Delhi/Kanpur/Moradabad:
- If direct trains are not available or suitable, you can also take a train from Patna to major railway hubs like Delhi (NDLS/DLI/NZM/ANVT), Kanpur Central (CNB), or Moradabad (MB).
- From these hubs, especially Delhi, you’ll find frequent connecting trains to Kathgodam (e.g., Kathgodam Shatabdi Express from Delhi, taking about 5.5 hours).
- Pros: More flexibility in train timings and classes.
- Cons: Involves changing trains, which adds to travel time and coordination.
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 or Yatra.
- Offline: You can also purchase tickets at any railway station in Patna.
- Tips: Book your tickets well in advance, especially for AC classes and during peak travel seasons, as seats tend to fill up quickly due to the long distance.
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:
- 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 generally 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.
- 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 Patna to Kathgodam and the subsequent road trip to Kainchi Dham, your total travel time will likely be:
- Using a direct train (like Bagh Express) + Taxi: Around 23 to 25 hours.
- Using connecting trains + Taxi/Bus: This can vary significantly but expect it to be similar or slightly longer than the direct train option, potentially up to 25-30 hours depending on layovers.
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: For such a long journey, consider booking AC class in the train for more comfort.
- Food: While trains have pantry cars, it’s a good idea to carry some snacks and water for your journey, especially for the longer train rides.
- 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 Patna to Kathgodam offers a robust and often economical way to cover the long distance before you immerse yourself in the serene beauty and spiritual calm of Kainchi Dham. Enjoy your journey:)
