Neem Karoli Baba Ashram Nainital

Neem Karoli Baba Ashram, also known as Kainchi Dham, is  widely known as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Uttarakhand. It is located on the Almora-Nainital road, 9 Km from Bhowali. It attracts people not only from Uttarakhand but all over India.

In this tourist guide to Neem Karoli Baba Ashram, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the history and highlights of this holy place.

So let’s get started-

Neem Karoli Baba and Kainchi Dham Ashram

Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Neem Karori Baba, was a Hindu guru and a devotee of Lord Hanuman. His real name was Lakshmi Narayan Sharma. He was born in 1900 in the village of Akbarpur in the Firozabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Baba’s teachings and spiritual practices attracted many followers, including Westerners such as Ram Dass, who wrote the book “Be Here Now” about his spiritual journey with Neem Karoli Baba.

Baba’s connection with Kainchi Dham Ashram began when he was traveling through the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. He came to the spot where Kainchi Dham is today and started meditating.

It is said that Baba had a vision of Lord Hanuman at this place and decided to stay there. He began performing spiritual practices, and his followers started coming to him.

Baba’s followers built the Kainchi Dham Ashram in the 1960s. Baba himself helped in the construction of the ashram and the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. 

The temple is located in between two hills that cross each other, giving it a unique scissor-like shape. That’s why this place is also known as Kainchi Dham.

On September 11, 1973, Neem Karoli Baba left his mortal body and attained samadhi at Vrindavan. Today, Kainchi Dham Ashram is a popular destination for spiritual seekers and tourists.

Also Read: 7 Must Visit Temples In Kumaon

Annual Fair at Kainchi Dham Ashram

Every year on June 15th, Kainchi Dham Ashram hosts a lively and colorful fair called “Kainchi Dham Mela.”

The fair is filled with traditional music, dance, and mouth-watering food that attracts a large crowd. It is believed to bring good fortune and wealth. 

The event is also a major attraction for tourists interested in experiencing India’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors can indulge in various activities and attractions, such as shopping for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs, enjoying rich folk performances, and savoring the delicious local cuisine.

Also Read: The Festival of Flowers

Celebrity Visitors to Kainchi Dham Ashram

Kainchi Dham Ashram has not only been a popular destination for spiritual seekers but has also attracted several celebrities worldwide. 

Among the most famous visitors to the ashram were Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., and Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook.

More recently, Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli and his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, visited the ashram during their trip to Uttarakhand. They paid their respects at the samadhi of Neem Karoli Baba and spent some time meditating.

Their visit was widely covered by the media, drawing attention to the ashram’s significance not only as a spiritual center but also as a tourist destination.

How to reach

To reach Kainchi Dham Ashram, visitors can take various modes of transportation.

By Air 

If traveling by air, the nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport, located approximately 68 kilometers away from the ashram. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kainchi Dham.

By Train

For those traveling by train, the nearest railway station is Kathgodam, approximately 34 kilometers away. A taxi or bus can be hired from there to reach the ashram.

By Road

If traveling by road, Kainchi Dham is easily accessible from major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Nainital, and Almora. 

The ashram is situated approximately 40 kilometers from Nainital, 18 kilometers from Almora, 130 kilometers from Dehradun, and 300 kilometers from Delhi. The roads leading to the ashram are well-maintained and offer beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

Whether you are a spiritual seeker, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Kainchi Dham Ashram is a destination that should be noticed. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to this beautiful and spiritually uplifting destination.

Happy Travelling!

Also Read: Aloo Ke Gutke Uttarakhandi Recipe