Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham: Distance, Route, Taxi Tips and the Delhi to Pantnagar Guide
Many guests fly to Pantnagar and ask us the same thing: “How do we go from the airport to Neem Karoli Baba’s Kainchi Dham, and how far is it?” We are local Uttarakhand people from Rishikesh (Om Homestay), and we plan this route for guests all the time. So here is a simple honest guide to Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham, along with the distance between Delhi and Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, Pantnagar to Nainital, the airport and the nearest railway station.
The Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham distance is about 79 km by road, and it takes around 2 to 2.5 hours in a taxi. The road goes from Pantnagar to Haldwani, then Kathgodam, then up the hill through Bhowali, and Kainchi Dham is on the Nainital to Almora road. Different websites show 70 to 85 km, because the starting point (airport or university gate) is different.
- Delhi to Pantnagar: about 260 km by road, or about 237 km straight line by air (around 1 hour flight)
- Pantnagar to Nainital: about 65 to 70 km
- Best way from the airport: pre-booked private taxi, one direct trip
Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham distance and route
Kainchi Dham is the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba, near Nainital, and Pantnagar airport is the nearest airport to it. There is no airport at Kainchi Dham itself, so most people who fly come to Pantnagar and then go by road. The Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham distance is about 79 km, but because the last part is a hill road, the time is more than you think.
| From Pantnagar | Distance | Time (normal) |
|---|---|---|
| Haldwani | about 30 km | about 1 hour |
| Kathgodam railway station | about 35 km | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Nainital | about 65 to 70 km | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Kainchi Dham (Neem Karoli Baba ashram) | about 79 km | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Jim Corbett (Ramnagar side) | about 80 km | 2 to 2.5 hours |
Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham: simple route, step by step
Leave the airport area and take the road towards Haldwani. You pass fields and small towns of the Terai, flat and easy.
Haldwani is the last big town before the hills, about 30 km from Pantnagar. Traffic here can be slow, so keep a little extra time. Tea and snacks are easy to find.
After Kathgodam the road starts to climb with curves. If somebody feels vomiting, take a motion tablet before the hill road.
From Bhowali, Kainchi Dham is only about 9 km on the Nainital to Almora road. The temple is on the road side, and on busy days the cars are many, so be patient.
Distance between Delhi to Pantnagar, Uttarakhand and Pantnagar to Delhi distance
This is the second most asked question. The distance between Delhi and Pantnagar in Uttarakhand is about 260 km by road, and about 237 km in a straight line by air. The Pantnagar to Delhi distance is the same in the other direction. Road distance can change a little with the route you take, so please do not fight with your driver over small numbers.
| Delhi to Pantnagar by | Distance | Time (normal) | Our comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | about 237 km (air) | about 1 hour | Fastest. IndiGo flies this route at the time of writing, but schedules change |
| Private taxi | about 260 km | 5 to 6 hours | Door to door, good with luggage, leave early morning |
| Train to Kathgodam, then taxi | Delhi to Kathgodam about 300 km | about 4.5 to 6 hours | Good if you go straight to the hills, skip Pantnagar |
| Bus | about 260 km | 6 to 8 hours | Cheap but tiring |
Honestly, if you only want Kainchi Dham and you are in Delhi, the flight to Pantnagar saves time, but the train to Kathgodam is often easier because Kathgodam is closer to the hills. For the Delhi side, the full Delhi to Kainchi Dham road trip is about 320 km and 7 to 8 hours. If you need a car, we can arrange your taxi from Delhi.
Pantnagar to Nainital distance
The Pantnagar to Nainital distance is about 65 to 70 km, and the drive takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and the hill road. Nainital is also the best base for Kainchi Dham, because Kainchi is only about 17 km from Nainital. Many guests do this plan: Pantnagar to Nainital, one night at the lake, and Kainchi Dham the next morning.
Go to Kainchi Dham first
- If you reach Pantnagar early morning
- You visit in the morning when the crowd is less
- Then you go to Nainital and sleep there
Go to Nainital first
- If you reach in the afternoon or evening
- Rest near the lake, enjoy the evening
- Go to Kainchi Dham next morning, only 17 km
Neem Karoli Baba ashram, Kainchi Dham
Hanuman temple at Kainchi Dham
Nainital lake, 65 to 70 km from Pantnagar
Neem Karoli Baba and Steve Jobs storyWhere is Pantnagar in India and where is Pantnagar airport?
Pantnagar is in the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, in the Kumaon region, at the base of the hills in the Terai area. It is also known for the G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. The town sits between Haldwani and Rudrapur, two of the biggest cities of Kumaon, and that is why the airport is called the gateway to Kumaon.
Pantnagar airport is a small domestic airport in Pantnagar, close to the university, a few km from the town centre. It is the nearest airport to Nainital, Kainchi Dham, Bhimtal and Ranikhet, and also the closest to the Jim Corbett area on the Kumaon side. It is run by the Airports Authority of India. The airport is small, so do not expect a big terminal with many shops.
Nearest railway station to Pantnagar
The nearest railway station to Pantnagar is the small Pantnagar railway station, about 4 to 5 km from the airport and the university. Other nearby stations are Lalkuan (about 8 to 9 km) and Haldi Road, and Rudrapur City is about 18 to 20 km away. But for tourists who are going to the hills, the better station is Kathgodam, about 35 km from Pantnagar and about 30 km from Kainchi Dham, with many more trains from Delhi.
| Station | Distance from Pantnagar | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Pantnagar | about 4 to 5 km | Local trains, university area |
| Lalkuan | about 8 to 9 km | Trains on the Lucknow and Bareilly side |
| Rudrapur City | about 18 to 20 km | More options, bigger town |
| Kathgodam | about 35 km | Best for Nainital and Kainchi Dham, trains from Delhi |
Is Pantnagar airport operational?
Yes, Pantnagar airport is operational, and regular flights run between Pantnagar and Delhi. At the time of writing, IndiGo flies this route with small ATR aircraft, about 1 hour, and usually at daytime. But it is a small regional airport, and flights have gone up and down in the past years because of weather, schedule changes and low traffic. So please check the flight status on the airline website a few days before, and have a backup plan, such as a train to Kathgodam or a taxi from Delhi.
Taxi, bus and small tips for the Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham trip
Getting there
- Pre-book a taxi, specially if you land early or late
- Ask for a fixed fare before you start
- Buses go from Haldwani to Bhowali and Nainital, but it means changing
- For luggage and family, a private taxi is easier
At Kainchi Dham
- Wear simple modest clothes, remove shoes
- Entry is free, 2 to 3 hours is enough
- Avoid Thursday and Sunday for peace
- Winter is cold and the hill road can be foggy in early morning
If you are also planning Haridwar and Rishikesh after Kainchi Dham, we can help with the full Uttarakhand plan. See our rooms in Upper Tapovan or contact us, and we will tell you honestly how many days you need.
Frequently asked questions: Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham and Pantnagar airport
What is the Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham distance?
The Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham distance is about 79 km, and it takes around 2 to 2.5 hours by taxi via Haldwani, Kathgodam and Bhowali.
What is the distance between Delhi and Pantnagar, Uttarakhand?
Delhi to Pantnagar is about 260 km by road, which takes 5 to 6 hours. By air it is about 237 km, around 1 hour.
What is the Pantnagar to Delhi distance?
The Pantnagar to Delhi distance is about 260 km by road, and about 237 km by air. The drive is 5 to 6 hours, and the flight is about 1 hour.
Where is Pantnagar airport?
Pantnagar airport is in Pantnagar, in the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, near the G. B. Pant University and between Haldwani and Rudrapur. It is the nearest airport to Nainital and Kainchi Dham.
What is the Pantnagar to Nainital distance?
Pantnagar to Nainital is about 65 to 70 km, and the drive takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.
Where is Pantnagar in India?
Pantnagar is in the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, in the Kumaon region at the foot of the hills. It is known for the G. B. Pant University and its airport.
What is the nearest railway station to Pantnagar?
The nearest railway station is Pantnagar railway station, about 4 to 5 km from the airport. Lalkuan is about 8 to 9 km and Rudrapur City about 18 to 20 km. For Nainital and Kainchi Dham, Kathgodam (about 35 km) is the better station.
Is Pantnagar airport operational?
Yes, Pantnagar airport is operational, with regular flights to Delhi. It is a small regional airport and schedules can change, so please check the flight status before you travel.
Is there a direct flight from Delhi to Pantnagar?
Yes, at the time of writing there are direct flights from Delhi to Pantnagar, around 1 hour, operated by IndiGo with a small aircraft. Please check the current schedule, because timings change.
What is the best way to go from Pantnagar to Kainchi Dham?
A private taxi from Pantnagar airport is the best way. It is one direct trip of about 79 km, with no changing of vehicle, and you can stop on the way.
Planning Kainchi Dham with Rishikesh and Haridwar?
We are Om Homestay, Upper Tapovan, Rishikesh. We arrange taxi from Delhi, Haridwar and airport, and our rooms are just 1 km from Laxman Jhula. Message us on WhatsApp and we will tell you honestly what is best for your plan.