BY SWATI
Nainital/Haldwani, October 4, 2026
: A heavy rush of devotees and tourists is expected in the Nainital region as visitors head towards Kainchi Dham, the revered shrine associated with Neem Karoli Baba, during the long weekend. Traffic pressure has already increased on the Haldwani–Kathgodam–Bhowali–Nainital corridor, with more than 35,000 vehicles reportedly entering the hill region.
The rush is expected to remain significant on Sunday, October 4, particularly around Kainchi Dham, Bhowali, Bhimtal and Nainital. Police have deployed additional personnel and introduced traffic-management measures to prevent congestion.
Kainchi Dham parking and shuttle arrangements
Devotees travelling towards Kainchi Dham are being advised to use designated parking facilities rather than attempting to take private vehicles close to the temple.
- Vehicles approaching through the Bhimtal route can be parked at Bhimtal Vikas Bhawan, followed by shuttle/public transport services towards Kainchi Dham.
- Visitors coming through the Nainital-Gethia route can use the Bhowali Sanatorium parking area, from where shuttle services are available towards the temple.
- Private cabs and taxi vehicles may face restrictions in the Kainchi Dham area during periods of heavy congestion.
Diversion routes
Traffic police have planned diversions depending on traffic pressure. Heavy vehicles travelling from Almora/Ranikhet towards Haldwani may be diverted via Quarab–Khairna–Ramgarh–Mukteshwar.
Four-wheelers from Bhowali towards the hill areas may be routed through Ramgarh–Khutani, while vehicles descending from the hills may use the Quarab–Ramgarh–Nathuwakhan bypass when required.
Special evening traffic restriction
For October 4, a special traffic arrangement has also been announced for the evening. From 4 pm to 10 pm, traffic travelling from Kathgodam towards Nainital and Bhimtal is to be restricted, while vehicles coming down from the hills towards Haldwani will be allowed to exit.
Vehicles heading towards Nainital from Delhi/Dehradun can use the Kaladhungi–Nainital route, while traffic travelling via Haldwani towards Bhimtal/Bhowali can use the Mukhani–Fatehpur–Patwadangar–Beluwakhan route as an alternative.
Advisory for Neem Karoli Baba devotees
Those planning darshan at Kainchi Dham should start early, allow extra travel time, use designated parking areas and follow police instructions. Visitors are also advised to check traffic conditions before beginning their journey, as routes may be regulated or diverted depending on congestion.
