Nainital emerges as hub of religious tourism; Kainchi Dham, Naina Devi temples rejuvenated under Manaskhand Project
Nainital is no longer just about lakes and sightseeing. With devotees flocking year-round to temples like Kainchi Dham and Naina Devi, the city has become a new center of faith and spirituality. Religious tourism is reshaping its identity and boosting the local economy.
Nainital: Known for its lakes, valleys, and colonial charm, Nainital is now witnessing a new transformation. The city has rapidly emerged as a hub of religious tourism, attracting thousands of devotees every day.
Once famous mainly as a summer hill station, Nainital is now a year-round destination for faith and spirituality.
Thousands of devotees visit the shrine daily
The biggest driver of this change is Kainchi Dham, the ashram of Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj. Thousands of devotees visit the shrine daily, including pilgrims from across India and abroad. This steady influx has changed the rhythm of tourism in Nainital. Hotels, taxi operators, shopkeepers, and guides are benefiting directly from the growing number of visitors.
Other temples such as Naina Devi Temple, Hanumangarhi, Nanda Devi Temple, and Golu Devta Temple in Ghorakhal are also witnessing a surge in devotees. Together, these sites have given Nainital a new identity—no longer just a tourist town, but a spiritual center.
Religious tourism has now reshaped the city’s tourism landscape
Ved Sah, General Secretary of the Nainital Hotel Association, explained that while Nainital was once famous for summer tourism, religious tourism has now reshaped the city’s tourism landscape. Devotees visiting Kainchi Dham also travel to nearby destinations like Bhimtal, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, and Jageshwar Dham, boosting tourism in surrounding areas.
Ancient temples are being rejuvenated
A major initiative driving this transformation is the Manaskhand Project, under which ancient temples are being rejuvenated. The Naina Devi Temple is undergoing a grand facelift, with beautification work progressing rapidly. This project aims to provide better facilities for devotees while strengthening Nainital’s religious identity.
Religious tourism is steadily increasing in Nainital
District Tourism Officer Atul Bhandari confirmed that religious tourism is steadily increasing in Nainital and nearby regions. The government is promoting this sector through several schemes. At Kainchi Dham, multi-level parking, meditation centers, and toilets are being constructed for the convenience of visitors. A bypass road has also been built to reduce traffic congestion.
Growing religious tourism will strengthen the local economy
Beautification work is also underway at the Ghorakhal Golu Devta Temple and Maa Naina Devi Temple. These efforts are part of a larger plan to make Nainital a major center of faith and spirituality. The administration believes that the growing religious tourism will not only strengthen the local economy but also give Nainital a new identity.
Local businesses are already seeing the benefits. Hoteliers report higher occupancy throughout the year, while shopkeepers and taxi drivers note increased earnings. Religious tourism has created new opportunities for guides and service providers, ensuring that the benefits reach the grassroots level.