Haidakhan Babaji Temple

Located in Village Haidakhan, district Nainital, Uttarakhand, this hill temple is dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva, with shrines for Haidakhan Babaji, Lord Hanuman, Navadurga, Lord Ganesha, Radha-Krishna, Brahma, Vishnu, Kartikeya, Surya, and Gaura Ganga.

The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, making it accessible for devotees seeking darshan throughout the day. Free darshan is available for all visitors.

The best times to visit are early morning between 5–8 AM, during the morning hours up to noon, and in the pleasant winter (November–February) or summer (March–May) seasons.

The temple is especially vibrant during the festival season, hosting celebrations such as New Year Abhishek, Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami, Shri Babaji Samadhi Diwas, Maha Shivaratri, Prakatya Utsav, Holi, Chaitra Navaratras & Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, and Sharad Navaratri.

Daily rituals include the Morning Aarti and prayers from 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM, Karma Yoga (selfless service) between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, and Evening Aarti with bhajan and satsang at 7:00 PM. Poojas are conducted in Sanskrit, Hindi, and English, welcoming devotees from diverse backgrounds.

The temple maintains a modest dress code: men are encouraged to wear traditional attire like kurta-pyjama or dhoti-kurta for rituals, while women are advised to wear sarees or salwar-suits, with conservative clothing expected for all visitors.

Reaching Haidakhan Babaji Temple involves a scenic drive: from Nainital, proceed toward Bhowali via NH 109, continue along Bhowali-Ranikhet Road through Khairna, and head to Ranikhet Cantonment.

Before reaching Ranikhet town, take the slip road toward Chiliyanaula, about 4 km from the Ranikhet bus stand, and follow local signage to the temple and Anandpuri Ashram.

The nearest railway stations are Kathgodam (79 km) and Haldwani (83 km), while Pantnagar Airport is 111 km away and Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is 350 km from the temple.

Simple ashram dormitories are available within the temple complex, and nearby accommodation options include KMVN Tourist Rest House, Xomotel Ranikhet Heights, Queens Meadows Ranikhet, and Hotel Chevron Rosemount.

Parking is available near entry points, though space is limited during major festivals, and the approach involves a short uphill walk or stone steps, making it less accessible for wheelchairs.

Photography is permitted in open courtyards, gardens, and scenic viewpoints, but not inside inner sanctums or during prayers. After aartis, devotees receive traditional prasad, and communal vegetarian meals (annadanam/bhandara) are served daily, with voluntary donations welcome.

The temple’s serene setting and spiritual atmosphere make it a cherished destination for pilgrims and seekers alike. For more information, visit the official website or contact the temple directly.