Khaptad Baba, whose monastic name was Swami Sachchidananda Saraswati, is said to have been a doctor before renouncing worldly life. He settled on the Khaptad plateau in the mid-20th century and stayed for around five decades, receiving visitors including members of the royal family and writing on spiritual themes. He died in 1996 and is remembered across the far west.
The ashram is a short walk from the park headquarters, set among oak and rhododendron. You can see his hut, the meditation area and the small shrine. Caretakers ask visitors to keep silence, remove shoes where indicated and not bring alcohol, meat or tobacco near the site.
We usually allow an hour of quiet sitting or slow walking in the forest around the ashram. It is a good counterpoint to the long walk in and appeals to pilgrims as well as trekkers who simply enjoy the stillness of the plateau.
Good for
- Pilgrims
- Solo
- Seniors
- Couples
Questions travellers ask
Who was Khaptad Baba?
Khaptad Baba, born as and later known as Swami Sachchidananda Saraswati, was a hermit who meditated on the Khaptad plateau for around fifty years until his death in 1996. He encouraged protection of the forest, and the national park was established in 1984 partly on his advice. His ashram remains a place of pilgrimage.
Are there rules for visiting Khaptad Baba ashram?
Yes. Keep silence or speak softly, remove shoes where asked, and do not bring alcohol, meat, eggs or tobacco into the ashram area. Photography of the hut and surroundings is usually fine, but ask the caretaker first. Visitors of all faiths are welcome.
Can I stay at Khaptad Baba ashram?
The ashram is not a guesthouse, though pilgrims sometimes find simple shelter nearby, especially during festivals. Trekking groups normally camp at sites designated by the park office or use basic park-area shelters. We arrange camping so that we do not rely on space that may not be available.
