Enquiry
Badrinath
Location
Chamoli district in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state, India.
Distance
National Capital Delhi: 530 km State Capital Dehradun: 336 km
Altitude
3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above sea level.
Best Season To Visit
May to October
Facts About Badrinath
Badrinath, this sacred town is nestled between the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges, offering a breathtaking backdrop of towering peaks and pristine beauty. At the heart of Badrinath lies the revered Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Badrinath, a supreme deity in Hinduism. The temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus. According to legend, the temple stands at the spot where Lord Vishnu meditated for eons under the Badri tree, hence the name Badrinath. The Badrinath Temple, constructed in the traditional North Indian architectural style, features a towering shikara (spire) adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. Inside the temple, devotees can offer prayers and seek blessings from the sacred idol of Lord Badrinath, carved out of black stone, which is believed to be self-manifested.
Apart from its religious significance, Badrinath is also renowned for its stunning natural beauty and serene surroundings. The town is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and gushing rivers, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. The Alaknanda River flows through Badrinath, adding to the scenic charm of the landscape. The pilgrimage season in Badrinath typically lasts from April to November when the weather is favourable for travel. During this time, thousands of devotees embark on the sacred journey to seek blessings at the feet of Lord Badrinath.
Day
Badrinath :- Famous Visiting Places
1. Badrinath Ji Temple
Badrinath Ji Temple, also known as Badrinarayan Temple, is one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located at an altitude of 3,300 meters (10,827 feet), it is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit and the Chota Char Dham in Uttarakhand. The temple is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The presiding deity, Lord Vishnu, is worshipped in a black stone idol, considered one of the 108 Divya Desams (holy shrines for Vaishnavites). The temple is situated along the banks of the Alaknanda River, surrounded by the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges. The temple opens for pilgrims from April to November, as it remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
2. Bheem Pul
Bheem Pul is a natural stone bridge over the Saraswati River in Mana Village, near Badrinath. According to legend, this bridge was created by Bheem, one of the Pandavas, during their journey to heaven. When the Pandavas and Draupadi were crossing the Saraswati River, Bheem placed a large rock to help them cross safely, which is now known as Bheem Pul. The site offers a breathtaking view of the Saraswati River gushing through the narrow valley. It is a popular spot for tourists and pilgrims alike, owing to its mythological significance and natural beauty.
3. Charanpaduka
Charanpaduka is a revered rock located about 3 kilometers from the Badrinath Temple. It is believed to bear the footprints of Lord Vishnu. According to mythology, Lord Vishnu stepped on this rock while descending from Vaikuntha, his celestial abode. Pilgrims visit this spot to offer prayers and seek blessings. The trek to Charanpaduka is short but steep, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
4. Saraswati River
The Saraswati River, though not as prominent as the other holy rivers like Ganga or Yamuna, holds immense religious significance in Hindu mythology. It is believed to be a sacred and ancient river, now lost or flowing underground, with only a few visible stretches like the one near Mana Village, close to Badrinath. Here, the Saraswati River emerges from a glacier and flows for a short distance before merging with the Alaknanda River. The confluence is known as the Keshav Prayag. The river is also associated with the mythological Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, music, and knowledge.
5. Brahma Kapal
Brahma Kapal is a sacred ghat on the banks of the Alaknanda River near Badrinath Temple. It is believed that Lord Brahma exists at this place and performs penance. According to Hindu tradition, performing rituals for departed souls at Brahma Kapal ensures their liberation (moksha). Pilgrims come here to offer pindas (rice balls) and conduct Shraddha rituals for their ancestors. The serene atmosphere and the religious significance of the place make it an important spot for Hindu devotees.
6. Vyas Gufa
Vyas Gufa, also known as Vyas Cave, is a sacred cave located in Mana Village near Badrinath. It is believed to be the place where the sage Vyasa composed the epic Mahabharata with the help of Lord Ganesha. According to legend, Sage Vyasa dictated the epic while Lord Ganesha wrote it down. The cave is named after the sage and is revered by pilgrims and visitors alike. Inside the cave, there is an idol of Sage Vyasa, and the site is considered a place of deep meditation and spirituality.
7. Vasudhara Falls
Vasudhara Falls is a picturesque waterfall located about 9 kilometers from Badrinath, at an altitude of around 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). The waterfall drops from a height of about 400 feet and is surrounded by snow-clad mountains and lush greenery. It is said that the water of Vasudhara Falls does not touch those who are impure at heart. The trek to the falls is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning views of the Himalayan landscape. The falls are also believed to be a favorite meditation spot for sages and ascetics.
8. Tapt Kund
Tapt Kund is a natural hot water spring located near the Badrinath Temple, at the base of the Garur Shila. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Agni, the Hindu god of fire. Pilgrims take a dip in the holy waters of Tapt Kund before entering the Badrinath Temple for darshan, as it is considered to cleanse one’s body and soul. The water in the kund is said to have therapeutic properties, and it remains warm throughout the year, even in the freezing winters. The kund is divided into separate bathing areas for men and women.
9. Narad Kund
Narad Kund is another hot water spring located near the Badrinath Temple, next to Tapt Kund. It is named after the sage Narada, who is believed to have meditated here. The sacred idol of Lord Vishnu, worshipped in the Badrinath Temple, is said to have been found in this kund. Pilgrims often take a dip in Narad Kund before proceeding to the main temple. The waters of Narad Kund are considered highly auspicious, and bathing here is believed to rid one of sins and bring blessings.
10. Pandukeshwar Temple
Pandukeshwar Temple is an ancient temple located between Joshimath and Badrinath. It is believed to have been established by King Pandu, the father of the Pandavas. According to legend, King Pandu meditated here to seek forgiveness for his sins. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vasudeva, a form of Lord Vishnu. During the winter months, when the Badrinath Temple is closed, the idol of Lord Badrinath is brought to the Pandukeshwar Temple for worship. The temple is a significant religious site and attracts pilgrims and devotees throughout the year.
How to Reach
By Road
1. By Road: Bus services are available from Anand Vihar Delhi to Badrinath. Both private and public transport operator provide their services.
By Train
2. By Train: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Badrinath after Rishikesh 295 km remains to Badrinath which can be covered by road transport.
By Air
3. By Air: Jolly Grant is the nearest airport at Dehradun. Form Jolly Grant airport to Badrinath is approximatly 311 km by road. Helicopter services are also available from Dehradun to Badrinath.
Climate & Weather
summer
Summer (April to June): Summers in Badrinath are cool, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 18°C. The weather is perfect for pilgrimage, with the temple opening in late April or early May. The snow starts melting, making the surroundings lush and vibrant.
monsoon
Monsoon (July to September): Badrinath receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon, with temperatures between 10°C and 15°C. The region is prone to landslides, which can disrupt travel plans. The temple remains open, but pilgrims should be cautious.
autumn
Autumn (October to November): Autumn is chilly, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 12°C. The skies are clear, and the landscape is serene. This is the last season to visit Badrinath before the temple closes in late November for winter.
winter
Winter (December to February): Badrinath is extremely cold during winters, with temperatures dropping well below freezing. The temple is closed, and the region is covered in snow, making it inaccessible.
Hotels Around Badrinath
Badrinath, being a sacred pilgrimage site, offers limited accommodation options compared to other tourist destinations. However, there are several guesthouses, dharamshalas (pilgrim lodges), and small hotels that cater to the needs of pilgrims and travelers. Here are some accommodation options in Badrinath:
GMVN Badrinath Tourist Rest House: Operated by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), this government-run tourist rest house offers basic accommodation facilities for pilgrims and tourists. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the rest house provides essential amenities such as hot water and basic meals.
Hotel Narayan Palace: Located near the Badrinath Temple, Hotel Narayan Palace offers comfortable accommodation with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel features clean and cozy rooms, a restaurant serving vegetarian meals, and warm hospitality.
Hotel Snow Crest: Situated in the heart of Badrinath, Hotel Snow Crest offers affordable accommodation with basic amenities. The hotel provides clean rooms, hot water facilities, and a restaurant serving simple vegetarian food.
Sarovar Portico Badrinath: This upscale hotel offers luxurious accommodation with modern amenities for travelers seeking a comfortable stay in Badrinath. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Bholagiri Dharmshala: Located near the Badrinath Temple, Bholagiri Dharmshala offers budget-friendly accommodation for pilgrims and travelers. The dharmshala provides simple rooms with basic amenities and vegetarian meals for guests.
These are some of the accommodation options available in Badrinath. It's important to note that during the peak pilgrimage season, accommodation may be limited, so it's advisable to book in advance if possible. Additionally, due to the remote location and high altitude of Badrinath, facilities may be basic compared to other tourist destinations.: