Badrinath
( Uttarakhand )
Introduction
Badrinath, one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations in India, is nestled in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,133 meters. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Badrinath Temple stands proudly along the banks of the mighty Alaknanda River, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, vibrant valleys, and pure Himalayan air.
Part of the Char Dham and the Chota Char Dham Yatra, Badrinath is a symbol of spiritual awakening, devotion, and eternal peace. The sacred Neelkanth Peak rising behind the temple creates a heavenly backdrop that makes every pilgrim’s journey unforgettable.
From the colorful temple architecture to the soothing hot springs of Tapt Kund, the natural beauty combined with spiritual divinity makes Badrinath a pilgrimage that stays in the heart forever.
Quick Info Box
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Chamoli District, Uttarakhand |
| Altitude | 3,133 meters |
| Best Time to Visit | May–June & September–October |
| Temple Season | Opens: April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) — Closes: October/November |
| Temple Timings | 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Darshan Types | General Darshan, Abhishek Puja, Aarti Darshan |
| Ideal Duration | 2–3 Days |
| Famous For | Vishnu Temple, Neelkanth Peak, Hot Springs, Char Dham |
| Nearest Airport | Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (310 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Rishikesh (293 km) |
| Languages | Hindi, Garhwali, English |
| Photography | Allowed outside temple; not inside sanctum |
| Entry Fee | Free |
Temple Overview
Badrinath is a serene Himalayan town known for its peaceful environment, legendary history, and spiritual importance. According to mythology, Lord Vishnu meditated here, protected by the Badri tree (jujube), which inspired the temple’s name.
The colorful Badrinath Temple, with its traditional Garhwali architecture, stands out beautifully in the snow-covered valley. The sacred Alaknanda River flows by the temple, enhancing the divine ambience of the town.
Visitors also explore nearby attractions such as Mana Village, waterfalls, caves, rivers, viewpoints, and ancient temples — all within short distances.
Badrinath offers an unforgettable blend of devotion and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, making it a must-visit for spiritual travelers.
Top 11 Attractions in Badrinath
1. Badrinath Temple (Main Shrine)
Famous For: Vishnu Temple, Char Dham pilgrimage
Timings: 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Expanded Description:
The colorful temple stands amidst the snow-capped Himalayas. Inside the sanctum lies the black stone idol of Lord Badri Narayan in meditation posture. Devotees attend the morning Maha Aarti and evening Shayan Aarti for divine blessings.
Tips:
• Visit early morning for peaceful darshan
• Carry warm layers even in May–June
2. Tapt Kund (Hot Water Spring)
Famous For: Natural hot spring at 45°C
Timings: 24 Hours
Expanded Description:
Pilgrims take a purifying dip in the Tapt Kund before temple darshan. The water remains naturally warm even in freezing weather.
Tips:
• Best visited before darshan
• Carry a towel & extra clothing
3. Brahma Kapal
Famous For: Ancestral rituals & spiritual ceremonies
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Expanded Description:
A sacred flat platform beside Alaknanda River where devotees perform shradh rituals for ancestors.
Tips:
• Perform rituals in morning for best experience
4. Mana Village (Last Indian Village)
Famous For: Scenic Himalayan village, cultural heritage
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Expanded Description:
Just 3 km from Badrinath, Mana offers stone houses, local handicrafts, Himalayan views, and mythological spots.
Tips:
• Visit early morning for least traffic
5. Vyas Gufa (Vyas Cave)
Famous For: Place where Maharishi Vyas wrote Mahabharata
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Expanded Description:
A natural cave where Vyas dictated the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha.
Tips:
• Perfect for mythology lovers
6. Ganesh Gufa (Ganesh Cave)
Famous For: Cave where Lord Ganesha wrote Mahabharata
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Expanded Description:
Located near Vyas Gufa, this cave is peaceful and historically important.
Tips:
• Great for photography
7. Bheem Pul
Famous For: Mythical stone bridge over Saraswati River
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Expanded Description:
This natural stone bridge is believed to have been placed by Bheem during the Mahabharata. The thunderous flow of the Saraswati beneath is mesmerizing.
Tips:
• Use caution; water flow is strong
8. Saraswati River Origin (Keshav Prayag)
Famous For: Origin point of the sacred Saraswati
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Expanded Description:
The river gushes out from a narrow rock, offering dramatic views and a divine atmosphere.
Tips:
• Great for video & photography
9. Neelkanth Peak Viewpoint
Famous For: Sunrise views behind the temple
Expanded Description:
The snow-covered peak glows golden at sunrise, creating a heavenly backdrop.
Tips:
• Best between 4:45 AM – 6 AM
10. Charanpaduka
Famous For: Footprints of Lord Vishnu on a rock
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Expanded Description:
A steep trek of 2.5 km offering scenic views of the valley and believed to hold Vishnu’s footprints.
Tips:
• Wear trekking shoes
• Avoid during rain
11. Vasudhara Falls
Famous For: Himalayan waterfall near Mana Village
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Expanded Description:
A beautiful waterfall surrounded by glaciers. Local belief says the water only touches the pure-hearted.
Tips:
• 6 km trek — ideal for trekkers
• Visit on clear days only
Best Cafés & Local Eateries
1. Badri Vishal Restaurant
Ideal for North Indian meals.
2. Saket Restaurant
Hot parathas, thalis & snacks.
3. TTD & GMVN Canteens
Affordable, simple vegetarian meals for pilgrims.
How to Reach
By Air:
• Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) — 310 km
• Helicopter services available (Sahastradhara → Badrinath)
By Road:
• Rishikesh → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath
• Well-connected by buses & taxis
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Rishikesh to Badrinath
• Start early from Rishikesh
• Stop at Devprayag & Rudraprayag
• Arrive in Badrinath
• Evening Aarti darshan
Day 2: Explore Badrinath
• Morning darshan
• Visit Tapt Kund
• Brahma Kapal rituals
• Mana Village → Vyas Gufa → Bheem Pul → Saraswati River
• Sunset at Neelkanth viewpoint
Day 3: Trek & Return
• Trek to Charanpaduka
• Visit Vasudhara Falls (optional)
• Return to Joshimath / Rishikesh
Budget Breakdown (Approx.)
| Category | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1000–2500/night |
| Food | 300–600/day |
| Travel (Bus/Car) | 500–2500 |
| Helicopter (optional) | 3000–7000 |
| Local Transport | 200–600 |
| Misc | 300–800 |
Hidden Gems of Badrinath
1. Mata Murti Temple
Located 3 km before Badrinath.
2. Narad Kund
Where Adi Shankaracharya found the idol of Badri Narayan.
3. Pandukeshwar
Ancient temple 22 km before Badrinath.