Amit Khanna
Sameer Staff answered 3 months ago
Badrinath, a holy town in Uttarakhand, India, is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites and attracts thousands of devotees every year. Here are the main attractions in Badrinath and relevant details for first-time visitors:
1. Badrinath Temple
Significance: One of the most revered temples in India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Location: Situated at an elevation of 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above sea level.
Architecture: The temple features a conical-shaped roof covered with a gold gilt and the façade is built of stone.
Darshan Timings: The temple opens at 4:30 AM and closes at 9:00 PM. However, it remains closed during the winter months (from October/November to April) due to heavy snowfall.
Festivals: Major festivals include the Mata Murti Ka Mela and Badri-Kedar Utsav.
2. Tapt Kund
Significance: A natural hot water spring believed to have medicinal properties.
Location: Situated just below the Badrinath Temple.
Ritual: Pilgrims take a holy dip in the kund before entering the temple.
3. Neelkanth Peak
Significance: Known as the ‘Garhwal Queen,’ this peak forms a backdrop to the Badrinath Temple.
Elevation: 6,597 meters (21,640 feet).
Activities: Popular among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.
4. Charan Paduka
Significance: A rock with the footprints of Lord Vishnu.
Location: A 3 km trek from Badrinath Temple.
Trek Details: The trek is steep but offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
5. Brahma Kapal
Significance: A flat platform on the banks of the Alaknanda River where rituals for deceased ancestors are performed.
Location: Located near Badrinath Temple.
6. Mana Village
Significance: The last Indian village before the Tibet/China border.
Distance: About 3 km from Badrinath.
Attractions:
Vyas Gufa: A cave where Sage Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata.
Ganesh Gufa: A cave where Lord Ganesha penned the Mahabharata as dictated by Vyas.
Bheem Pul: A natural rock bridge over the Saraswati River, believed to have been placed by Bheem from the Mahabharata.
7. Vasudhara Falls
Significance: A picturesque waterfall believed to have medicinal properties.
Distance: 8 km from Badrinath, accessible by a trek.
Height: 400 feet.
8. Alka Puri Glacier
Significance: The source of the Alaknanda River.
Distance: A challenging trek from Mana Village.
9. Pandukeshwar
Significance: A sacred place believed to have been established by King Pandu, the father of the Pandavas.
Distance: 18 km from Badrinath.
Attractions: Yoga Dhyan Badri Temple and other ancient shrines.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors:
Best Time to Visit: May to October, with the peak season being May and June.
Weather: The weather is cold throughout the year. Pack warm clothing, especially if traveling early or late in the season.
Accommodation: There are various options ranging from budget guest houses to luxury hotels. It’s advisable to book in advance during the peak season.
Altitude Sickness: Due to the high altitude, some visitors may experience altitude sickness. It’s recommended to acclimatize properly and stay hydrated.
Transportation: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (about 311 km away). The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (about 293 km away). Regular buses and taxis are available from major cities in Uttarakhand.
Permits: Indian citizens do not require any special permits to visit Badrinath, but foreign nationals may need to check for specific regulations.
Badrinath offers a spiritually enriching experience amidst the majestic beauty of the Himalayas, making it a must-visit destination for both pilgrims and nature lovers.