Visitors Information
- Famous For: Religion, History, Photography, Nature.
- Entry Fee: No fee is required.
- Visiting Time: From Sunrise to Sunset, Daily
- Visiting Duration: Almost half a day.
Cradled in the lap of the enormous Himalayan ranges on the left bank of the Alokananda River, the Badrinath Temple or the Badrinarayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Badrinarayan who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is one of the holiest shrines for the Hindu pilgrims. Sitting safely among the dense, white clouds through which a peep into the majestic Neelkanth Peak is observed in the backdrop, the Badrinath Temple is a place of self-realization and self-actualization. The journey to the temple through the nearly barren land in the frosting temperature itself offers such an enchanting experience that a person is automatically turns over a new leaf for the betterment of himself or herself. Thus, this most visited holy abode of the Hindus, despite the occurrence of frequent natural calamities, is one of the best pilgrimage sites that come with a combination of the prowess of both the Almighty and nature.
Traveler Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will have to walk a lot through a winding and rough terrain both uphill and downhill.
- Wear sufficient winter garments and carry an extra windcheater because the weather suddenly changes there sometimes.
- Carry water with yourself and dry food too as the journey is very hectic.
- Wear fresh and clean clothes if you wish to indulge in the rituals at the temple.
- Get your health checked before you go for the trek or a walk to the temple as per your choice. If you are unwell, this walk to the Badrinath Temple is totally unsuitable for you. You can go on horseback as an alternative in that case.
- While taking photographs, watch out for the restricted areas so that you do not break the orderliness of the temple and its premises.
Things to Do There
- Offer your prayers to the Almighty with a pure heart.
- Look into the Neelkanth Peak where Lord Shiva is believed to have engulfed the poison according to the Hindu mythology peeping through the dense clouds.
- Take multiple photographs of the temple and the scenic beauty all around.
Availability of Guides
Professional guides are rarely found at that destination. However, the local residents and the priests are kind enough to take you through a series of knowledgeable information.
Best Time to Visit
Due to the extreme weather conditions at the high altitude, the path to the Badrinath Temple remains snow-covered half the year round. So, the best time to visit the temple is between the end of April to the beginning of November when the path is free of snow and the pilgrimage is, thus, allowed officially.
How to Reach the Place
The best way to reach the Badrinath Temple is to reach the town of Badrinath by a private bus or a hired cab after which you can walk to the temple. Apart from this easy route, you can also choose to trek to the temple from any nearest location of your choice as the trekking experience over there is one of the most adventurous one’s ever.
Interesting Facts About the Badrinath Temple
- The Badrinath Temple is mentioned in the Vedas. Thus, it can be perceived how ancient and how holy this shrine is to every Hindu.
- This temple is one of the ‘dhams’ of the Char Dham in that region and is, thus, very sacred.
Nearby Attractions
- Bheem Pul
- Tapt Kund
- Vasudhara Falls
- Saraswati River
- Brahma Kapal
- Vyas Gufa
- Ganesh Gufa
- Narada Kund
- Yoga Dhyan Badri
- Mata Murti Temple
- Alka Puri
Nearby Restaurants
- Saket Restaurant
- Brahma Kamal
Thus, the trip to the Badrinath Temple with its enchanted holiness in the lap of nature has transformed the heart of mankind to a heart filled with love and purity. A visit to the temple and then bowing before Lord Badrinath himself fills the traveller with immense strength to deal with every shortcoming in life. Thus, a pilgrimage to this enchanted and sacred shrine is a must not only for the Hindus, but, also for every traveller because every religion ultimately leads to the one and only Omnipotent.
