Visitors Information
- Famous For: Religion, History, Photography, Nature, Geography.
- Entry Fee: No fee is required.
- Visiting Time: From Sunrise to Sunset, Daily
- Visiting Duration: 5 minutes to 1 hour as per your choice
The age-old Himalayas has been the guardian angel to India since immemorial. Such is its scenic beauty and hospitality that the people have confined their belief and worship amidst the rough terrains of the bosom of the Himalayas despite the unnerving and frosting temperature at the higher altitudes. Thus, their beliefs have been justified as the Himalayas have given birth to a number of hot water springs to help the weary travellers and pilgrims to fight against the frosting temperature. One such mode of rescue is found by the Badrinath Temple in the state of Uttarakhand in the form of a hot water spring itself that generates almost boiling water all the year round.
This spring is called the Tapt Kund by the local people and is the key to the temple because the water from the spring is considered to be so sacred that it washes off every dirt and negativity of the pilgrims. Thus, the Tapt Kund is that famous hot water spring where every pilgrim takes a holy bath that refreshes them after the tiring journey and gives them the ticket to enter the holiest of temples of all times.
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.
- Keep your belongings under surveillance as they might vanish in the blink of an eye while you proceed to take a dip in the hot spring.
- Do not jump into the pool all of a sudden. Pour water on your body with a mug a few times so that you get acclimatized to the hot water before plunging into the spring.
- There is a separate section for the female pilgrims to take a dip into the spring with some privacy.
Things to Do There
- Take a dip in the hot water spring to feel refreshed and relieved in the extreme cold temperature.
- 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 hot water spring, 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 hot water spring is when the temple remains open, that 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 hot water spring, Tapt Kund, 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 Tapt Kund, Badrinath
- The hot water spring has been there for centuries and has been mentioned in the Vedas too.
- The natural hot water spring has been born due to the geographical tectonic movements giving rise to underwater vents.
- The smoke that is seen above the Tapt Kund is not due to the boiling water of the spring. The smoke is created as a result of the condensation process between the mingling of the hot and the cold temperature at the junction of the hot spring’s surface and the surrounding cold air.
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 small and ancient hill station of Badrinath with its enchanted holiness in the lap of nature has transformed the heart of mankind to a heart filled with love and purity. A dip into the natural hot water spring against the backdrop of the majestic Neelkanth Peak gives a paralyzing charm to every pilgrim. Filled with a divine sense of sacredness, the waters from this holy spring of Tapt Kund rejuvenates every individual and washes out his or her sins. Thus, this sacred and natural hot water spring is a must visit for all.
