Badrinath is a holy town and is one of the major pilgrimages in the Hindu Religion located in the state of Uttarakhand. The town is a part of the Char Dham and the Chota Char Dham pilgrimages of Hindu culture. Badrinath is located at an average elevation of 3,100 meters above sea level and situated at the banks of the Alaknanda River. The town is not only a pilgrim destination but its mountain location has given it several trek routes and is famous for its various mountain expeditions. Here’s a list of the best places one can visit in the holy town of Badrinath.
1. Badrinath Temple
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Pilgrimage, Nature.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days 4am to 12pm & 3pm to 9pm.
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours.
About Badrinath Temple
Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is an important part of the Char Dham and the Chota Char Dham Hindu pilgrimages. The temple is also one of the 108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu by the Tamil saints known as the ‘Divya Desams’. The temple has been mentioned in various ancient Hindu texts and is one of most important temples for the Hindus in India.
Things to Do near Badrinath Temple:
- Visit during Mata Murti Ka Mela in September.
- Visit the Hot Springs.
- View the Neelkanth peak.
2. Hot Springs
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Pilgrimage, Nature.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from sunrise to sunset.
- Duration: 2 hours.
About Hot Springs
The Hot Springs are located near the Badrinath temple complex and are considered for their religious and medicinal value. There are three main hot springs namely Tapt Kund, Suraj Kund and Narad Kund. The hot sulphurous water rises in temperature as the day progresses and a bath in the waters is said to cure the various skin ailments. Make sure not to spend more than 5 minutes in the water at a stretch as one can feel a bit dizzy due to the sulphur content in the water.
Things to Do near Hot Springs:
- Trekking.
- Visit the Badrinath Temple nearby.
3. Neelkanth Peak
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Nature, Himalayan peaks, Trekking, Glaciers.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from sunrise to sunset.
- Duration: Depends on the activity.
About Neelkanth Peak
Located near the town of Badrinath, the Neelkantha Peak lies at an elevation of 3,474 meters above sea level and overlooks the Satopanth Glacier and the Gangotri Glacier. The peak is known to be a moderately challenging trek location and the views from it a breathtaking. The peak also has its mention in various Hindu texts and has several legends attached to its origination.
Things to Do at Neelkantha Peak:
- Trekking.
- Visit the Gangotri Glacier among others.
4. Charanpaduka
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Pilgrimage, Nature.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from sunrise to sunset.
- Duration: 1 hour.
About Charanpaduka
The name Charanpaduka literally means ‘footwear’ and is denoted by a large rock believed to have the footprint of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, the rock is the exact spot where Lord Vishnu first set his foot when he visited earth. The spot is located at a height of 1,030 meters above sea level and is surrounded by a breathtaking meadow which is filled with flowers during summers.
Things to Do near Charanpaduka:
- Explore the surrounding meadows.
- Trekking.
5. Valley of Flowers
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Nature, Trekking, Adventure.
- Tickets: Entry for the first three days as 150 INR (Indians) & 600 INR (foreigners).
- Opening Timings: Open all days from 7am to 2pm. Recommended to start and end your trek as early as possible.
- Duration: One Day.
- Distance from Badrinath: 40 min (25 km) to Govind Ghat and a 14 km trek from there.
About Valley of Flowers
A true paradise on earth, Valley of Flowers is visited by tourists all over the world. Its isolation and difficult accessibility has preserved its pristine beauty and therefore this valley is a part of UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Around 520 species of flowers grow here and it also houses some endangered fauna species like snow leopards, some varieties of butterflies etc. Visit Valley Of Flowers to witness heaven on earth and see nature at its most beautiful form.
Things to Do near Valley of Flowers:
- Trekking.
- Photography.
- A visit to Gurdwara Sri Hemkund Sahib nearby.
Being the abode of Lord Vishnu on earth, the town of Badrinath was re-established by Adi Shankaracharya as one of the most revered pilgrim spot in India. The town is visited by millions of pilgrims and tourists each year and is best visited during any major Hindu festival.
Other Major Tourist Destinations In Uttarakhand:
