Badrinath Dham is a religious place denoted in Hindu mythology dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Every year, the doors of Badrinath Dham opens in month of April or May. Badrinath Dham opening dates in 2024 is from 14th May. This temple is a distinct part of Char Dham Yatra and famous for beautiful surroundings. If you are planning ek Dham yatra to Badrinath, let us dive into must visit divine places to visit in and around Badrinath.
History and Significance of Badrinath Temple
Badrinath, a sacred town in Uttarakhand is a significant religious site in Hinduism. At an elevation of 3,133 meters, it is part of the Char Dham Yatra Pilgrimage circuit, alongside Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The Badrinath Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was established by Adi Shankaracharya. Legends suggest Vishnu meditated here while his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, protected him in the form of a Badri tree.
Architecture and Design
The temple’s architecture blends South Indian and North Indian styles, featuring intricate carvings and a black stone idol of Lord Badri Narayan. The vibrant surroundings and serene ambiance enhance the spiritual experience for devotees.
Badrinath is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush greenery, offering a breathtaking backdrop for spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts. The town experiences a cold climate throughout the year, with heavy snowfall during winter months making it inaccessible for pilgrims. The town is also a popular destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts looking to explore the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas.
Some Basic Details About Badrinath:
| Badrinath Dham | Highlights and Key points |
| Location | Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, India |
| Badrinath Dham Yatra | It is among India’s Panch (Five) Badri temples.It is also an integral part of Char Dhams of India and is known as Chota Char Dham.It is one of the 108 Divya Desams or holy temples of Vaishnavites in India |
| Seasonal Availability | Open from late April to early November Closing time during winter |
Nearby attractions of Badrinath include the sacred hot spring of Tapt Kund, the scenic beauty of Mana Village, and the enchanting Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every year, thousands of devotees visit Badrinath to seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings and experience the divine aura of this sacred town.
Here are Some of the Holy Places to Visit in Badrinath:
Badrinath Temple: The Badrinath Temple, located in Uttarakhand, India, is a historical and religious site dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Badri Narayan. Established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD, it is associated with the epic Mahabharata and is believed to be the sacred home of Lord Vishnu. Legends suggest that Lord Vishnu meditated here while his partner Goddess Lakshmi, sheltered him in the form of a Badri tree, hence the name Badrinath. The temple evokes a sense of divine grandeur and spiritual aura. It is part of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage, making it one of the holiest sites in Hinduism.
Location: Badrinath, Chamoli District
Exploration Time: Exploration from May to October,
Tapt Kund: Tapt Kund, located near the Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand, India, is a sacred site with both historical and religious significance. According to Hindu mythology, the pond was created by Lord Vishnu for the goddess Ganga to bathe in, and Ganga transformed into hot water to provide warmth during his meditation. Over the centuries, Tapt Kund has been highly admired by pilgrims for its purifying properties, which are believed to cleanse the body and soul before entering the temple. The site also holds historical importance, with mentions dating back to ancient scriptures, showcasing the regions deep-rooted spiritual traditions and attracting devotees and seekers to experience its divine waters and profound serenity. Tapt Kund is the best places to visit in Badrianth.
Location: Near Badrinath temple
Distance from Badrinath: Adjacent to the temple complex
Exploration Time: 10-20 mins
Mata Murti Temple: Mata Murti Temple is a Hindu shrine in Uttarakhand, India, dedicated to Mata Murti, the mother of Lord Narayana (Vishnu). The temple is believed to have undergone severe difficulties to please Vishnu, resulting in him being born as her son, Lord Badrinath. Located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, the temple offers a serene and picturesque setting for worship and reflection. Pilgrims visit the temple to seek blessings and pay homage to her devotion. The temple is particularly crowded during the Mata Murti Ka Mela, an annual fair honouring Mata Murti. The temple’s tranquil ambience and spiritual aura make it a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists seeking solace and divine blessings.
Location: Near Badrinath temple
Distance from Badrinath: Approximately 3 km
Exploration Time: Nearly 1 hour
Charanpaduka– Charanpaduka, a Hindu shrine near Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand, India, is believed to have footprints of Lord Vishnu, who descended from Vaikuntha to Earth, to save humanity. During his journey, he took a brief rest at the spot where the Charanpaduka shrine now stands. Devotees believe visiting the shrine brings blessings and spiritual fulfillment. Many pilgrims visit the site as part of their Badrinath pilgrimage, seeking divine solace and connecting with Vishnu’s presence. The shrine serves as a reminder of the region’s rich mythology and spiritual heritage, attracting devotees and seekers worldwide. Its serene surroundings and panoramic views of the Himalayas make it a peaceful retreat for spiritual rejuvenation and inner peace. Charanpaduka is the best places to visit in Badrinath.
Location: Near Badrinath temple
Exploration Time: Flexible
Neelkanth Peak– It is located in Uttarakhand, India, is a sacred home of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. At an elevation of 6,597 meters, it is believed that Lord Shiva consumed a strong poison called “halahala” during the cosmic ocean’s turbulence turning the universe blue. This is why the peak is called Neelkanth, meaning “blue throat.” The peak is a sacred site for pilgrims participating in the Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage circuit in the Himalayas. The peak’s towering presence symbolizes the divine power of Lord Shiva, and infuse admiration and beliefs among devotees. In addition to its religious significance, Neelkanth Peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan range and the Badrinath Valley. It is a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts seeking adventure in the Himalayas. Overall, Neelkanth Peak symbolizes spiritual presence and natural splendour, attracting pilgrims, trekkers, and nature lovers. Neelkanth Peak is the best places to visit in Badrinath.
Location: Near Badrinath
Exploration Time: Depends on the activity
Other than above famous pilgrimage sites, visitors can also explore some amazing places near Badrinath Dham.
Read More: Dehradun to Kedarnath Road Trip- Useful Travel Information
Mana Village: The Last Indian Village
Located just 3 kilometers from Badrinath, visit Mana Village, the last inhabited village on India-China border, to experience its rustic charm, interact with locals, and learn about traditional Himalayan life. Mana Village is the Best Places to Visit in badrinath.
Location: Near Badrinath
Distance from Badrinath: Approximately 3 km
Exploration Time: Flexible
Cultural Significance
Mana Village, a cultural hub rich in mythology and folklore, is believed to be the location where Veda Vyasa wrote the Mahabharata epic. Visitors can explore ancient caves, witness traditional rituals, and interact with locals.
Valley of Flowers: Nature’s Canvas
Visit the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vibrant floral biodiversity, and experience the breathtaking beauty of nature through a day trip.
Location: Near the town of Joshimath.
Exploration Time: The best time to explore the Valley of Flowers is during the summer months
Flora and Fauna
The Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a paradise for botanists and nature enthusiasts, located 15 kilometers from Badrinath. During the monsoon season, the valley blooms with vibrant flowers, creating a mesmerizing backdrop against snow-clad peaks. The valley is home to rare and exotic flora species, such as the Brahma Kamal and Blue Poppy, and diverse fauna like the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, and musk deer.
Vasudhara Falls: A Divine Cascade
Explore the majestic Vasudhara Falls, a sacred waterfall in the Himalayan wilderness, on a scenic trek with cascading waters and a serene atmosphere. The valley is a paradise of vibrant flowers, including the rare Brahma Kamal, making it a photographer’s delight. Vasudhara Falls is the Best Places to Visit in badrinath.
Location: Near Badrinath
Distance from Mana Village: 5 km trek
Exploration Time: 3 hours
Mythological Significance
Vasudhara Falls, located in the Himalayas, is a celestial cascade over 400 feet high. Named after Vasundhara, the wife of Pandava prince Bhima, it is believed to wash away sins and spread blessings upon devotees. By moderate trek, it is a popular pilgrimage site for spiritual rejuvenation and divine grace.
Trekking Opportunities in Badrinath
Badrinath, located in the Himalayan region, offers numerous trekking routes and sightseeing attractions.
The Hemkund Sahib Trek, another popular trek from Govindghat, takes hikers to the sacred Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, situated beside a pristine glacial lake. The trail passes through dense forests of rhododendron and birch, offering glimpses of exotic wildlife and panoramic mountain vistas.
The Neelkanth Base Camp Trek, starting from Badrinath, winds through rugged terrain and alpine meadows, joins at the base of the majestic Neelkanth Peak. The Mana Pass Trek connects Badrinath with Tibet and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The Satopanth Lake Trek, starting from Badrinath, leads to the sacred Satopanth Lake, believed to be the abode of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Trekkers traverse through rocky terrain, glaciers, and high-altitude passes, encountering panoramic views of snow-covered peaks and pristine alpine lakes.
How to Access All These Places Near Badrinath:
Delhi to Badrinath distance is approx 552 km which takes 13-14 hours to reach with some necessary stops. First stop is Haridwar from where the yatra continues amidst scenic hills. You can also book 2 nights Badrinath tour package with Car on Rent in Haridwar.
Badrinath Temple: Badrinath Temple is easily accessible from cities like Rishikesh and Dehradun via taxis or buses.
Valley of Flowers: The Valley of Flowers can be reached by road from Govindghat, which is approximately 25 kilometers from Badrinath, and by trekking about 14 kilometers from Govindghat.
Mana Village: Mana Village, located just 3 kilometers from Badrinath, offers travelers the option to hire taxis or take local buses for a quick journey.
Tapt Kund: Tapt Kund, located near the Badrinath Temple, is easily accessible by walk from the temple complex.
Neelkanth Peak: To reach Neelkanth Peak, which is visible from Badrinath, a trekking expedition begins in Badrinath or nearby villages, with local guide assistance.
Travellers can select suitable transportation options based on convenience, budget, and time constraints to explore the renowned destinations in Badrinath. If you are travelling with family, friends or in a group travel you can also hire a Tempo Traveller on Rent or you can also book your personal Taxi or car rental service.
Conclusion:
Badrinath, a sacred town in the Himalayas, is a symbol of spirituality and natural beauty. To explore complete Badrinath tour, you can book 5 days Badrinath tour package from Delhi or Do Dham yatra of Gangotri and Badrinath Dham in 7 days. The Badrinath Temple, a symbol of devotion, is located at its heart. The region’s serene ambiance, Tapt Kund, and Neelkanth Peak add to its spiritual aura. Beyond the temple, the Valley of Flowers offers a serene environment with blooming flowers and lush greenery. The trek to Mana Village showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage, while Vasudhara Falls flowing waters rejuvenate the soul.
