About Badrinath-Uttarakhand:
Badrinath is the famous city of Uttarakhand widely known for its captivating beauty and a perfect tourist destination. Since ages, Badrinath is the center of attraction for the world. Visiting places in Badrinath always attract tourists, couples, families, and solo travellers.
Badrinath is not only a spiritual place and holy land where Lord Vishnu took birth. But also, it is a hidden gem away among the Nar and Narayan mountain slopes.
A small incident caused Lord Shiva and Parvati to leave their own place:
Badrinath is the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati used to live. One day while walking near their home, Parvati and Lord Shiva found a crying baby just at their doorsteps. When she saw a crying baby, Parvati’s maternal instincts came out. She wanted to pick this little baby but Lord Shiva denied. Parvati Replied “ How cruel you’re”.
But, again Lord Shiva said this is not a baby. No one around him. There is no footprint of parents in this snow. So we can not pick him.
But Parvati said, “I am not going to leave this child all alone.” And she brought the child to her house. The child was very comfortable, sitting on her lap, looking very gleefully at Shiva. Lord Shiva already knows the consequences of it but couldn’t insisted much.
After feeding the child Parvati went with Lord Shiva for a walk. In some time, when they returned, they saw the door was locked from inside.
Shiva looked at Parvati and said, “I told you don’t carry this child. He locked the door and we are standing like a stranger in our own house.
Parvati said, what should we do now?
Shiva said we have only two options, either we burn up everything or leave this place. Finally, they decided to leave this place. This is how they lost their own house.
They walked around the Himalayas looking for an ideal place to live and finally, they settled in Kedarnath.
How did Adi Shankaracharya set up Badrinath Temple?
One day during Sadhana, Adi Shankaracharya found a black stone image of Lord Badrinarayan which was made up of Saligram stone in the Alaknanda river. He originally enshrined it in a cave near the Tapt Kund hot springs. Then, in the fifteenth century, the king of Garhwal built architecture and entrances like Buddhist Vihara (temple). But, the base of the temple is made up of stones. Badrinath is one of the most important pilgrimages in the Hindu religion.
Who is Adi Shankaracharya? (by Sadguru)
Adi Shankaracharya is a Philosopher, Yogi, and ancestor. Many people say he is Lord Shiva’s avatar.
Adi Shankaracharya was born in Kaladi village in South-Kerala. A kid born with superpowers skills. His guru Govinda Bhagavatpada is also known for Advaita Vedanta (Hindu Philosophy). Govinda Bhagavatpada made a prediction that at the age of two he will speak and write Sanskrit fluently, and at the age of four years, he can recite all the Vedas.
At the age of 12, he left his home and became Sanyasi. This is the turning point of his life. He travelled to the Himalayas for the first time. The purpose of coming to the Himalayas was not to achieve anything.
Why should you visit Badrinath?
Badrinath temple is mentioned in various sacred texts of Hinduism, such as Bhagavata Purana, Mahabharata, and even in Padma Purana. The place is closed for 6-months due to extreme weather conditions and heavy snowfall.
No matter what your religion is. At the height of 11000 ft in Alaknanda riverbank, the trip of Badrinath is itself a milestone.
Weather conditions, tough terrain, dangerous roads, and extreme mountain peaks are the biggest predator you will explore while visiting Badrinath.
Just backside of the temple, a waterfall and Hanuman Gufa is what you can not miss.
How to reach Badrinath?
Because of its extremely high location, planning trips via road is the only option. Private chopper (helicopter) services are also available from Govindghat, Joshimath, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Joshimath is the only urban town that is just a 40km or 90-minute drive to Badrinath. The road from Joshimath to Badrinath is incredible. While crossing the Vishnuprayag bridge, the view of cutting edge mountains above the Alaknanda river is what attracts everyone’s mind at the very first sight. This place is known as Devlok where the things will keep surprising your mind and soul with its incredible beauty.
Know Major Distances before Planning Your Badrinath Trip Via Road:
Joshimath to Delhi- 500km- 15 hours journey by road
Joshimath to Haridwar-270km-8 hours journey by road
Joshimath to Chamoli- 30km- 1-hour journey by road
Badrinath- Mana Pass- 50km- 2 hours journey by road (Special Inner line permit required; only for Indian Citizen)
Best Visiting Places in Badrinath, Uttarakhand:
The best places to visit in Badrinath consist of spiritual tours, most famous temples, adventurous activities, waterfalls, mountain peaks, trekking, and camping in the extreme mountains. Being close to the Tibet plateau (now captured by China) Badrinath has the advantage of dynamic biodiversity, adverse geographic locations, and mountain planks.
List of 8 most visiting places and tourist destinations in Badrinath are;
Mana Village- Uttarakhand (Last Indian Village):
Mana village is just close to Badrinath temple. It is a small nomad village or confluence of Alaknanda and Saraswati river holding its prestige of “Last Indian Village”. After Mana village, the border road starts which requires a special permit from district headquarters. Mana holds religious importance as Pandavas (five characters of Mahabharata) made their final step to reach heaven. Walking over Bhim-Pul a stone bridge over the Saraswati river, Nilkanth peak, and experiencing traditional villagers’ lifestyle is one of the joyful things to do in life. Veda Vyasa caves which hold maximum crowds with their majestic history are another best visiting place and tourist attraction in Mana Village Badrinath.
Vasudhara Falls- Badrinath:
Vasudhara Falls is another picturesque and the best visiting place in Badrinath. It is the best tourist place in Badrinath for adventure junkies and photographers who are ready with their camera. Vasudhara Falls is only a 2-hours short trail from Mana village that will hold your breath as the waterfalls from 400 ft. View of the waterfall from the cliff is what you can not miss if you are in Badrinath.
Mana Pass- Badrinath:
Mana pass is the mountain pass on the international border of India- Tibet (Now in China) at 18478ft height. It is one of the highest border links. Mana Pass and Deo Taal are the places meant for tough people and lone survivors. A normal human being like me can not even breathe. Height and temperature is the biggest predator in these regions. Before planning for a Mana pass make sure to have physical fitness and oxygen kit for safety. Mana Pass is one of the best tourist destinations for crazy travellers.
Hanuman Chatti and Pandukeshwar- Badrinath, Uttarakhand:
It is a small saffron color temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman (an extreme devotee of Lord Rama). Because of its spiritual holiness and interesting story, Hanuman Chatti is located at the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers.
Pandukeshwar is another tourist place in Badrinath, Uttarakhand. Since it is the birthplace of Pandavas, therefore it has its own saga and importance.
While heading towards Badrinath from Joshimath, you can visit the small village Pandukeshar and Hanuman Chatti.
A small halt or one-night stay is also a good option to explore and understand the real stories behind this place and its existence.
Famous Mountain Peaks for your Adventurous Trip to Badrinath:
Satopanth- Badrinath, Uttarakhand (One of the best visiting places in Badrinath):
Well, this is the most iconic trek in the whole of Badrinath because of snow-capped mountain peaks and crystal clear lake. People believe that Satopanth is the final step to heaven and that can be felt while trekking towards it.
You can experience a joyful trek with your every step on rocky surfaces and plains. Satopanth is almost 30km from Badrinath temple and took 4-5 days for a complete trek. Satopanth is one of the best visiting places in Badrinath for tourists.
Kamet Peak- Badrinath Uttarakhand:
Kamet Peak is the second-highest mountain in Uttarakhand after Nanda Devi Peak. It is located at a height of 25000 ft. Earlier it was tough and risky for travellers and tourists; but due to floods and natural copays, Kamet peak is easier today. Many trek organizers use the Niti Valley route and complete the entire circle in 20-30 days.
Hathi Parvat- Badrinath, Uttarakhand:
Hathi Parvat is one of the easiest treks and best visiting places in Badrinath. It is located at 22000 ft height. Small villages like Bhyundar, Jhelum, and Juma can provide you accommodation for 1-2 days. Kagbhusandi and Gauri Parvat are also close to it. Surprisingly from Joshimath, the sight of all major five peaks Hemkund peak, Nar Parvat, Hathi Parbat, Kamet, and two more peaks can be seen. Adventurous people from across the world come for mountaineering and skiing.
Nilkantha Peak- Badrinath, Uttarakhand:
Nilkantha is one of the epithets of Lord Shiva and one of the most revered Hindu deities. It is one of the most visiting places in Badrinath by the travellers. This mountain seems positioned like Lord Shiva is meditating. Sunrise is the most glamorous time when sun rays straightly point towards the peak and the entire mountain shines in golden color. Even the beginner also can trek and reach the basecamp as it is only 10 km from Badrinath towards Charan Paduka.
FAQs About Best Visiting Places In Badrinath, Uttarakhand:
Q. What are the most attractive things in Badrinath for travellers and tourists?
A. Badrinath give lifetime everlasting experience to its visitors such as i) The most famous pilgrim center, ii) Badrinath temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, iii) Explore Ganesh Gufa, iv) Enjoy Vasudhara Falls, v) Visit The Yog Dhyan Badri, v) a stunning view of the snow-clad mountains of the Garhwal range, vi) Mana Village, last Indian Village, vii) Water sports and adventurous activities, and more.
Q. What is the best time to visit Badrinath?
A. The best time to travel to Badrinath is anytime between the months of May to June and September to October.
Q. What is an ideal trip duration to Badrinath?
A. 3-5 days trip are enugh to explore the best visiting places in Badrinath.
Q. How is the weather in Badrinath?
A. In the summer season, the weather is between 7 to 18 degrees Celsius and in the winter season, it is between -1 to -18 degrees Celsius.
Q. What are the best visiting places in Badrinath to see?
A. Badrinath Temple, Neelkanth Peak, Hathi Parvat, Vasudhara Falls, and Mana Village are some of the best visiting places in Badrinath.
Q. When is the Badrinath Temple closed?
A. From Novemebr to April, Badrinath temple is closed due to heavy snow fall.
Q. What are some things to do in Badrinath?
A. You can take a holy religious dip in Tapt Kund, do adventurous activities like trekking, visit Badrinath temple, Narad kund, and have some refreshment in the last Indian village, Mana.
