Badrinath Dham Travel Guide
Badrinath is one of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites among the 108 divya desams incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Badrinath town is also the part of Panch Badri temples including Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri and Vriddha Badri, along with Badrinath Dham.
The temple is located in Silent valley of Garhwal Himalayas on the seashore of flowing water of Alaknanda river. Everyone heared about the marvellous or stunning beauty of Badrinath town, with pleasant weather, dense forest, snow clad Mountains, holy river with surrounding green valley which attracts tourists from india as well as from abroad.
There are many festival like Kedar-Badri Utsav, Janam-ashtami, Mata Mruti Ka Mela are celebrated. Along with Badrinath temple, there are many place of sightseeing namely Panch Prayag temple, Badhri Naryanan Temple, Vasudhara Falls, Hot Geyser (tapt kunds or hot water springs), Bheem Pul, Mana Village etc.
Badrinath Temple Opening Date and Closing Date 2024
Badrinath Kapat Opening Date 2024: This year Badrinath Temple opened for darshan on 12 May 2024 at 6 am in the morning. Last year, the kapat of Shri Badrinath Temple were opened on 27 Apr 2023 at 7:10 am in the morning. An estimated 20,000 pilgrims visited Badrinath dham on the opening day.
You can book your Badrinath Dham Yatra with us, visit our Char Dham Packages
Badrinath Closing Date 2024: The portals of Shri Badrinath Temple will be closed on 17 Nov 2024 at 09:07 pm. With the closing of Badrinath Temple, the Char Dham Yatra 2024 will conclude.
Badrinath is one of the most popular and visited religious towns of the Hindus located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in India. The town of Badrinath lies between Nar and Naryana mountain ranges and in the shadow of the mighty Neelkantha peak. The several turquoise lakes, towering peaks, sacred ponds and water bodies make Badrinath a must visit place.
Photo:
Sirsendu Gayen | Snow fall at Badrinath - Devotees are waiting for their turn to enter in the Badrinath temple.
Day to Day Travel Itinerary to Badrinath Dham
If you are an individual and want to travel to Badrinath alone, then it isn’t a huge task to achieve. Badrinath is situated at the roadside and the only thing you need to know is how to reach that location. Below is the day to a day travel guide to Badrinath Dham for solo travelers.
Day 0: Reach to Rishikesh / Haridwar or Dehradun
Badrinath is situated in Uttarakhand so firstly you have to reach this state of India. The Nearest railway station to Badrinath is Rishikesh railway station. However, you can book your train to Haridwar too as train availability is higher there. If you are coming from the south, east or west portion of the country then there is a high chance that you are coming from the flight to Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun. Rishikesh has situated just about 20 km from Dehradun.
Note: Try to reach these cities in the sharp morning so that you can start your journey to Badrinath temple in the morning.
Day 1: Rishikesh to Badrinath / Joshimath. 295 km | 10 Hrs
There are lots of buses and sharable cabs you can find at Rishikesh Bus Stand going towards Badrinath. But it is very hard to get them because of the extremely high numbers of pilgrimages traveling to the same destination. The best way to reach Badrinath is by changing buses or sharable cabs.
You can break your journey to avoid the wait for the direct vehicle to Badrinath. You can take bus/sharable Tata Sumo / Maxx to Rudraprayag and then Rudraprayag to Joshimath. You can stay at Joshimath which has plenty of accommodation, food & market facilities. However, if you have plenty of time then you can get to Badrinath town directly which is just 45km (2hrs) route from Joshimath.
You can follow this route buses or sharable Jeeps to reach Badrinath
Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag – Chamoli – Joshimath – Badrinath
eUttaranchal travel tip 1: Because of ongoing Char Dham highway project, you can face a delay in reaching Badrinath. In this case you can break your journey for two days. You can stay on all the above-mentioned towns of the route.
Day 2: Visit Badrinath Temple & Nearby locations
Wake up early in the morning, attend the temple aarti & pay your obeisance at Badrinath temple. It can take 2-3 hours for Darshan because of the long queue. After that, you can visit nearby locations like Vasudhara falls or Mana village which is also the last Indian village at Indo – China border. You can also visit nearby tourist destinations of Uttarakhand like Auli & Valley of flowers to utilize your time.
Day 3: Badrinath to Rishikesh / Haridwar
Bid adieu to this beautiful spiritual town of Uttarakhand situated on the bank of calm Alaknanda River. Take sharable jeeps to Joshimath for more transport options.
Badrinath Temple - Mystic Tales and Legends
According to legend, the temple was originally established by Adi Shankaracharya which was renovated several times after its establishment. Badrinath is also one of the Panch Badri. The other four badris are Yogadhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Bridha Badri or the 'Old Badri' and Adi Badri.
The Badrinath area is known as Badari or Badarikaashram in Hindu scriptures. It is a place sacred to Vishnu, particularly in Vishnu's dual form of Nara-Narayana. Thus, in the Mahabharata, Krishna, addressing Arjuna, says, "Thou wast Nara in a former body, and, with Narayana for thy companion, didst perform dreadful austerity at Badari for many myriads of years."
Photo: Lakshmanrawat. River Alaknanda flowing through the Badrinath valley.
One legend has it that when goddess Ganga was requested to descend to earth to help the suffering humanity, the earth was unable to withstand the force of her descent. Therefore the mighty Ganga (Ganges) was split into twelve holy channels, with Alaknanda being one of them.
The mountains around Badrinath are mentioned in the Mahabharata, where the Pandavas are said to have ended their life by ascending the slopes of a peak in western Garhwal called Swargarohini - literally, the 'Ascent to Heaven'. Local legend has it that the Pandavas passed through Badrinath and the town of Mana, 4 km north of Badrinath, on their way to Swarga (heaven). There is also a cave in Mana where the great sage Ved Vyasa is believed to have written the epic Mahabharata.
Places to See in Badrinath
If you are visiting Badrinath Temple and looking for additional spiritual sightseeing opportunities, there are several remarkable places of religious and tourist significance nearby. The region is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, offering visitors a chance to explore serene landscapes and connect with the divine. You can immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings, take part in local traditions, and experience the area's vibrant spirituality. Each site nearby adds depth to your journey, making your visit to Badrinath even more enriching and memorable. Here are some of the best places to see nearby Badrinath Temple:
Surya Kund
Surya Kund is a sacred hot water spring located about 500 meters from the Badrinath Temple, making it a convenient 10-15 minute walk for pilgrims. Known for its spiritual significance and healing properties, many devotees visit Surya Kund to take a dip in its warm waters before proceeding to offer prayers at the temple. The spring is nestled amidst the beautiful Himalayan landscape, adding to the serene and spiritual experience. A visit to Surya Kund typically takes around 20-30 minutes, making it a must-visit spot for those seeking both spiritual solace and natural beauty near Badrinath.
Tapt Kund
Tapt Kund is a sacred hot water spring located just 500 meters from Badrinath Temple, famous for its therapeutic properties and spiritual significance. Pilgrims often take a holy dip here before praying at the temple, as the water is believed to cleanse both body and soul. The short walk from the temple takes about 5-10 minutes, and visitors typically spend 20 minutes to an hour enjoying the warm waters. Overall, a visit to Tapt Kund usually lasts around 1-1.5 hours, making it an essential stop for those on a spiritual journey.
Bheem Pul
Bheem Pul is a significant mythological site located in Mana Village, about 6 kilometers from Badrinath Temple. According to legend, Bheem, one of the Pandava brothers, created this bridge over the Saraswati River for his family during their journey to heaven. The journey from the temple takes around 15-20 minutes by car or 45-60 minutes on foot. Visitors typically spend 30-45 minutes exploring the area, enjoying stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains. Access to Bheem Pul can be made by car, local taxi, or trekking along scenic paths.
Brahma Kapal
Brahma Kapal is a sacred place located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, just 300 meters from the Badrinath Temple. It holds great religious significance, as it is believed to be the spot where Lord Brahma resides, and many Hindus come here to perform rituals for the salvation of their ancestors' souls. The short walk from Badrinath Temple to Brahma Kapal takes about 5-10 minutes. A visit to Brahma Kapal, including performing rituals, typically takes around 30-45 minutes. The site is easily accessible on foot from the temple, making it a convenient stop for pilgrims visiting Badrinath.
Vasudhara Falls
Vasudhara Falls is a breathtaking waterfall located about 8 kilometers from Badrinath Temple, renowned for its scenic beauty and spiritual significance. The falls, which cascade from a height of 400 feet, are believed to touch only those who are pure at heart. To reach the falls, visitors first travel 3-4 kilometers to Mana Village, followed by a 6-kilometer trek that takes approximately 2-3 hours. Overall, the journey, including travel and trekking time, typically lasts around 5-6 hours, offering a rewarding experience for nature lovers and spiritual seekers.
Ganesha Cave
Ganesha Cave, or Ganesh Gufa, is a significant site located about 5 kilometers from Badrinath Temple, believed to be where Lord Ganesha wrote the epic Mahabharata. Visitors can reach the cave by taking a 10-15 minute drive to Mana Village, followed by a short trek of around 1 kilometer, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The entire trip, including travel and exploration, typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, offering a rich blend of spiritual connection and natural beauty.
Charan Paduka
Charan Paduka is a revered site located about 3 kilometers from Badrinath Temple, believed to be where Lord Vishnu left his footprints. Visitors can either walk along a well-maintained path or hire a local taxi to start the trek, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. The journey offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A visit to Charan Paduka typically lasts around 2 to 3 hours, providing a fulfilling experience for those seeking spiritual connection in a serene setting.
Mana Village
Mana Village is a picturesque and culturally rich destination located just about 3 kilometers from Badrinath Temple, making it an easily accessible stop for pilgrims and travelers. Known as the first inhabited village before the Indo-Tibetan border, Mana is steeped in mythological significance, with connections to the Mahabharata and a rich local culture. To reach Mana Village from Badrinath Temple, visitors can either walk along a scenic path or take a short taxi ride, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes by car. The walk, taking around 30-40 minutes, offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the Alaknanda River.
Pandukeshwar
Pandukeshwar is a historically significant village located about 20 kilometers from Badrinath Temple, believed to be the place where the Pandavas stayed during their journey to heaven. Visitors can reach Pandukeshwar by hiring a local taxi, which takes around 30-40 minutes, offering scenic views along the way. Once there, travelers can explore ancient temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and other deities. A visit, including travel and exploration, typically takes about 2-3 hours, providing a rich cultural experience steeped in spirituality.
Staying in Badrinath
Badrinath has ample accommodations to stay, from the frugal dharamshalas to affordable guesthouses to 3-star hotels, it is easy to find a place to stay in Badrinath, if you are travelling in off-season.
As thousands of devotees ascent to the revered Badrinath shrine during the peak season, even finding a bed could be a task, let alone a room to stay. It is advisable to book an accommodation at Joshimath which is 45 kms from Badrinath. You can make a day trip to Badrinath and return to Joshimath by evening.
Badrinath Food Guide
At an elevation of 3,300 meters, not many restaurants could be found and only a handful of seasonal local eating joints and stalls tend to serve the pilgrims and tourists. The food served here is North Indian cuisine and popular Chinese delicacies with limited choices. Due to the religious significance of the place, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited at Badrinath.
History of Badrinath
In the 9th century, the holy town of Badrinath was re-established as a prominent pilgrim site by Guru Adi Shankaracharya. In the early years, the pilgrims used to walk hundreds of miles to pay obeisance at the sacred Badrinath temple. During the time of First World War, the town of Badrinath had only 20 dwarf huts, where the temple staff lived.
Architecture of Badrinath Temple
The architecture of Badrinath temple bears a striking resemblance to the Buddhist Vihara (temple). The facade of the temple is built out of stone and has arched windows. On the walls and pillars of the mandapa, one can see the intricate carvings. To enter inside, one has to take the broad stairway that leads to the arched gateway, the main entrance of the temple.
This remarkable temple is 50 feet tall, having a small cupola on top covered with agold gilt roof. Inside the temple, one can see the calm and meditative posture of Lord Vishnu, flanked by Nar and Narayan. Around 15 idols have been are enshrined in the temple that are carved out of black stone.
Mythology about Badrinath
There are two mythological stories related to Badrinath, the first states that as per the Vamana Purana, the two sages named Nar and Narayana (the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu) performed their penance here and Bhakt Narada was able to attain salvation.
Whereas, the other legend tells that Lord Vishnu in his child avatar manifested near the Neelkanth Parvat in search of a place to meditate.Upon searching, he fell in love with the site near Alaknanda river. Lord Vishnu then incarnated as a child near the Rishi Ganga and Alaknanda rivers (now in the vicinity of Neelkanth Parvat) and started crying. When his cries reached the ears of Goddess Parvati, it melted her heart at once. She wanted to help the child so she took her consort, Lord Shiva to meet him. When Parvati asked the child, 'What do you want?' The child asked for the site that he liked for meditating. Parvati granted his wish and now the same place is revered as BadriVishal.
Badrinath Pilgrimage Travel Destination
The main attraction of Badrinath is the Badrinath temple also known as the Badrinarayan temple. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also one of the 108 Divya Desams or holy shrines of Vaishnavities. The present temple is conical in shape built two centuries ago by the Garhwal kings. 15 idols are present in the temple complex, each built-in black stone. Lord Vishnu is represented here in a meditative posture and is flanked by Nar and Narayan.
Some of the other attractions of Badrinath include the Tapt Kund a natural thermal spring on the banks of the Alakananda. You can also visit the Panch Prayag i.e. Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Nandprayag, Karnaprayag, Vishnuprayag; from Badrinath. You can also visit the Mata Murthi temple which is dedicated to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. At a distance of 3km from Badrinath is the Mana village popularly known as the last village of India, inhabited by people of the Indo-Mongolian tribe.
Badrinath illustration by team eUttaranchal. Artist: Beenu
Best Time to Visit Badrinath
In the opening time of six months of Badrinath, pilgrims can travel in any season but if you want a hectic free journey then choose the months of end season of yatra. The best time to visit Badrinath is September and October. May and June season is also ok to visit Badrinath but because of huge number of pilgrims you can face high rates of hotels and long queues outside temple. During monsoon, there is much possibility of landslides and road block because of mountainous road and heavy rainfall. So our team will suggest you to visit Badrinath in the month of October or November.
How many days are enough for Badrinath?
For a fulfilling experience in Badrinath, we recommend a minimum stay of three days.
Begin your journey with a holy dip in Tapt Kund and Surya Kund, known for their sacred waters, followed by a visit to the revered Badrinath Temple, where you can seek the blessings of Lord Badri Vishal and witness the awe-inspiring architecture, then visit the Mana Pass and enjoy their scenic beauty.
On the second day, venture to nearby attractions such as Vasudhara Falls, where the cascading waters create a breathtaking sight, as well as Dev Tal, which offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. Be sure to visit Bheem Pul, a remarkable rock bridge with a fascinating legend, Brahma Kapal, a sacred site for performing rituals for the departed, and Ganesh Cave, which adds a touch of adventure to your itinerary.
Conclude your trip on the third day by exploring Charan Paduka, a serene spot believed to be where Lord Vishnu once rested, along with Mana Village, known for its unique culture and traditions, and Pandukeshwar, a site rich in mythology.
This itinerary not only allows you to immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance but also offers opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this sacred region, ensuring a truly memorable experience.
Badrinath in Winters
The Temple of Badrinath Dham is closed during winters, you can check the closing and opening dates here. Winter seat of Badrinath is located in Joshimath. Know more about Winter Char Dham Yatra.
What is Badrinath famous for?
Badrinath is famous among tourist as Badrinath Temple, Char Dham Yatra, Pilgrimage, Temple, Char Dham Temple.
Badrinath is recommended destination for Couples, Family and Kids, Foreigners, Groups, Solo.
Badrinath is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Char Dham Yatra, Monuments of National Importance, Panch Badri, Pilgrimage, Temples.
