Badrinath is a holy town in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India. Major attraction of this town is Badrinath Temple. According to the legend, image of Lord Badrinarayan discovered by Shankara at this place. This was made of Saligram stone. Earlier it was placed in a cave near Tapt Kund Hot springs. King of Garhwal moved this image from this cave to the present temple in 16th century. Badrinath along with Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri form Chota Char Dham. Major festivals of this place are Badri Kedar Festival, Janmashtami, Mata Murti Ka Mela. Wall paintings, Stone carvings and woollen clothes are worth buying of this place.
What to see in Badrinath:
Badrinath Temple: This is the major attraction of this town. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here. In 8th century it was built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. Main attraction of this temple is entrance gate i.e. Singh Dwara. Temple is divided into 3 sections namely Darshan mandap, Sabha Mandap and garbha griba. In the temple, 15 idols of several shrines can be seen.
Tapt Kund: This is abode to Lord Agni. It is famous for its medicinal properties. Before entering into the temple devotees take a dip in this kund.
Surya Kund: It is situated besides the Tapt Kund. Idol of Lord Vishnu found here. People take holy dip at this place.
Charanpaduka: It is a famous rock in which footprints of Lord Vishnu can be seen here. Caves leads to Charanpaduka.
Brahma Kapal: It is situated on the banks of river Alaknanda. It is believed that Lord Brahma resides at this place.
Narada Kund: It is named after Saint Narada Muni. At this place idol of lord Vishnu was recovered by Adi Shankaracharya.
What to see around Badrinath:
Mata Murti Temple: It is located 3kms from Badrinath. Mata Murti is worshipped here. She is the mother of two sons Nara and Narayana. Mata grants Vairagya to the devotees.
Sheshnetra: It is located 1.5kms from Badrinath. This is a large stone marked with the eye of a legendary snake. It is believed that Sheshnetra safe guards the temple Badrinath.
Mt. Neelakanth: Other name is Garhwal Queen. It is located 16kms away from the town. This is the background of Badrinath. Trekking conducts here.
Vasudhara Falls: It is located 7kms away from Badrinath. These falls look like milk when it is falling. It is located in Mana Village. If visitors of this place are not pure at heart, these falls will turn away.
Yogadhyan Badri: It is located 13kms away from Badrinath. It is believed that Father of Pandavas meditated here. This is the birth place of Pandavas.
Alka Puri: It is the home place of Yakshas which is located 15kms away from Badrinath. This the origin place of River Alaknanda from Satopanth glacier.
Satopanth: It is a triangular lake which is located 25kms away from Badrinath. It is believed that Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwar stands on the 3 corners of the lake. It is surrounded by snow Peak Mountains.
Getting to Badrinath: Only way to reach this place is through road. From Haridwar, Rishikesh, Delhi etc buses come to this place. Nearest railway station is located at Haridwar which is 137kms away from Badrinath. Nearest airport is located at Dehradun which is 317kms away from Badrinath.
Getting around Badrinath: Buses are available to visit the surrounding places of Badrinath. It is recommended to travel in terrain vehicles.
Best time to visit Badrinath: Best time to visit Badrinath is between May to October.
Where to stay in Badrinath: Plenty of budget, midrange and luxury hotels are available to stay in Badrinath along with Ashrams. Visitors can prepare their own tents.
Where to eat in Badrinath: Plenty of restaurants are available to have food at Badrinath.