The state of Uttarakhand welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Among them are both travelers and pilgrims. The biggest religious attractions in the state, are the Chardham destinations and one of these is Badrinath. This holy town is regularly frequented by a large number of saints, rishis, munis and devotees. A visit to this pilgrimage destination is considered to be highly auspicious. While on your holidays in Uttarakhand, you can not afford to forget a visit to this sacred town of Badrinath.
Badrinath is a pilgrimage town and a nagar panchayat, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Badrinath is one of the best pilgrimages of India. It is believed that Lord Vishnu used to meditate here and Goddess Lakshmi used to shelter him from the sun by standing next to him. Becuase of this, Lakshmi got turned into Badri and called as 'BADRI VISHAL' and Lord Shiva became the Badri-Nath (Lord of Nath).
It is located at a height of around 3,000 m above sea level. Geographically, this town lies in Garhwal hills region. Due to its location on the banks of the Alaknanda River makes it appear even more beautiful and divine.
If you start your travel from Kedarnath, it will take you two days (by road) to reach the holy town of Badrinath. The Indo-China border lies in close vicinity of the town. En route to this popular Chardham destination, you can also make a visit to Hemkund Sahib, a much known Sikh pilgrimage destination.
If you want to spend some time shopping, Badrinath is a good place. You can decide to purchase items like Ayurvedic medicine, sacred books, electronic goods (made in China), woolens, sea shells, beads, bracelet etc. These items will make for great souvenirs while getting back home. While traveling to Badrinath, you should always remember to abide by all the religious rules and guidelines. You should also be well informed that non-vegetarian food is not allowed inside Badrinath. Alcohol consumption is also strictly prohibited while in the town. However, you will find many restaurants serving delicious vegetarian dishes for you to taste.
Local Places to Visit at Badrinath:
Tapt Kund : Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary, to bathe before entering this Badrinath temple.
Narad Kund : A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.
Brahama Kapal : A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda. Hindus perform proppitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.
Sheshnetra : 1.5kms. away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary serpent, better known as the Sheshnag's eye.
Charanpaduka : 3kms. away is a beautiful meadow where the footprint of Lord Vishnu is seen on a boulder.
Mata Murty Temple : Devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Other important temples include Sesh Netra Temple, Urvashi Temple and Charanpaduka.
Mana Village : Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet.
Vasundhara : As the name suggests, vasundhara is a magnificent water fall. This place is 5 kms. from Badrinath out of which 2 kms. is motorable upto Mana.
Bhim Pul : On the other side of Mana village, a massive rock forming a natural bridge, lies over the roaring Saraswati river. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.
Vyas Gufa (cave) : Near Mana Village, this is a rock-cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries.Badrinath Yatra package cover destinations like Haridwar - Deoparyag - Rudraprayag (Elevation: 2,936 ft) – Joshimath (Elevation: 6150 feet) - Badrinath (Elevation: 10,170 feet) Mana Village - Rishikesh – Haridwar etc.
