Badrinath Travel Guide Uttarakhand
Blessed with a stunning backdrop, Badrinath is one of the most well-known religious destinations, nestled at a height of 3,100 m between the Nar and Narayana Mountains in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It gets its name from the most revered sacred site, the Badrinath Temple. With a plethora of myths and legends, the location is beloved by all for its vibrant spirituality and exquisiteness.
Pilgrims flock here in droves to seek blessings and bask in the unparalleled beauty. The presence of picture-book landscapes, sacred ponds, and stunning snow-capped peaks transforms this holy destination into a slice of heaven on Earth. In addition to unrivaled beauty, Badrinath offers an incredible opportunity for those who enjoy adventure and fun-filled activities.
Badrinath, founded in the ninth century by Adi Shankaracharya, is said to be the place where Lord Vishnu did penance while his wife Lakshmi took the form of a Bael tree to offer him refuge from the burning heat. According to legend, when the deity Ganga was prayed to come down to earth to relieve people’s misery, the earth was unable to withstand the force of her fall.
As a result, the Goddess Ganga was split into two sacred channels, one of which is Alaknanda. The Mahabharata mentions the peaks that surround Badrinath. Furthermore, the site is the resting place of many saints and sages who have meditated here. Some pious Scholars such as Sri Madhavachary, Sri Nityananda, and Ramanujacharya visited this place for learning around 800 years ago. However, there are a large number of pilgrims who continue to do so today.
Places to Visit in Badrinath
1. Vashudhara Falls
Vasundhara Falls, surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks, is located 3 miles from Badrinath in Mana village. It cascades from a height of 400 feet, creating a magnificent scene worth seeing. Despite being a difficult place to reach, the falls entice visitors with their pleasant surroundings and stimulating charm.
2. Neelkantha
Neelkanth, with its gleaming snow-capped peaks, is a charming destination that overlooks the Badrinath Temple. Both nature lovers and devotees flock to this location. The mighty peak, also known as the Queen of Garhwal, is located at an altitude of 6,597 m and attracts a large number of tourists.
3. Tapt Kund
Deemed to be the sacred dwelling of Lord Agni, Tapt Kund is positioned over the riverbank. A dip in the hot spring renders an invigorating strength to all the devotees who had taken an irksome climb.
4. Sheshnetra
Sheshnetra, located one mile from the holy town of Badrinath, is one of Uttarakhand’s most-visited sacred sites. The Sheshnetra is said to guard Lord Badrinath’s sacred temple. The remarkable aspect of this holy site is that the marks on the rock are accurate. One can also enjoy a majestic atmosphere of equanimity and serenity that soothes the minds of nomads.
5. Charanpaduka
Another captivating rock, Charanpaduka, is located about 2 miles from Badrinath Temple at an elevation of 3380 feet. It is believed that anyone who seeks the blessings of Lord Vishnu’s footprints will be healed of all illnesses and troubles.
How To Reach Badrinath
Badrinath By Air:
The nearest airport to Badrinath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 314 kilometers away. A taxi can be hired for the remainder of the journey to the desired destination.
Badrinath by Train:
The nearest railhead to Badrinath is Haridwar. Haridwar and Dehradun stations are well connected to India’s major cities.
Badrinath By Road:
Excellent roads connect Badrinath to the main towns of Uttarakhand. Bus and taxi services are also available from major cities such as Haridwar, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Pauri, Ukhimath, and Karnaprayag to Badrinath.
