Badrinath is a naturally blessed pilgrimage nestled between the beautiful Nar and Narayan mountain ranges. The unspoiled beauty and the breathtaking surroundings add more glory to this spiritual place dedicated to Lord Vishnu. One of the most revered stopovers of Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, and like other pilgrimages in the circuit Badrinath holds a great religious significance in Hinduism and Hindu devout. This ancient holy town of Badrinath is located in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3133 meters above the sea level. The temple name has been derived from the word Badri as the region is much abundant in yielding berries. With myriads of holy legends and the myths associated with the place, Badrinath holds a prominent place in the list of Hindu pilgrimage sites.
Places to visit around Badrinath-
Despite being reckoned as a revered place in Uttarakhand, Badrinath is surrounded by numerous interesting traveling destinations which can give you an exciting and awe-inspiring traveling experience. This article has compiled the list of all the tourist destinations in and around Badrinath which can be explored by opting Badrinath Yatra Package.
1. Badrinath Temple
Also called as Badrinarayan Temple, Badrinath Temple is situated at the right side of the Alaknanda River. The temple stands at an altitude of 3133 meters above the sea level in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand and is dedicated to Lord Badri (Vishnu). The temple is believed to be constructed during the 8th century by the great philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. “Singh Dwar” which is the main entrance of the temple is the major attraction of the temple. A 3.3 meter tall and black-stoned statue of Lord Vishnu which is installed in the Garbhagriha of the temple along with the idols of other gods and goddesses. Devotees cannot pay their homage and cannot do the philosophy of Lord Vishnu during winter as this divine temple is closed during the winter season which gets opened with the commencement of summer season.
2. Vasudhara Falls
This beautiful waterfall in Uttarakhand is one of the most charming traveling destinations near Badrinath. The water of this stunning waterfall falls from a great height of 400 feet above the sea level and is a perfect example of nature’s ethereal beauty. It is believed that the cascading water falling from the height turns away from those who are not pure at heart and can only be savored by the people with pure and clean heart. Despite being a remote location, the cool and salubrious ambiance of the atmosphere and the unadulterated beauty Vasudhara waterfalls is a heavily crowded and a must visit place in Badrinath.
3. Satopanth Lake
A triangular lake which contains crystal clear green water is situated at an elevation of 4600 meters above the sea level and is reckoned as the highest altitude lake located in Uttarakhand. The lake is established near the divine Badrinath Temple. The trekking trail of this pea-green lake is quite appealing and inviting to the adventure enthusiasts to gear up themselves for an enrapturing and lifelong trekking experience. The beautiful landscape of the surrounding that includes snow-clad mountains, lush green meadows, and the imposing mountain peaks negotiates the tiredness and keeps you refresh and motivated during the trek.
4. Brahma Kapal
This traveling destination of Badrinath holds a great significance in Hinduism and is known to be the place where people come to pay respect and homage to the departed souls of their ancestors. Brahma Kapal is located around 2 km away from the Badrinath shrine and there is a deep belief among Hindu devout that if they perform the Shraddha rituals of their ancestors at this sacred place then the departed souls of their ancestors and their loved ones get liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
You may like to read Panch Kedar
5. Mana Village
A small yet beautiful hamlet located in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, Mana Village is considered as the last Indian Village. This beautiful village is located on the border of India and Tibet and at an elevation of 3219 meters above the sea level. It is a habitat of Bhotias who are the Indo-Mongolian tribes. The village has a total population of 600 and it houses around 180 households. It houses several holy caves including Vyas Cave which is believed to be the same place where great saint VedVyas dictated the Mahabharata epic to Lord Ganesha. The village is widely known for its panoramic views that include imposing Himalayan mountain peaks, enchanting waterfall, and many more.
6. Joshimath
Also called as winter abode of Badrinath Temple, Joshimath is situated at an elevation of 6150 feet above the sea level and is beautifully nestled amidst the snow-covered Himalayan ranges. The region acts as the base of numerous trekking trails, Himalayan expeditions, camping, and pilgrimage centers. During winter when the Badrinath Temple remains closed then devotees come to Joshimath to pay their homage and offerings to Lord Vishnu. It also houses the famous ancient tree Kalpavriksha which is around 1200 years old.
7. Bheem Pul–
A small trek from Mana village leads us to this beautiful natural stone bridge. This magnificent stone bridge is located 3 km away from Badrinath and has been established over Saraswati River. According to Hindu mythology, this bridge was established by Bheem, one of the mighty Pandava brothers. It is believed that Pandavas started their journey towards heaven along with their wife Draupadi from the same place. Draupadi couldn’t cross the Saraswati River so Bheema in order to help her threw a stone in the river and this is how the bridge was established. Tourists can explore the sacred Vyas Cave which is located opposite to this Pul and has many panoramic sceneries to explore.
8. Vasuki Tal-
A beautiful glacial lake nestled at an impressive elevation of almost 14,200 feet above the sea level. According to a legend Lord Vishnu took bath in this divine lake on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan and since then it holds religious significance in Hinduism. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful landscape surrounding this placid lake that includes the admirable view of imposing Chaukhamba Peak, the huge Himalayan ranges, blossoming Brahma Kamal and various other scented colorful flowers.
Festivals in Badrinath:
• Mata MurtiKaMela
There is a grand celebration organized every year on the day when the idol of Lord Uddhavji is brought to the Mata Murti Temple which is approx. 3 km away and the idol is brought back to its place on the same day.
• Badri Kedar Festival
This auspicious festival is celebrated in the month of June and the festival is organized in the temples of Badrinath and Kedarnath. The festival continues for eight days and through this Badri-Kedar festival, numerous greatest artists come under the same platform.
You may like to read
• Krishna Janmashtami
The other auspicious celebration held in the Badrinath shrine is the birth celebration of Lord Krishna in which thousands of devotees take part every year.
4.5