Badrinath – Ashu Tour & Travels
Badrinath is a prominent pilgrimage town in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, revered for its spiritual significance and scenic beauty. Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas along the banks of the Alaknanda River, it stands at an elevation of approximately 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) and is one of the four sacred Char Dham sites in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Key Features of Badrinath
- Badrinath Temple: The town’s main attraction is the Badrinath Temple, which houses a black stone idol of Lord Vishnu. The temple has an ornate façade painted in vibrant colors, and its architecture reflects the beauty of the region. The temple’s origins are ancient, with connections to Adi Shankaracharya, who established the idol here in the 8th century.
- Tapt Kund: Located just near the temple, Tapt Kund is a natural hot spring believed to have therapeutic properties. Pilgrims traditionally bathe here before entering the temple.
- Nar and Narayan Peaks: These two peaks add to the scenic grandeur of Badrinath. They flank the temple and are believed to symbolize the dual aspects of the deity Narayana.
- Mana Village: The last village before the India-Tibet border, Mana Village is just 3 km from Badrinath. It’s known for its rich cultural heritage and is said to be inhabited by descendants of the Indo-Mongolian tribes. It is also famous for the “Vyasa Gufa” (cave where Vyasa composed the Mahabharata) and Ganesh Gufa.
- Vasudhara Falls: A 5 km trek from Mana Village, Vasudhara Falls is a stunning waterfall cascading from a height of about 400 feet. The falls are surrounded by snowy peaks and lush landscapes, adding a refreshing experience to the pilgrimage journey.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Badrinath is from May to October, as the weather is clear and the roads are accessible. However, the peak pilgrimage season typically runs from May to June and again in September to October. During July and August, the region experiences heavy monsoon rains, which can lead to landslides and road closures. Winters (November to April) bring heavy snowfall, and the temple remains closed during this period.
How to Reach Badrinath
- By Air: The nearest airport to Badrinath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 311 km away. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Badrinath. Helicopter services to Badrinath are also available from Dehradun during the pilgrimage season.
- By Train: The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh (about 295 km) and Haridwar (about 320 km). Both stations are well connected to major cities in India, including Delhi. From either station, taxis and buses are available for Badrinath.
- By Road: Badrinath is well connected by road to nearby towns and cities in Uttarakhand. Regular bus and taxi services operate from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Badrinath during the pilgrimage season. National Highway 7 (NH7) connects these cities to Badrinath, but due to steep, narrow roads, it’s recommended to travel with experienced drivers or rely on local transport services.
Travel Tips
- The high altitude can cause altitude sickness, so it’s essential to acclimatize gradually and keep hydrated.
- Carry warm clothing, as temperatures can drop drastically, especially at night.
- Since Badrinath experiences extreme weather, be prepared for sudden changes and check road and weather conditions before traveling.
