17 Best Places To Visit In Badrinath
Are you planning a religious trip to Badrinath and looking for the best places to visit? The following list is a compilation of the must-visit places and attractions in the famed pilgrim centre that is Badrinath. Take a look and choose what all places are you going to cover on your Badrinath vacation.
1. Badrinath Temple: The Must-Visit Place
Situated at an altitude of 3133m, Badrinath Temple is a 15m tall structure that dates back to the Vedic Ages. The sanctuary is that of Lord Vishnu, who is revered as Badrinath. The temple is situated in Garhwal hill on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Badrinath Temple is one of the most sought after pilgrim centres in the country.
The dark stone figure of Badrinarayan is considered by numerous Hindus as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. One of the most celebrated tourist stops in India, Badrinath Temple spreads its wondrous aura for all travelers and pilgrims.
Location: Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
2. Neelkanth Peak: Admire The Queen Of Garhwal
Also called the ‘Queen of Garhwal’, Neelkanth Peak, with its huge altitude of 6,597 meters, sets an incredible backdrop to Badrinath Temple. This snowy mountain peak is named after Lord Shiva and its beauty is magnified when the first beams of the sun hit the top, at the break of day.
The snow-covered mountain top, is in reality, one of the most staggering summits in the Garhwal Himalayas. On the northwest side of Neelkanth, you can find the Satopanth. You can spot the Panpatia Glacier on the southwest side. Also watch out for a little river- Khirao Ganga, that runs under the south side of the mountain peak. This is one of the most famous places to visit in Badrinath.
Location: NH 58, Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
3. Vasudhara Falls: Watch The Delightful Cascade
Located at Mana, 4 km from Badrinath, the Vasudhara Falls at 400 ft is considered to have been the resting spot of the Pandavas. This delightful cascade is situated in the serene surroundings of the Himalayas and it is believed that the falls turn away from those people who are impure at heart.
Make sure to go early in the morning to witness this beautiful waterfall. You can take a jeep or taxi from Badrinath. Also, ensure that you have an umbrella and trekking shoes.
Location: Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
4. Tapt Kund: Take A Plunge In The Hot Waters
Tapt Kund is believed to be the home of Lord Agni. A characteristically hot water spring at 45 degrees celsius, just above the Alaknanda river bank where devotees take a wash before proceeding to the Badrinath Shrine. The water of the Tapt Kund is considered to have restorative properties.
A plunge in the heavenly and hot waters of the Kund is fundamental before a pilgrim visits the holy place of worship of Badrinath. Close to the Tapt Kund, you can find five boulders which are, according to Hindu mythology, Narad, Narsingh, Varah, Garur and Markanday.
Location: NH 58, Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
5. Bheem Pul: Natural Bridge Of Stones
Bheem Pul is a natural bridge of stones on River Saraswati that is considered to be built by Bheem, one of the Pandav siblings while they were cruising by. Some believe the bridge was made by a stone Bheem tossed between the mountains to make a way to cross the stream.
All things considered, the stone bridge and the River Saraswati spouting through it is a stunning sight. Bheem Pul is situated in Mana, a village situated on the country’s border with Tibet. It is about 3 km from Badrinath and is found opposite the gorgeous valley of Vyas Gufa.
Location: Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
6. Mana Village: Scenic Place To Explore
Mana Village is one of the best Badrinath attractions and is also known as the last Indian village that lies on the Tibetan – Chinese border. Situated on the banks of River Saraswati at an elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level, it is celebrated for its grand magnificence encompassed by the amazing Himalayan Mountain Ranges.
Mana Village, is 3 km away from Badrinath, is an interesting place where you can spot small homes and handicraft shops while driving up the mountains. To truly feel at one with nature, you should visit this spot for a short hike among the snowy mountain peaks.
Location: NH 58, Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
7. Pandukeshwar: Holy Site For Pilgrims
Situated at a height of 6000 feet, Pandukeshwar is a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus. This is believed to be the place where the father of the five Pandavas- King Pandu, prayed to Lord Shiva. The Vasudeva Temple in Pandukeshwar is said to be built by the Pandavas. The hypnotizing magnificence of this area attracts nature-lovers from far and wide.
Pandukeshwar is a consecrated spot situated on the way to Badrinath Temple at a height of 1829 m. There are two popular temples in Pandukeshwar: Yog Dhyan Badri Temple, one of the seven Badris, and other one is Lord Vasudeva Temple. Yog Dhyan Badri Temple is the home of the Utsava-murti in winters when the Badrinath Temple is shut.
Location: NH 58, Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
8. Alka Puri: Watch The Source Of Water
The Alka Puri Glacier is the source of water that births the River Alaknanda. This glorious ice sheet with the amazing mountain peaks encompassing it, is a treat to the eyes. Alka Puri likewise, also has an extraordinary significance in India as it is considered to be the sacred home of Kuber, the Gandharvas and Yakshas.
Location: Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
9. Mata Murti Temple: Temple Of Mother Of Twins
This temple is devoted to the mother of the twins, Lord Badrinath and Nara. Mata Murti Temple is a religious pilgrimage spot for Hindus. It is said that Mata Murti, filled with extreme devotion to Lord Vishnu, prayed to him to accept the birth from her womb as his next earthly manifestation. Lord Vishnu, satisfied with her commitment, took birth as the twins.
Appealing to the Goddess here is widely believed to liberate one from the sufferings of the materialistic world. A festival is held each year in September at the sanctuary upon the arrival of Shravan Dwadashi.
Location: Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
10. Brahma Kapal: Pay A Visit
Brahma Kapal is the place where Lord Brahma is believed to live. It is likewise said that the individuals who perform funeral ceremonies here for the expired ones in their family will accomplish Nirvana. For this reason, many visit this holy site to immerse the remains of their perished relatives in the River Alaknanda, on the banks of which Brahma Kapal is found.
Location: Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
11. Charanpaduka: Gape At The Footprints Of Vishnu
Perched at a height of 3,380 feet, Charanpaduka rock is located just 3 km away from Badrinath Temple. This popular rock has several footprints of Lord Vishnu which is why several tourists head to this destination. A visit to Charanpaduka and a look towards the footprints is believed to retrieve the ailments of devotees. A visit to Badrinath calls for exploring the lesser-known places here like Charanpaduka.
Location: Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
12. Vyas Gufa: Abode Of Vyas & Ganesha
Counted among the top places to visit in Badrinath, Vyas Gufa is an ancient cave. It is believed that sage Vyas composed the epic Mahabharata here with the help of Lord Ganesha. The place can be reached easily as it is situated in Mana Village which is just a couple of kilometers away from Badrinath. So, make sure that you include this place in your itinerary while visiting Badrinath.
Location: Mana Village, Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
13. Sheshnetra Temple: Natural Imprints Of Ananta Shesha
One of the holy tourist places in Badrinath that no one can miss is the Sheshnetra Temple. When you visit this place, you will find a huge stone that is marked with the eye of a snake. It is believed that Lord Vishnu took retreat on a snake which goes by the name Ananta Shesha. You will find the natural imprints of here at this temple. Another amazing thing to explore here is the view of the two lakes and the River Alaknanda.
Location: NH 58, Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
14. Satopanth Lake: The Abode Of Three Hindu Gods
How can one miss a visit to this beautiful lake which is counted among the top places to see in Badrinath? It is a lake with three corners which makes it a triangular lake and it is situated at a height of 4,402 above sea level. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks, the lake got its name from the three Hindu gods – Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesh. It is said that these gods reside on the three corners of the lake.
Location: Satopanth Tal, Uttarakhand 246422
15. Narad Kund: Refreshing Ambiance
Narad Kund is another popular holy site that is located near Badrinath. The place is quite significant as it is believed that Adi Shankaracharya recovered the idol of Vishnu from here. Devotees stop here to take a religious bath at the natural hot water geysers. The majestic beauty of the surrounding ambiance also attracts nature lovers! This is among the best places to visit in Badrinath.
Location: Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
16. Saraswati River: Religious Baths
Saraswati River has always attracted devotees from across the country. You can get numerous references of the Saraswati river in Vedic literature which explains the importance of it in Hindu mythology. Named after the Goddess of Wisdom, Saraswati is the tributary of River Alaknanda that merges into River Ganga offering breathtaking views.
Location: Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
17. Yogadhyan Badri Temple: Peaceful Abode
This is one of the seven Badris and is believed to be the abode of Lord Kuber and Lord Udhava. The temple houses beautiful idol of the Lord Vishnu in the meditative pose. It is said that the idol of the Vishnu was installed by Pandu, the father of the Pandavas. The temple is one of the most holy places in the area and welcomes local visitors throughout the year.
Location: Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
