Badrinath

Cradled in the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan is the holiest of the four main shrines, Badrinath along the left bank river Alaknanda. With the splendid Neelkanth mountains as the backdrop, it is an important destination on the scared itinerary of every devour Hindu. Once the spot was carpeted with 'badris' or wild berries and hence was famous as 'Badri Van'. Badrinath is considered the holiest of the four important shrines in Garhwal. The town is at an altitude of 3,133 m. above sea level, situated on the left bank of river Alaknanda and exactly between the two mountains Nara and Narayan. The shrine is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver and falls in the religious itinerary of every devout Hindu. It is to the credit of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, who in order to revive the lost prestige of Hinduism and to unite the country in one bond, built four dhamas or pilgrimage centers in four corners of the country. Badrinath temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located on the right bank of river Alaknanda, perched at an altitude of over 3000m in the middle of a valley full with scenic beauty.

Even minus this religious claim, Badrinath has some scintillating scenic beauty and rare recreational spots in the vicinity. Indeed, an universal attraction. The present temple was built about two centuries ago by the kings of Garhwal. The principal idol in the temple is of black stone and represents Vishnu seated in a meditative pose, and flanked by Nara-Narayan. Badrinath is also known as Vishal Badri and is one of the Panch Badris. The temple remains closed from October to April due to severe winter conditions. During this period the idols of Utsavo Murti are taken to Pandukeshwar.

Badrinath Temple(Adi Shankaracharya Ji):The temple is divided into three parts - the garbha griha or sanctum sanctorum, the darshan mandap where the rituals are conducted and the sabha mandap where devotees assemble.

Tapt Kund And Surya Kund:The famous hot springs just below the temple. The sulphurous waters have a temperature of 550C. A dip, considered holy and refreshing to the body as well as the soul, is a must before offering prayers to Shri Badrinath ji.

Neelkanth:A majestic peak of the Himalayas, towering to 6600 mtrs, presents the most dramatic sight of Badrinath.

Mata Murti Mandir:About 3 km from Badrinath, on the right bank of the Alaknanda stands this temple, dedicated to the mother of Shri Badrinathji.

Mana Village:4 km. Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet on this route.

Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Bhimpul and Vasundhara Falls:3-6 km. All these destinations are famous for their links with Hindu mythology and form part of the pilgrimage of Badrinath.

Govindghat, Ghangaria:24 km. Here the Alaknanda and Laxman ganga meet. Provides access to the famous Valley of Flowers National Park (19 km) and Hemkund Sahib (20 km).

Vasuki Tal:This is high altitude lake which can be reached by an 8 km trek that ascends to 14,200 feet.

Other attractions : Hemkund Sahib, Deoprayag, Shrinagar, Rudra Prayag, Karna Prayag, Nand Pyarag, Nand Prayag, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri.