Badrinath

Badrinath

Badrinath is one of the holy Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. Still, there is a lot more in store for the traveler in the form of the exquisite natural beauty of this place.

Badrinath is tucked between the Narayan and Nar Mountain ranges. This site in Uttarakhand is witness to thousands of tourists visiting every year.

Historical Background:

There are several mythological stories famous around this place. 

While some suggest that Badrinath was once the place for Lord Shiva before Lord Vishnu unseated him.

The other story says that Ganga while descending to Earth, split into twelve streams. Thus the Alakananda channel fell on Kedarnath.

Things to Do:

The beauty of this place knows no bounds, and the sight of the Neelkanth mountain peak mesmerizes the tourists. 

There is much to do besides the mandatory visit to the Badrinath Temple, which is among the most sacred places in India.

The deity worshipped here is that of Lord Vishnu. Tourists also visit the Tapt Kund, which is a thermal spring. 

A holy dip here is essential before entering the temple's premises. It is famous that there are medicinal values in the water here that can cure specific ailments.

You can also go to the Neelkanth peak, which is a beautiful snow-cap peak. The site is famous for providing content for some of the finest pictures captured in the region.

Major Attractions:

The Mata Murti Temple, located around 3km from Badrinath, is also a popular destination. It is a place of worship which is a dedication to Lord Narayan's mother. In August every year, a fair in this temple is popularly attended by the locals and the tourists.

Brahma Kapal is another beautiful destination situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River. 

Tourists to this region also stop by places such as Narad Kund, which is another hot water spring, and Mana, one of the last villages for India and is close to the border of Tibet.

Other notable tourist attractions near Badrinath are the Panch Dharas and Panch Shilas, Bheel Pul, and Sheshnetre.

Tourism Highlights:

Badrinath temple is usually visited on a trek and different sanctuaries that make up the Char Dham in Uttarakhand. 

It's the most open temple out of the four and perhaps the most famous sanctuaries in India. The quantity of pioneers has developed to more than 1 million every year. However, the sanctuary wasn't generally so natural to reach. 

Before 1962, there was no street accessibility, and people had to travel over the mountains to arrive. 

The simplest, however, most exorbitant method of arriving at the sanctuary is by helicopter. 

Privately owned business Pilgrim Aviation offers one-day bundles to Badrinath withdrawing from the Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun. 

The most widely recognized method of visiting the sanctuary is on a road trip from Joshimath, albeit a few facilities are accessible at Badrinath.

People and Culture:

People here primarily speak Hindi and Garwali languages, and the population consists of predominantly Hindus.

Local Food and Popular Shopping Items:

You will find decent places to eat in Badrinath. Some of the sites like Saket Restaurant, Sardeshwari Restaurant, and Chandralok Hotel are pretty popular. 

You can shop for tiny souvenirs such as idols of Gods and metal lamps.

Best Time to Visit:

Due to the icy conditions that prevail during the winter months, it is best to visit from May to June and then from September to October.

The rainy season makes the weather unpredictable, and it is best to avoid such seasons in Badrinath.

Availability of Accommodation Type:

You can choose from comfortable hotels to economical Ashrams for your stay here. 

There are places such as Manav Kalyan Ashram, which is located at the Badrinath Temple Road.

Other notable hotels include Clifftop Club, Blue Poppy Resorts, Mountain Village Stay, etc.

Offbeat Places near Badrinath

Charanpaduka 

With engravings of what is acceptable to be Lord Vishnu's impressions, Charanpaduka is a stone on 3380 ft, found 3 km from Badrinath. 

It tends to be reached after a burdensome trip. Individuals accept that Lord Vishnu sent his foot first on Earth here. 

Tapt Kund 

Famous as to be the home of Lord Agni, Tapt Kund is a characteristic boiling water spring close to the Badrinath Temple, warming to 45 degrees Celsius. 

The water of the Kund is famous for having therapeutic properties, relieving different skin illnesses. 

Brahma Kapal 

This is a strict site in Uttarakhand close to Badrinath, where Lord Brahma is accept to exist right until the present time. 

It is said that the individuals who perform burial service customs for the expired in their family themselves achieve Nirvana.

Travel tips

1. Because of outrageous climate conditions, Badrinath temple is just open for a half year of the year from the finish of April or early May to the beginning of November. 

2. The priests choose the sanctuary's initial date on the promising event of Basant Panchami, in January or February, which denotes the appearance of spring. 

3. The end date is settled on Dussehra. By and large, the temple stays open for around ten days after Diwali. 

4. When going from Joshimath to Badrinath, it's prudent to leave Joshimath promptly in the first part of the day (by 8 a.m.). The traffic is frequently directed during the top season in May and June.