Badrinath is a holy town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the four sacred sites of the Char Dham pilgrimage and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,300 meters (10,827 feet), Badrinath is nestled in the Himalayas along the banks of the Alaknanda River.
Overview
The main attraction of the town is the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Badrinarayan (a form of Vishnu). The temple is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century and is known for its rich architecture and religious significance. It is open from May to November, depending on weather conditions.
Given the travel time and the desire to explore these sites, it’s advisable to allocate at least one overnight stay, either in Badrinath or a nearby town like Joshimath. This allows for rest and acclimatization before visiting the Badrinath Temple. Therefore, a trip from Rishikesh to Badrinath, including travel and exploration, typically spans 2 to 3 days.
Duration: The typical duration of the Badrinath is 2 to 3 days.
Location: The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas. It lies along the banks of the Alaknanda River, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Neelkanth.
Best Time to Visit: The temple opens in late April or early May.
Opening and Closing Dates: The temple is open for six months of the year, from late April or early May to November (on the day of Bhai Dooj). It remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall, and the idol of Lord Badrinarayan is moved to the nearby village of Joshimath for worship during this time.
Near by Badrinath: “Tapt Kund” This is a natural hot water spring located near the temple, “Mana Village” Just 3 km from Badrinath, “Charan Paduka” Just 3 km from Badrinath Temple, “Vasudhara Falls” A beautiful waterfall located about 9 km from Badrinath, “Panch Prayag” Badrinath is situated near the confluence of several important rivers.
Travel Modes:
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Rishikesh to Badrinath: By bus, car, or shared taxi.
The journey from Rishikesh to Badrinath covers approximately 286 kilometers and typically takes 8 to 9 hours by road. Along this scenic route, travelers can visit several noteworthy locations: Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Joshimath.