Located in awe-inspiring surroundings in the Himalayas, this temple at Badrinath enshrines the black stone statue of Vishnu Located at a height of 10,800 ft on the banks of the river Alaknanda, Badrinath is one of the four Dhaams (four divine) sites attracting large number of pilgrims each year. The other three dhaams are Rameshwaram in the South, Dwaraka in the west and Puri in the east.
Badrinath, one of the sacred places of the Hindus, brims with many holy ponds and lakes which are used by the devotees for bathing before entering the temple. A hot water spring in front of the temple called Tapt Kund or Surya Kund is also used for bathing.
The Badrinath temple remains closed during winter season due to extreme weather conditions. The temple opens around April on Vasant Panchami and is closed on Vijayadasami during October–November. The priests then carry the image the Narasimha temple at Jyotirmath, where the worship of Badrinath is continued during the winter season. Jyotirmath is 64 km from Badrinath.
Tapt Kund, the hot water spring, is located just below the Badrinath temple. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the waters of the steaming spring which is also known for its medicinal values and healing properties and has the potential of curing allergies of the people.
Hindus gathers at Brahma Kapal, a flat platform on the banks of River Alaknanda, to observe propitiating rites for departed souls and ancestors. Guided by the priests, devotees perform religious rituals tp pay their homage to the departed souls.
Located above the Badrinath shrine, the pyramidal-shaped Neelkanth peak is at an elevation of 6,596 m and is a 9 km mesmerizing trek from Badrinath. Named after Lord Shiva, the Neelkanth peak is at its mesmerizing best in the morning when the sun castes its crimson rays on it turning into a glittering jewel.
Located 3 km from Badrinath on the on the banks of River Alaknanda, Mata Murti Temple is dedicated to the mother of twins, Nar and Narayan, who took birth to kill a demon. Every year a fair named Mata Murti Ka Mela is held in the month of August at this temple to commemorate the descent of river Ganges on earth.
Located 3 km above the Badrinath shrine Charanpaduka is a rock bearing the footprints of Lord Vishnu. A steep climb though caves and boulders, Charanpaduka is perched at a height of about 3,380 feet and is a popular attraction of Badrinath,
Located near Tapt Kund, Narad Kund is named after popular Hindu saint Narada Muni who is believed to have written Narada Bhakti Sutra here. Devotees take a dip in the hot waters of Narad kund before entering the Badrinath shrine.
Considered as the last village on the Indo-Tibet border, Mana Village is located 3 km from Badrinath and is visited by people coming to Badrinath. Indo-Mongolian tribes often called as bhotias are the inhabitants of this village. A six km trek from Mana village will lead you to the Vasundhara waterfalls, one of the biggest in India.
Bheem Pul is an enthralling and adventurous place with mythological importance. This is the place where Bheem threw a big massif rock to make a path joining two mountains so that Draupadi could walk easily on it. Saraswati River is coming from between the mountain with immense force to merge with the water of Alanknanda River.
Bheem Pul, a massive rock above the Saraswati river joining two mountains, is another famous attraction of Badrinath. According to Hindu mythology, Bhima, the strongest of the Pandavas of the Mahabharata fame, placed a big massif rock to facilitate crossing by his wife Draupadi in their 'accent to heaven' (swargarohini). The raring waters of Saraswati River will fill you with thrills.
On the opposite bank of the river Alaknanda, in the lap of Nar Parvat, there are two small seasonal lakes. Between these lakes is a boulder having an impression of the legendary snake, Sheshnag. The formation of eye on the boulder is natural.
A glacial lake located amidst high mountains at an elevation of 4,600 metres (15,100 ft) is revered by the local Hindus who throw the ashes of the dead in it. Formed in a triangle shape, this secluded lake is 22 km from Badrinath.
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun which is at a distance of 317 km. The nearest railhead is at Haridwar, one of the sacred places for the Hindus, that is 277kms away.
The nearest railheads are at Rishikesh (at 297 km) and Kotdwara (at 327 km), but Haridwar is the major railway station which is 24 km farther from Rishikesh and is connected with major cites of India.
Taxis and buses are easily available to Badrinath. One can take a bus to Badrinath from Rishikesh, and Haridwar.
There are many hotels catering to the needs of the customers. Narayan Palace Hotel, Hotel Snow Crest and Himgiri Guest House are the famous hotels in Badrinath.