Badrinath is a sacred town in Uttarakhand and one of the most important places in the Char Dham pilgrimage of India. It is named after the famous Badrinath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is also one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holy sites for Vishnu worshippers, also known as Vaishnavites. Badrinath is part of both the Char Dham and the Chota Char Dham pilgrimages. Due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather in the Himalayas, the temple is only open to visitors for about six months each year.
places to visit in Badrinath
Badrinath Temple
Badrinath Temple is a famous Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
It is located in the town of Badrinath in Uttarakhand.
The temple is a key part of the Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage.
Devotees from all over India visit it for blessings.
The temple is surrounded by snowy mountains and scenic beauty.
It is open only for six months every year due to harsh weather.
Pilgrims take a dip in the nearby hot spring before entering the temple.
Nilkantha
Nilkantha is a tall and beautiful mountain in Uttarakhand.
It is part of the Garhwal Himalayas and rises above Badrinath town.
The peak is also known as the ‘Garhwal Queen’.
It looks especially stunning during sunrise when it glows golden.
Trekkers and nature lovers admire its majestic presence.
The mountain is closely linked with local religious beliefs.
It adds to the spiritual charm of the Badrinath region.
Vasudhara Falls
Vasudhara Falls is a scenic waterfall near Badrinath.
It is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River.
The waterfall drops from a height of about 400 feet.
To reach it, visitors trek around 6 km from Mana Village.
Surrounded by rocky cliffs and silence, it’s a peaceful spot.
Locals believe the water blesses only the pure-hearted.
It offers a refreshing break for pilgrims and trekkers alike.
Satopanth Lake
Satopanth Lake is a high-altitude lake at 4,600 meters.
It is surrounded by snow-covered peaks all around.
The lake is shaped like a triangle, considered very sacred.
It is believed that Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva meditate here.
Trekkers must walk a challenging trail to reach it.
The peaceful surroundings make it a perfect spiritual escape.
It’s one of the most serene spots in the Himalayas.
Pandukeshwar
Pandukeshwar is a holy village on the way to Badrinath.
It sits at an altitude of 1,829 meters in the Himalayas.
According to legends, King Pandu of the Mahabharata lived here.
There are ancient temples that attract pilgrims year-round.
The place is 18 km before Badrinath from Joshimath.
It’s also a winter home for Lord Badrinath’s idol.
The calm environment makes it ideal for a peaceful stopover.
Joshimath
Joshimath is a small town in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
It is an important spiritual and trekking hub.
Adi Shankaracharya founded one of his four mathas here.
It is the base point for visiting Auli, Badrinath, and Valley of Flowers.
Joshimath is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests.
In winter, it becomes the seat of Lord Badrinath.
It’s a peaceful place with religious and scenic significance.
Narada Kund
Narada Kund is a sacred water tank near Badrinath Temple.
It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya found Lord Vishnu’s idol here.
The water is naturally hot due to underground springs.
Many pilgrims stop here before entering the temple.
It is named after the sage Narada, who meditated at this spot.
Bathing here is believed to purify the soul.
However, the water is very hot, so long baths are not advised.
Sheshnetra
Sheshnetra is a sacred site near Badrinath town.
It features a large rock with an impression of a snake’s eye.
This is believed to be the mark of Ananta Shesha, Lord Vishnu’s serpent.
The place holds deep mythological importance.
It is surrounded by peaceful nature and snow-capped mountains.
Many pilgrims visit it on their way to Badrinath Temple.
It adds spiritual depth to the entire pilgrimage route.
Mata Murti Temple
Mata Murti Temple is located just 3 km from Badrinath.
It sits on the banks of the Alaknanda River.
The temple is dedicated to the mother of Lord Narayan.
A large number of devotees visit during Mata Murti Ka Mela.
The surroundings are peaceful and full of natural beauty.
Pilgrims often stop here for blessings before heading to Badrinath.
It’s a simple yet spiritually important site in the region.
Best Time to Visit Badrinath
The best time to visit Badrinath is during the summer months, from April to July. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 7°C to 18°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and temple visits.
Monsoon season starts from July and lasts until September. This time sees frequent rain showers, and landslides are common, which can make travel difficult. The temperature stays between 5°C to 15°C, but it’s not a safe time to plan a trip.
Winters, from November to March, are extremely cold with temperatures dropping as low as -1°C. Heavy snowfall covers the area, and the temple also remains closed during this season. So, it’s not recommended to visit Badrinath in winter.
