A group of four pilgrimage sites constitutes what is known in Hinduism as the “Char Dham pilgrimage”. And one among the four sites is a site called Badrinath in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. This is also one destination that Lord Shiva is supposed to have once lived before he was displaced by Lord Vishnu to Kedarnath. Badrinath is famous for the Neelkanth Mountain peak which as a background forms a perfect setting. It is this setting that makes it an ideal tourist destination. Apart from the setting the amazing landscapes of the Garhwal region and the snow capped mountain peaks only add to the charm of Badrinath. The beautiful rivers Rishi Ganga and Alakananda add more charm to this site. So if scenic beauty and an understanding of Hindu mythology is what you want then Badrinath is certainly a destination for you.
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How to reach Badrinath ?
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Badrinath Map
By train:
In order to reach Badrinath the closest stations are Hardiwar, Rishikesh, or Kotdwar. And all of these stations are connected to major railway stations across the country.
By road:
Other than regular bus services from Hardiwar, Rishikesh, or Kotdwar. New Delhi also provides for regular bus services to Badrinath. Hardiwar and Rishikesh are starting points that are located in close proximity to Badrinath.
a. How to reach Badrinath from Hardiwar : The shortest route to reach Badrinath from Hardiwar is via NH 7 as depicted in the map above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
b. How to reach Badrinath from Rishikesh : There fastest route from Rishikesh to Badrinath is via NH 7 and the route map is depicted above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
By flight:
The closest airport to Badrinath is the Jolly Grant Aiport in Dehradun. Taxis services for Badrinath are available at the airport. For international tourists the closest international airport is New Delhi.
Climate and the best time to visit Badrinath
The climate throughout the year is on the cold side with, snowfall common during winters with temperatures dropping down to subzero. While during summers the average temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius. While during monsoons the minimum temperature reaches to about 15 degrees Celsius and, it is during the monsoons that landslides are occasionally observed. So the best time to visit Badrinath is during summers.
Places To Visit Around Badrinath
Badrinath Temple Complex: It is a great pilgrimage center for the Hindus. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and is black in color. One cannot visit the temple during winter as the doors remain closed for heavy snowfall. The two important parts of the temple are the ShobhaMandap and the DarshanMandap. There is also a shrine devoted to goddess Lakshmi within the temple complex.
Vasudhara Falls: This fall is located within a short distance from Badrinath and is engulfed by rolling mountains. The water falls down from a towering height of 400 feet. It is a true feast for the eyes.
Tapt Kund: It is a natural spring that is believed to have curative powers. It is considered to be the home of Lord Agni.
Narad Kund: It is a sacred site. This spot holds a great religious significance.
Brahma Kapal: Located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, the Brahma Kapal is a flatbed that is considered to be the place where Lord Brahma resides. Charanpaduka, Mata Murthy temple, and Sheshnetra are some of the attractions close to Brahma Kapal.
Other places of interest nearby: For weekend getaways, one can visit Sarahan, Auli, Kalpeshwar, RudraPrayag, Almora, Dehradun, Shimla, Nanital, Haridwar, Ranikhet, Rishikesh, Solan, Kufri, and Kullu.
Accommodation – Hotels, Resorts and Home Stays in and around Badrinath :
Click on the link here to check out the places to stay near Badrinath, Uttarakhand on Google Maps.
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