Tourism in Badrinath
Badrinath is one of the pious destinations in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand with huge religious and historical significance. It is considered as one of those locations by the Hindu clan, visiting which one can receive salvation and wash away the sins of life. Located before the gigantic Neelkanth peak, Badrinath is a beautiful town sandwiched between the Nara and Narayana mountains. Tourism in Badrinath mainly focuses on religious places and scenic beauty of the location. Based at an altitude of 3133 meters this is a small area of around 3sqkms but still for its spiritual implications devotees from around the world visit the locations to seek the blessings of God.
The center of attraction for Badrinath is the sacred Badrinath temple which is also one of the sites for the popular Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage locations. But apart from the Badrinath temple, the town has some of the excellent locations which can also be visited. Here are some of such interesting places based in the town.
Badrinath Temple
Attractions of Badrinath cannot be listed without the mention of the holiest Badrinath Temple which is visited by devotees every year. This is a temple which has huge significance especially for the Hindu religion. Even various Hindu scriptures and the Skanda Puran mention the glorified Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Established by famous Sage Adi Sankarachrya during the 9th century, this Temple also forms one of the 108 Divya Desams or pious shrines of the country for Lord Vishnu. The Temple in Badrinath has an idol of Vishnu but in the form of Lord Badrinarayan. The distinctive feature of the Temple is its colorful “Singh –Dwara” resembling the theme applied on the temple with a riot of colors, along with the whole artistry on the temple which is extremely unique and exceptional. The temple remains open only for six months in a year i.e., during the summer season as huge landslides and snowfall in the winter make it difficult and dangerous to visit the place during the months of November to April.Tapt Kund
Another prominent location in Badrinath is the Tapt Kund which is a natural thermal spring, with huge religious significance. The waters here are considered to be extremely holy and that is why devotees take a dip in these waters before visiting the Temple. It is believed that the holy waters of Tapt Kund has huge medicinal properties which are known to cure health issues of humans. As per the history of the place, Adi Sankaracharya first made the abode of Lord Vishnu in a cave in Tapt Kund only.Brahma Kapal
Neelkanth Peak
One of the best views of the gigantic Neelkanth Peak is available from Badrinath. Named after Lord Shiva, who is also called Neelkanth, this is one of the most beautiful peaks at an elevation of 6560 mts. The crimson rays on the cliff of the peak falls first giving a spectacular view which is simply unparalleled. It is believed that this particular peak is the abode of Lord Shiva and many saints and sage claim to view God at this mountain.Mata Murti Temple
This particular Temple is another holy shrine based in Badrinath and dedicated to the mother of Lord Narayan. This temple is sitiuated at a distance of 3kms from the heartland of Badrinath. As per the Hindu mythology and the scriptures, Mata Murti prayed to Lord Vishnu to bless her and grant her wish to be the mother of Lord himself. However, the wish was granted and Lord Vishnu came out of the womb of Mata Murti in the avatar of twins called Nar and Naryana to kill one monster on earth. To celebrate this, a huge fair is held every year in front of the temple of Mata Murti in the month of August. Since it is period when tourists are allowed, a huge footfall characterizes the fair apart from the locals.Charanpaduka
At a distance of 3km from the Badrinath Temple lies a beautiful place covered with green meadows , flora and fauna during the summer months. There is a boulder based here which has the footprints of Lord Vishnu. This place is named as Charanpaduka. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Vishnu first kept his footsteps after descending from Vaikuntha. The spot is based at a considerable height from the town and has steep roads to travel with the area covered with caves and large boulders. Going forward the path leads to the base of Neelkanth Peak where Brahma Kamals can be found.Narad Kund
Based close to Tapt Kund, this is another hot spring with pious waters near Badrinath Temple. The water flows out from Garur Shila and falls in a tank where many devotees take a dip just like in the waters of Tapt Kund. The waters here are also are believed to have medicinal properties.Mana Village
Mana Village is a small village located at a distance of 4 kms from the heart of Badrinath. This village is the last inhabited village in India and the same is very close to the Tibetan borders. The place is believed to be crowded with Indo-Mongolian tribes, known as Bhotias. All the travelers to Badrinath prefer to travel to the end of the road and visit the village and experience the lifestyle of the tribe residing here.Bheem Pul
This is one of those places which have immense mythological importance. As per the writings in Mahabharat this is the place where Bheem threw boulders to make a bridge for the benefit of easy walking for wife Draupadi. Just below this bridge the Saraswati River with its massive force joins the pious waters of River Alakananda.Vyas Cave
This is the cave dedicated to the memories of Ved Vyas, who is believed to meditate in this cave. According to the scriptures, it is this cave from where Ved Vyas dictated the story of legendary Mahabharat and God Ganesh wrote it.Ganesha Cave
This is another cave which is believed to be the one where God Ganesha wrote Mahabharat as heard from Ved Vyas in Ved Gufa or Ved Cave.Sheshnetre
On the banks of the pious River Alakananda, just near the foothills of Nar Mountain, there are two seasonal lakes with crystal clear waters. Based in the midst of these two lakes there is a huge boulder which has an impression of the famous snake Sheeshnag and the formation of its eye is natural. This is beautiful sight and a must visit for the tourists.How to Reach Badrinath
Badrinath can be reached with almost all modes of transportation. By airways one can travel to Dehradun airport and from there one can fetch rental taxis to visit Badrinath. Similarly, people travelling through railways can reach Rishikesh and from there get a rental cab or take local private buses travelling to Badrinath. But the best way to travel to Badrinath is through private buses or rental taxis available from all major destinations including Rishikesh, Haridwar, Delhi, Srinagar etc. The rates for the rental taxis depend on the itinerary of travel and the kms travelled.Best Time to Visit Badrinath
The summer season is the best time to visit Badrinath. The summer season here stays from the months of April to June when the temperature is moderate, hovering around 180C. The climate during this time remains pleasant with bright sunny days and excellent scenic extravaganza. The monsoon season is characterized with scanty rainfalls and landslides which makes difficult to move around and, thus, is not suitable for tourists. Lastly the winter season is also not for tourists since the temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall and winters are chilly and frosty which is extremely uncomfortable.Travel Agents in Badrinath
Badrinath town does not have any travel agents based within its area. It’s a small town and such services are not available. However, one can avail the services from the travel agents based in various parts of Chamoli district like Kedarnath road or in Joshimath. Apart from Chamoli district there are travel agents in almost all neighboring districts of Uttarakhand which extend their services to people in Badrinath.Hotels in Badrinath
Being one of the Char Dham destinations of the country, Badrinath attracts a lot of tourists during the summer season, or the period when temple remains open. In Badrinath, there were quite a few luxury hotels along with the presence of budget friendly economical places to stay. But with the disastrous 2013 Uttarakhand floods many resorts and hotels were severely damaged and some are completely ruined. However, with each passing day things are getting better and reconstruction work has been started. In midst, some have their operations started after completing the mending work, while others are still on their way to repairing works.There is availability of luxurious deluxe hotels but mostly they are located at quite a distance from the location of main Badrinath Temple. Most of the hotels here have travel desk from where one can fetch information regarding nearby areas. However, it is advisable to book a hotel beforehand as there is a huge rush during the tourist season in the summer months and fetching a preferred hotel often becomes impossible.
Some of the hotels in Badrinath are listed below
Sarovar Portico Badrinath
One of the luxurious hotels in Badrinath, this was previously named as Parr Inn. The hotel provides a splendid view of the snow-capped Himalayas, the sacred Badrinath Temple and the valley below. The hotel has 56 rooms divided into suites and deluxe rooms with all major facilities including television, telephone, 24hrs hot and cold water, doctor on call and laundry services. There is a café as well as a fast food restaurant “Sarovar” providing delicious dishes.Address: Plot No.834, Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
Phone: 09310333317
Price range: Rs5500- Rs 9000
Narayan Palace Hotel
This is a government-approved hotel and its position is the heartland of Badrinath town is the key feature for its popularity. The hotel has around 40 decorated deluxe rooms with facilities like tea/coffee maker, 24hrs room service, air conditioner, telephone, television, laundry service and others. In-house restaurants Gauradshila and Vasudhara serve excellent vegetarian dishes. The hotel has a banquet hall for corporate meetings and family gatherings.Address: Near Bus Stand, Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
Phone No : 01381 222380
Email ID : booking@narayanpalace.com
Website : www.narayanpalace.com
Price range: Rs 3000 onwards
GMVN Tourist Bunglow Badrinath (Devlok)
GMVN Tourist Bunglows, by the Government of Uttarakhand, come with excellent facilities. They have both deluxe and economic rooms with different price ranges. However, the prices of the rooms may vary according to seasons.Address: Bank of River Alakananda, Dist Chamoli, Uttarakhand 246422
Phone: 01381 222212
Price range: Rs 1320-Rs 2200
Dwarikesh Hotel
This is one of the best located hotels in Badrinath. Based at a stone throw distance from Badrinath Temple, this hotel has all necessary facilities including double bed and 4 bed spacious rooms, 24 hrs reception, room service, free car parking and own restaurant service:Address: Plot No. 536 – 537, Near Main Bus stand, Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
Phone: 09410465300
Price Range: Rs 2500 onwards
AR Resort
AR Resort is another very good accommodation with all major facilities in Badrinath. However, the resort is based at a distance of 75-80km from the Badrinath Temple but with excellent scenic view of the Himalayas. All usual facilities along with wifi, car parking and restaurant service is available in the hotel.Address: NH-58,Badrinath Road, Kameda, Gauchar, Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246429
Phone: 8750713298
Price range: Rs 2600 onwards
Apart from this there are other hotels which have excellent set up to cater the comfort of the tourist. However these hotels may not be based in the prime location and one has to travel a little for them. In fact in the tourist season, the area thrives with visitors and the people just demands a safe and secure place to stay even if they are based at a distance. Some of these hotels are:
Hotel Agarwal
Shri Badrinath Road, Bhimtalla, Chamoli
Uttarakhand 246429
Phone: 01381 263231
Price range: Rs 300 onwards
Hotel Aanchal
Badrinath Marg, Gauchar
Chamoli District
Uttarakhand 246422
Phone: 01378 261653
Price range: Rs 500 onwards
Shree Om Kuteer
McLeodganj Square, Badrinath
Uttarakhand 246422
Phone: 9818456532
Price range: Rs 3500 onwards
Jagirdar Guest House
Charan-Paduka Road,
Badrinath Uttarakhand 246422
Phone. 9412935549
Email : info@jagirdarguesthouse.com
Price range: Rs 700 onwards
Besides, the department of State Tourism has come up with various dormitories and ashrams where people can find a comfortable stay. The ashrams have all necessary facilities and one can live here at absolutely cheap rates. The booking can be done both as per room basis and as per bed basis. At some places there is availability of food also at low rates. The rates for accommodation here are as low as Rs 300/- Rs 500/-per night per room basis.
Dormitory
GMVN Tourist Bunglow Badrinath (Yatri Niwas)
Left Bank of River Alakananda
Dist Chamoli, Uttarakhand 246422
There are also lodges which can be opted for comfortable stay yet less charges. Some of these lodges are Charan Paduka lodge and Panchali Lodge near Badrinath main bus stand, Alwar Bhawan, Sri Hari Niwas lodge, Sri Hans Uttarakhand lodge and Panchpuri lodge near Taxi Stand, Badresh Kripa Dharamshala near Police Chowki and Jyoti tourist Lodge near Mana Road. All these lodges have excellent facilities of accommodation and families can safely aboard them for a cheap yet satisfactory and relaxed stay.