Badrinath Dham, an important Dham of the Chota Chardham circuit holds special significance for all the God-loving Hindus. It is considered an abode of Lord Badri or Vishu. The ambience of Badrinath is out-n-out religious because apart from the main shrine there are numerous other religious places all around the Dham that vibrate with a deep religious undertone. To know about the other tourist places in and around Badrinath Dham, read on-
Badrinath, one of the four important places of pilgrimages in Uttarakhand, is located in the charming Chamoli district. Badrinath is the last leg of the Char Dham Yatra and if you have come from afar for the Yatra. The normal thing to do is to pack your bags after a very tiring journey and head back home. Wait, There are plenty of attractions in Uttarakhand and at the very least you must explore places in and around Badrinath in the scenic district of Chamoli. Read more about the places to visit around Badrinath
Brahma Kapal
Brahma Kapal is on the banks of the Alaknanda on the Badrinath route. It is a popular place where you can see people conducting ceremonies to honour their ancestors.
TaptaKund
TaptaKund is a hot water spring where pilgrims usually bathe before proceeding to the main temple. The spring also has curative properties. Narad Kund is close by and this is also a hot water spring where devotees bathe before praying to the Lord at the temple.
PanchDharas
The Panchdharas or five rivulets are at a distance of 1.5 km from Badaripuri and the scenery here is picture-postcard perfect, made up of the streams and rocks with mountains in the background.
Mata Murti Temple
A walk of 3 km takes you to the Mata Murti Temple housing the idol of the Mother of Lord Vishnu. It is one of tourist places in and around Badrinath Dham.
Neelkanth Peak
Neelkanth Peak provides a stunning backdrop to the Badrinath temple and it is named after Lord Shiva. You would have to trek from the temple for 6 km to reach this mountain but the scenery is magnificent and rewarding.
Mana Village
This is a tiny, remote village close to the Tibetan border and is worth a visit to view the way of life of Tibetan Bhotiyas, the local inhabitants.
Vyas Gufa
This cave is where Ved Vyas dictated the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha and for this reason alone it is worth a visit.
The above are a few of the places around the main Badrinath Shrine. You can venture farther afield and visit other local attractions. Your Badrinath sightseeing will be enhanced by a visit to the following places:
Vasudhara Falls
If you have gone on to Mana village, then you can walk for about 6 km to reach Vasudhara falls, a beautiful sight as the frothy waters tumble down from a height of 400 feet in a roaring cascade. This fall is among tourist places in and around Badrinath Dham.
Satopanth
This is a lovely lake with crystal clear waters. According to mythology, Bhima of Pandavas was refused entry to Heaven and Satopanth is a more unique place from where a path leads to the Swargarohini mountain from where the Pandavas ascended to heaven. Mt. Satopanth Peak expedition takes you through remote yet beautiful Garhwal villages, knife-sharp edges, and winding ways. Trekkers also get the opportunity to witness the picturesque views of the surrounding mountain peaks and other gorgeous places around.
Joshimath
Joshimath is the winter home of Lord Badri and like it or not this place figures on your Badrinath yatra itinerary. Also, this is from where you can get into a cable car, the highest and longest and make a scenic journey overhead to Auli.
Auli
Auli is fast gaining in popularity as a winter sports destination. The view is simply marvellous and if you come here in winter, skiing is in full swing. If you visit in the summer you can go Paragliding.
Hemkund Sahib
This is a place of pilgrimage for Sikhs and this is where Guru Govind Singhji meditated for years. There is a lake here with ice-cold waters set against the HemkundParvat. The trek is long and arduous but gives you a good feel of the countryside.
Valley of Flowers
If you trek to Hemkund Sahib then you cannot ignore the jewel of Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers. After darshan at Badrinath, the view of the valley covered with myriad hued flowers is like another darshan of the Lord. You would have to trek 16 km from Govindghat to reach the Valley of Flowers.
It is best if you make arrangements to stay in Ghangaria because no one is allowed to stay overnight in the valley which forms part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere. A visit to the Valley of Flowers is the crowning glory of your Badrinath tourism trip and when you return you will carry fond memories of the beautiful and enchanting land of Gods.
Getting there
Badrinath is about 300 kilometres from Rishikesh. If you travel by air Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the closest point from where you take a bus or a private cab for the start of your Badrinath tourism. Rishikesh is the nearest railway station. Travel by road offers a lot of options since you can get buses and taxis to Badrinath from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Chamoli, Srinagar and Joshimath in addition to other smaller towns in the neighbourhood. Once the Badrinath yatra is done with, you can look at the other attractions in the vicinity.
