Badrinath, Uttarakhand

Welcome to Badrinath, a sacred pilgrimage town nestled at the base of the mighty Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. This revered destination forms a part of the Char Dham and Do Dham yatras, attracting devout Hindus from around the world. Badrinath is renowned for the hallowed Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Perched on the Garhwal hill tracks near the Alaknanda River, this town is embraced by the breathtaking Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, with the majestic Neelkanth mountain forming a stunning backdrop. At an elevation of 10,279 feet, the Badrinath Temple is believed to have been established by the revered saint Adi Shankaracharya. The temple houses a 1-meter-tall black stone idol of Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the 8 swayam vyakta kshetras or self-manifested statues of Vishnu. It remains closed for six months from November to April each year, reopening on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya in April. The temple precincts also feature the Tapt Kund, a hot sulfur spring with medicinal properties, and the revered River Alaknanda, which is said to originate from here. Don't miss the vibrant festivals of Mata Murti Ka Mela and the Badri Kedar Festival, adding to the allure of this sacred place.