Badrinath, one of the foremost pilgrim centers of India, is located in
Chamoli District of
Uttaranchal. Set on the lofty Himalayan heights at an altitude of 3,133 m above sea level, this town is just four kilometers from
Mana. With the splendid
Neelkanth Peak and
Rataban Peak forming the backdrop, it is an important destination on the sacred itinerary of every devout
Hindu. Once the spot was carpeted with 'badris' or wild berries and thus it became famous as 'Badri Van'.
Situated on a small plateau between Nara and Narayana peaks on the banks of the Alaknanda River is the ancient historical Badrinath Temple, built by Adi Shankaracharya. Besides the main temple, there are four other smaller badri temples namely Yogadhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Bridha Badri and Adi Badri. Sesh Netra Temple, Mata Murty Temple, Urvashi Temple, Surya Kund and Tapt Kund are some of the pilgrim spots around Badrinath. Vasundhara Falls, Charanpaduka are nearby places of tourist importance.
Accommodation facilities are available at Hotel Narayan Palace. Best time to visit Badrinath is between May and October. Local transportations can be arranged in taxis, dandies and ponies.
By road, Badrinath is well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, Kotdwar and other hill stations of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant situated about 317 km from Badrinath. The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh (297 km).
