Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, near the Tibetan border, Badrinath is a renowned pilgrimage town in Uttarakhand. It forms part of the Char Dham yatra, a sacred journey undertaken by devout Hindus from around the world. The town is steeped in mystery and mythology, with several notable sites to visit in Badrinath. As one of the four sacred shrines in the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, it holds immense spiritual significance. Visits to Badrinath are not possible during the winter months, as Lord Badrinath is relocated to the Narsingh Temple in Joshimath. The dates for the opening and closing of the Char Dham temples are decided by the high priests, so it's crucial to plan the trip accordingly to ensure the shrines are open for visits.
There are several Places to visit in Chardham Yatra, but when it comes to Badrinath Dham, the surrounding places exude an aura that are not just spiritual, but spectacular, thrilling, and mind blowing.
Mana Village - Known to be the last village of India, Mana Village is located near the Indo-China border. Surrounded by the towering Himalayas, it offers a glimpse into traditional mountain life and culture. Visitors are drawn to its peaceful beauty, with green meadows, flowing streams, and snow-covered peaks. Mana is rich in mythology, believed to be the place where the Mahabharata hero, Vyasadeva, wrote the epic, and where the mythical Saraswati River is said to originate. Travelers come here to explore ancient caves, visit the Vyas Gufa, and experience the spiritual atmosphere in the untouched Himalayan landscape.
Valley of Flowers - The Valley of Flowers National Park, situated in Chamoli district, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its untouched biodiversity and beautiful mountain views. The best time to visit is after the monsoon, when the valley is covered with vibrant, exotic plants from high altitudes, creating a stunning natural landscape. According to legend, Lord Hanuman gathered the medicinal Sanjeevani Booti from this magical valley to heal the wounded Lakshman.
Joshimath - This hill station serves as the starting point for several challenging Himalayan treks. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan mountains and located at the meeting point of the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga Rivers, Joshimath is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. In addition to its natural beauty, Joshimath is an important religious site. It is home to the winter residence of Lord Badri from the Badrinath Temple. The town also hosts the Jyotirmath monastery, founded by Sankaracharya in the 8th century. Joshimath is famous for its important temples, such as the Lord Narsimha Temple, Gaurishankar Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Nau Devi Temple, Ganesh Temple, and Surya Temple.
Auli - Located just 14 km from Joshimath, Auli is one of India’s top skiing destinations. You can reach it by a thrilling ropeway ride or by road. Skiing down the snow-covered slopes offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Auli Lake, created for winter skiing, provides a unique experience. Situated at an altitude of 3050 meters, Auli is the most popular spot in Uttarakhand for skiing and paragliding. It offers breathtaking views of the snowy Himalayan range. Auli also boasts Asia’s highest and longest cable car, which connects it to Joshimath. It is easily accessible by road, located about 60 km from Badrinath.
Vyas Gufa - Located in the remote village of Mana, near the Badrinath yatra, the cave is surrounded by lush valleys and rivers, with mountains as a backdrop. Over 5,000 years ago, sage Ved Vyas is believed to have written the Mahabharat in this cave. Vyas meditated here and, with Lord Ganesh's help, wrote key Hindu texts. The Mahabharat, one of Hinduism's most influential scriptures, was written here. The cave’s roof resembles stacked pages, adding to its mystery and allure, making it a fascinating site for history enthusiasts.
