The abode of Lord Shiva, also known as Badri Narayan, is not the main reason for Badrinath Dham’s fame. You must keep in mind this to benefit from the area’s mysterious charm and upbeat vibe, which permeate the entire area. One method to develop a stronger connection with the natural world and the higher power is to go and see some of the local tourist places. The following are some must-see locations in this holy pilgrimage site if you intend to experience the atmosphere of devotion firsthand:
Mana Village
The final village of India before the Indo-Tibetan/China border is situated at a convenient distance of 4.5 kilometers from the Badrinath Temple. A big, lush, and picturesque panoramic view of the surrounding Himalayan highlands can be seen from the settlement, which graces the bank of the revered Saraswati River. People come here to escape the crazed pilgrim swarm in Badrinath and enjoy some of the delectable tea and munchies at the final tea shop in India. It is also a popular vacation spot for folks looking for peace and isolation when traveling to unusual places for quiet vacations. The Pandavas brothers are thought to have spent a few days here, which gives this location additional spiritual significance.
Bheem Pul
One of the great attractions in and around Badrinath is this recognizable and renowned Pul, or bridge. It is a highly distinctive bridge that resembles a piece of rock that was formed naturally. The legend surrounding this location reveals Bheem’s fortitude and the way he used a chunk of local mountain rock to help Draupadi cross the river as the brothers traveled to Badrinath Dham. People travel here to observe nature up close and walk in the footsteps of the Pandava brothers. The Pul is the ideal location for a photo opportunity since it is located on top of a river’s stream and has pristine, serene natural beauty on all sides.
Charan Paduka
If you have a few days to travel, you should visit an incredibly sacred spot and the Lord Vishnu shrine that is adjacent to the Badrinath Temple. It is the ideal time for a hiker to go on and make their way to a modest temple made of rock that is surrounded by larger mountain rocks and covered in them all. Although the terrain is rough and the meadow is green, the ascent to the elevation of 3,380 meters above sea level is one of the most spectacular experiences you will ever have. It is stated that Lord Vishnu himself first stepped foot on earth here, following extensive penance performed by Uddhav (Lord Krishna’s minister).
Vasudhara Falls
The magnificent Vasudhara waterfalls descend a mountain’s face at a height of 400 feet. This waterfall, which is located 4 kilometers from Badrinath Dham and flows through the community of Mana, is undoubtedly holy. The waterfall is located at a convenient distance that can be traversed by a quick stroll, and in the past, this location had functioned as one of the Pandavas brothers’ resting spots. It is surrounded by one of Badrinath’s most picturesque valleys. Anyone with an unclean heart is said to be unable to truly appreciate this place’s holy essence. This is a place to be, especially if you enjoy the outdoors, with the sound of the water rushing down and the feeling of optimism in the air.
Ganesh / Vyas Gufa
This is perhaps one of the most important historical sites in India, not just in Uttarakhand. The Mahabharata, an epic Hindu book, was composed here. The cave is the same one where Vyas sat and dictated the whole Mahabharat to Ganesh, who was in a different cave with the same name and was penning this epic continually with the aid of his tusk in one continuous motion without pausing. These 2 caverns may also be visited as part of your Badrinath Yatra because they are only a short 3 to 4 kilometers away from the temple. This location is a must-see if you wish to get an insight into the history of Indian mythology.
Valley of Flowers
One of the most recognizable national parks in India and maybe the entire globe is the Valley of Flowers, often known by its acronym VOF. The absence of trees makes this UNESCO World Heritage Site stand out as an example of pristine natural beauty. The Chamoli region’s strongly protected zone was unintentionally found by Frank Smythe and his companion when he was on his way somewhere else. It is renowned for its stunning assortment of unusual flowers, distinctive shrubs, alpine flowers, and immaculate greenery, which seems to be the defining characteristic of this slice of heaven on earth.
Hemkund Sahib
Being a secular nation, India is home to many other religious pilgrimages as well, many of which take place in the Uttarakhand highlands. One of the most revered Sikh pilgrimages in India leads devotees to the spot where Guru Gobind Singh Ji performed penance at Hemkund Sahib. This holy lake, Hemkund, is located 42 kilometers from Badrinath Temple, 18 kilometers from Govind Ghat, and 36 kilometers from Joshimath. It is surrounded by high and spectacular jagged rocks. Most people arrive at this sacred location for prayer after the ice melts, following the routes that weave through the snowy surfaces. It is exceedingly challenging to get to this famous location, and pilgrims must be in high physical condition, but the effort is ultimately worth it.
Pandukeshwar
This revered pilgrimage location is situated away from the Badri Vishal Temple and showcases some of the Garhwal Himalayas’ most unusual beauty. This sacred site, which is only 18 km from Joshimath, is mentioned in several Hindu literature as the seat of the devotion of King Pandu from the Mahabharata. Not only is this location spiritually and culturally alive, but its unmatched natural beauty is also present. The two most significant temples in this area are the Yogadhyan Badri and the Lord Vasudev temples. The Badri Narayan statue is moved to the nearby Vasudev Temple during the winter months after Badrinath Dham closes, which is said to have been constructed by the Pandava brothers themselves.
Auli
Auli is a genuine top-notch winter hideaway that is also better known as the winter skiing resort in India and noted for its stark white wide snow cover. Visitors come here from all over the world because it offers some of the most breathtaking views of the nearby mountain ranges, including the Bandarpoonch Parvat. Feel the wind on your face as you soar across the undulating slopes and down snow-covered hills. The ideal escape for you and your loved ones to enjoy together. Not only this, but you may also decide to visit the adjacent snow-covered Bugyals and the well-known Auli Lake. Here, you’ll discover that each location is more stunning than the last, making every experience picture-perfect.
Vishnuprayag
One of the most important components of the Panch Prayag Yatra, which takes place in Uttarakhand, is located at a reasonable driving distance of two to three hours. This sacred site of devotion is where the rivers of the Dhauliganga and Alaknanda meet, producing a very picturesque landscape. It is situated halfway between Joshimath and Badrinath. The same site where Narad is supposed to have worshipped and given penance to Lord Vishnu, who personally came here and bestowed his blessings upon him, is situated at a height of 1,372 meters above sea level. You can atone for your sins and find moksha here by taking a holy swim in the Vishnu Kund. This location is not just every spiritual seeker’s ideal vacation spot, but it is also a stunning example of pure natural beauty.
Religious Pilgrimage Tour Packages 