Hill Stations in India

THE HOLIEST HINDU PILGRIMAGE
Cradled in the mountain ranges of the Nar-Narayan, with the spendid Neelkanth peak as the enchanting backdrop, is located the holiest of all the Hindu pilgrimages, Badrinath. Along the left bank of river Alaknanda, the place is called badrinath as it was once carpeted with 'badris' or wild berries

Legend
When River Ganges was requested to descend to earth to help the suffering humanity, the earth was too feeblw to bear the force of tis descent. Hence the mighty river was split into twelve channels, one of them being Alaknanda, which later became the abode of Lord Vishnu or Badrinath.

The present temple was built about two centuries ago by the kings of Garhwal. The principal idol in the temple is of black stone and represents Vishnu seated in a meditative pose, and flanked by Nara-Narayan. Badrinath is also known as Vishal Badri and is one of the Panch Badris.

Fairs & Festivals

Mata Murti Mela, Janmashtami, Badri Kedar Festival.

How To Get There

Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun. Nearest railheads are at Rishikesh and Kotdwara. Badrinath is connected by good motorable roads with Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwara and other hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon region. Taxis, horses, ponies.

Places To Stay

Chand Cottage, Shri KedarBadri Temple Committee.
Gujrat Bhawan, Shri Kedar-Badri Temple Committee.
Modi Bhawan, Shri Kedar-Badri Temple Committee. PWD Inspection House.
Hotel Devlok, (GMVN), Near Bus Stand.
Travellers Lodge, (GMVN), Bus Terminal.

General Information

Uttranchal. Badrinath Temple, Tapt Kund. May To October. Garhwali, Hindi, English. 3 sq. km. 3,133 metres.

Useful Information

State Bank of India, Badrinath. State Allopathic Dispensary.

Clothing

Light woollen. Heavy woollen.

Prime Attractions of Badrinath

The Badri-Kedar festival, held at the sacred shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath is held in the month of June.
On the day of Mata Murti Ka Mela, the mother of Shri Badrinathji is worshipped, and a large fair held at the Badrinath Temple in the month of September.

Excursions from Badrinath

The temple of Bhavishya Badri is at an altitude of 2744 metres and is surrounded by dense forests.
The high altitude Lokpal lake, known as Hemkund ( 4329 mts.) lies in heavenly environs. A steep trek from Ghangharia leads one to this spot in about four to six hours.