What & Where is Badrinath?

Badrinath is a beautiful town tucked away in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, sitting high up at around 3,100 meters above sea level. It lies along the banks of the Alaknanda River and is surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

At its heart is the famous Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It’s one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites that every Hindu dreams of visiting at least once in their life. The temple, originally established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century, has been restored over the centuries and reflects a beautiful mix of traditional Garhwali woodwork and intricate stone architecture.

Must-See Places in and Around Badrinath

  • Badrinath Temple: A grand, colorful structure with a serene aura. The idol of Lord Badrinarayan (Vishnu) is made of black stone and appears to be in deep meditation.
  • Tapt Kund: A natural hot spring near the temple. Pilgrims bathe here before offering prayers.
  • Charan Paduka: A rock with what are believed to be Vishnu’s footprints.
  • Brahma Kapal: A sacred spot by the river where people perform rituals for their ancestors.
  • Narad Kund: A hot spring from where the temple’s prasad is prepared.
  • Mana Village: The last Indian village near the China border. Don’t miss the Bheem Pul, a natural bridge said to be placed by Bhima from the Mahabharata.
  • Vasudhara Falls: A beautiful 400-foot waterfall, about 5–9 km trek from Mana.
  • Satopanth Lake & Nilkantha Peak: For the adventure lovers—these treks offer stunning alpine scenery.

Local Culture & Cuisine

You’ll feel the spiritual energy in the air—daily aartis, chants, and flower offerings make the whole atmosphere divine.

Local Food: Since it’s a holy site, only vegetarian food is available. Try aloo ke gutke, kaddu ki sabzi, bhang ki chutney, and sweets like singori and bal mithai.

Festivals: The town lights up during Badri-Kedar Utsav (June), Janmashtami, Diwali, and Makar Sankranti.