Badrinath, named after the Badrinath Temple, is a holy town in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Revered by devotees across the world, it forms a part of both the Char Dham and the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage routes. The destination brims with natural beauty, serene spirituality, and a sacred atmosphere that leaves a lasting impact.
Haridwar, a city steeped in spirituality, serves as a significant hub for pilgrims on their journey to the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand. As an illustrious pilgrimage site in its own right, Haridwar boasts excellent transportation facilities, with an array of trains connecting to various cities across India and a well-organized bus service.
History of Badrinath
The history of Badrinath is deeply interwoven with Hindu mythology. The ancient temple of Badrinath is believed to be originally established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in the 9th century. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the most sacred Vishnu temples in India.
Where is Badrinath?
Badrinath is nestled in the Chamoli district in the state of Uttarakhand. It sits in the lap of Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, approximately 315 kilometers from Haridwar.
Best Time to Travel to Badrinath
The best time to visit Badrinath is between May and June, and then again from September to October. The temple remains closed during winters due to extreme weather conditions.
How to Reach Badrinath from Haridwar?
From Haridwar, there are three primary modes of transport to reach Badrinath. To access a broader range of public transport options, it is suggested to first travel to Rishikesh.
| Mode | Route | Distance | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car/Bike | Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Rudraprayag – Joshimath – Badrinath | 315 km | 9-11 hours | Fuel cost |
| Bus | Haridwar – Joshimath – Badrinath | 315 km | 11-13 hours | INR 300-500 |
Haridwar to Badrinath by Taxi Service
Choosing a taxi service from Haridwar is the most convenient way to reach Badrinath. Taxis are readily available at both Haridwar bus stand and Haridwar railway station. The fare for a taxi from Haridwar to Badrinath varies with the season and the type of car or SUV you book. Given the distance of 315 km between Haridwar and Badrinath, expect to pay approximately INR 5000 for a one-way trip.
Haridwar to Badrinath by Bus Service
Buses from Haridwar to Badrinath can be checked on the UTC ONLINE’s website, or by searching for Uttarakhand roadways buses to Badrinath from Haridwar. The bus fare from Haridwar to Badrinath is roughly INR 500. However, finding direct buses from Haridwar to Badrinath can be challenging, so consider breaking your journey as follows:
Haridwar – Rishikesh – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag – Joshimath – Badrinath
With a plethora of bus options available to these cities from Rishikesh, you might find it more advantageous to start from Rishikesh if you’re planning to visit Badrinath Dham.
Haridwar to Badrinath by Sharable Jeeps
Given the hilly terrain of Uttarakhand, shared jeeps and Tata Sumos are popular modes of transport and often preferred over buses. While these options might be more expensive, they offer a faster and less tiresome journey through the hills. To find more shared jeep options, it’s advisable to reach Rishikesh. As with the bus service, you may have to break your journey if there are no direct vehicles to Badrinath.
Why is Badrinath Famous?
Badrinath is renowned for its religious significance as it houses the Badrinath Temple, one of the Char Dhams and 108 Divya Desams, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple’s serene location, surrounded by majestic snow-clad Himalayan ranges, adds to its spiritual prominence.
Major Attractions Tourist Places Around Badrinath
- Badrinath Temple: The main attraction, a holy shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Tapt Kund: A natural thermal spring believed to have medicinal properties.
- Neelkanth: A snow-covered peak forming a majestic backdrop to the Badrinath temple.
- Mata Murti Temple: Situated 3 km from Badrinath, it is dedicated to the mother of Lord Narayan.
12 Months Temperature Data of Badrinath
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | -8 to -2 |
| February | -6 to 2 |
| March | -4 to 4 |
| April | 0 to 8 |
| May | 6 to 12 |
| June | 8 to 14 |
| July | 10 to 16 |
| August | 10 to 15 |
| September | 8 to 14 |
| October | 2 to 8 |
| November | -4 to 2 |
| December | -6 to 0 |
Badrinath Related FAQs
What are the other pilgrimage sites near Badrinath?
Nearby pilgrimage sites include Hemkund Sahib, Valley of Flowers, and Joshimath.
What is the opening and closing date of the Badrinath Temple?
The temple usually opens in late April or early May and closes for winters in the third week of November.
Is there any accommodation facility available in Badrinath?
Yes, there are several guesthouses, ashrams, and hotels available for accommodation in Badrinath.