This gorgeous and rare beautiful sight is itself an enchantment
for tourists and is called the "Garhwal Queen." The
nearest cities are Rishikesh (300 km), Mussoorie and Dehradun.
The night temperatures falls to as low as 10°C. The day
temperatures are never too high even in summers thus proving
Badrinath to be a distinct identity as compared to other places.
This place has some special significance from the Indians perspective.
According to the ancient believers, the name Badrinath has cropped
on the basis of Badri Van, where the lush green Badri trees
grow. The word badri is derived from the wild berry that Lord
Vishnu survived on during his reparation at Badri Van. Badrinath
is an 8th century monastery and a temple to the Hindu god Shiva.
The great Indian scholar and teacher Sankaracharya hold the
credit to develop this popular pilgrimage. Adjacent to the shrine
is the hot spring pool of Taptakund in which pilgrims take a
dip before worshipping Sri Badrinatha. Badrinath is one of the
four Dhams, a devout Hindu has to visit in his lifetime to attain
salvation.
Major Attractions in Badrinath
Tapt Kund, a natural hot water and cold springs are at the enterance
of the temple. Before entering the temple, the pilgrims take
a holy dip in the Tapt Kund. Other famous natural spring sites
are Narad Kund and Surya Kund.
A rock boulder with the impression of Sheshnag, a mythological
serpent, called Sheshnetra, is also a place which impresses
the visitors. Another important temple is the Mata Murti temple,
dedicated to the mother of Badrinathji. The footprints of Lord
Vishnu are present on a boulder called Charanpaduka.
The origin of Alakananda River, Alka Puri , attracts the tourists.
Satopanth, a triangular lake, is located at a height of 4400
meters above the sea level and is one of the sources of the
Alakananda River. It is named after the Hindu trinity-Lord Brahma,
Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Rudraprayag, which is at the meeting point of the rivers Alakananda
and Mandakani, is known for the Rudranath and Chamunda Devi
temples.
Nandaprayag is known for the Gopalji temple. The fifth pilgrimage
spot is Vishnuprayag, at the confluence of Alakananda and Dhauliganga,
where there is a very ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu,
besides the pool of Vishnu Kund. The convergence of the rivers
gives birth to the famous pilgrim sites that are collectively
called the Panch Prayag. Devprayag, is famous for its rock inscriptions
and the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Raghunath.
Mashru Peak - One can hike through thick forest around Kufri
to the Mahasu Peak- the highest peak in Kufri.
Himalayan Nature Park - The Himalayan Nature Park,which has
a collection of animals and birds,found only in Himachal Pradesh.
Indira Tourist Park - The Indira Tourist Park is near the Himalayan
Nature Park and provides panoramic view of the locations around.
Prime Attractions of Badrinath
Badri Kedar Festival – The Badri-Kedar festival, held at the
sacred shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath is held in the month
of June.
Mata Murti Mela - 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.
How to reach : Badarinath can be easily accessed
through air, train or road.
By Air : Jolly Grant, is the nearest airport, which
is about 317 km from Badrinath. Helicopters and small private
airlines are also allowed to land there.
By Rail : The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh
(297 km) and Kotdwar (327 km). Roads-Badrinath is well connected
by roads from Rishikesh, Hardwar, Kotdwar, Dehradun, and other
hill retreats of the Garhwal and Kumaon region.
By Road : Badrinath is connected by good motorable
roads with Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwara and other hill stations
of Garhwal and Kumaon region.
So, what are you waiting for.. Just pack your bags and Get going
for the most adventurous vacation of your lifetime in Patnitop
with us.