Tourist Places In Badrinath - Sightseeing And Things To Do

Myths, lores and tales surround Badrinath that is one of the most significant spiritual zones in India. There are many important places which you shouldn’t miss while you are in Badrinath. This is a part of the famous Chota Char Dham Yatra and is a favourite amongst worshippers of Lord Vishnu. Typically a Char Dham Yatra package will cover the following places.

Badrinath Temple

Badrinath Temple

A gigantic temple that’s the landmark of the small hill town called Badrinath…the Badrinath temple stands tall at 50 feet with glittering gold gilded roof. The temple is divided into 3 parts; Garba Griha, Darshan Mandap and Sabha Mandap. Garba Griha or the inner sanctum has its golden canopy and idols of Badri Narayan, Nar and Narayana, Narad Rishi, Udhava and Kuber. The one meter high idol of Badrinath sculpted in pure black stone is the most beautiful and it’s said to be made of Saligram stone in Alaknanda River.

The darshan mandap has Lord Badrinath with Conch and Chakra in two arms and in a Yogic Pose. Badrinarayan under the Badri tree is also represented. To the right of Badrinarayan is Uddhava and to the far right side are Nara and Narayana while the Muni Narada is sitting in the front. Kubera…the God of wealth and Garuda along with a silver Ganesha is also represented in the temple.

Pandukeshwar

Yog Dhyan Badari Temple, Pandukeshwar

Pandukeshwar is a holy place that is located en route to Badrinath and it is at an elevation of 1829 meters. Situated just 18 km away from Joshimath, Pandukeshwar is the spot where the father of the Pandavas; King Pandu worshipped Lord Shiva. Yogadhyan Badri Temple is one of the 7 Badri’s and the other is the famous Lord Vasudeva Temple. While Yogadhyan Badri is famous for its glittering Utsava Murti or Festival of Idols, Lord Vasudeva Temple’s claim to fame is that it was built by Pandavas. Yogadhyan Badri has a famous bronze statue of Vishnu that was installed by Pandu to help him cleanse his soul of the sin of killing a sage. The temple is open all year round but the best season to visit is between April to June and September to November. In Pandukeshwar, the Yogadhyan Badri temple has got grand idols of Lord Vishnu

Mana Village

Mana last village of India

Mana is the last Indian village that lies near the Indian Border and China/ Tibet in Himalayas. It is located in Chamoli District and is well known as the Tourism Village by the government of Uttarakhand. Mana village is just 3 km ahead from Badrinath town and is a must visit. The scenic village is perched at an altitude of 3219 meters and is surrounded by the Hills of Himalaya. The Bhotia tribes live there in small beautifully carved cottages. Mana is famous for its woollen garments, blankets, mufflers, shawls and organic produce like potatoes and Kidney Beans. While you are here do check out Neelkanth Peak that’s 6957 m above sea level (it’s also known as Queen of Garhwal). You can see the rare and precious Brahmakapal in this area….Neelkanth is located right above the Badrinath temple. Tapta Kund that is believed to be the birthplace of the Fire God Agni is another attraction in Mana. It’s believed that the Tapt Kund water can cure difficult skin ailments. Vasudhara water fall and Vasudhara River Valley are other attractions. Around the Tapta Kund…you can also look at the Panch Dharas or Prahlad, Urvashi, Bhrigu and Indira Dhara. Similarly, you can see the 5 blocks of mythological importance called Panch Shilas and they are Narad, Barah, Narsimha, Markandeya and Garur.

Many tourists use Mana Village as a trekking base too as one can trek to Vasudhara (2 hour trek), Satopanth (tough 4 hour trek to Satopanth Lake) and Mana Pass (source of Saraswati River and stem of the tributaries of Ganges).

Charan Paduka

Charan Paduka

A visit to Badrinath is incomplete without viewing the holy Charan Paduka that bears the footprints of Lord Vishnu. It’s a holy rock that’s 4 km away from Badrinath and perched about 3380 meters above sea level. Hindu Mythology says that Lord Vishnu put his holy feet first in Charan Paduka rock. Charan Paduka is perched on top of the Narayan Rock and you can reach it after trekking upwards for 3 km and a short steep flight of steps.

The Narayan Rock stands in the middle of a lovely meadow that remains carpeted with flowers and is preferred by nature lovers too.

River Saraswati and Bheem Pul

Bhim Pul over River Saraswati

About 3 km north to Mana Village is the river Saraswati (she flows from a lateral glacier) Saraswati is known as the Goddess of Learning and she had blessed Ved Vyas to write the famous Mahabharata at Mana. Saraswati touches Vyas Gufa and merges in Alaknanda at Keshav Prayag. Bheem Pul is a large rock that acts as a big bridge across Sarawati River. It is said that Mahabali Bheem threw large rock in the river to for a bridge so that Draupadi could walk across it.