Best Places To Visit In Badrinath & Nearby Tourist Places

Introduction

Planning to visit Badrinath with your family or friends? Know this before planning: Badrinath is more than just a pilgrimage site; beyond its spiritual significance, there are many places to visit in Badrinath.

The site attracts devotees from across India for its stunning Himalayan beauty, with many hot springs, a picturesque village, and a scenic waterfall.

Badrinath is not just a temple but a famous place in Uttarakhand, offering a range of nearby attractions for pilgrims and travellers embarking on the Badrinath and Do Dham Yatra.

Overview of Badrinath Tourist Places

The list of places near Badrinath Dham, along with short stories, locations, accessibility, and key highlights, helps you plan your visit wisely. 

Place	Distance from Badrinath temple	Famous for
Tapt Kund & Narad Kund	0 km	Sacred hot spring
Panch Shilla	0 km	A group of five significant rocks
Mana Village	3 km	Diverse culture & unique flora and fauna
Charan Paduka	3 km	Lord Vishnu’s footprint
Vyas Gufa & Ganesh Gufa	4.5 km	Cave of Ved Vyasa and Lord Ganesha
Vasudhara Falls	9 km	Majestic waterfall
Keshavprayag	3 km	Confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers
Brahma Kapal	Near the temple	Famous for ancestral rituals
Bheem Pul	3 km	A sacred bridge famous for scenic views
Mata Murti Temple	3 km	Protected deity of Badrinath

Top Places To Visit In Badrinath

Badrinath is a sacred town in the Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, famous for its ancient temple, natural hot springs, and scenic waterfalls. Below is a list of places to see in Badrinath Dham:

Badrinath Temple

The prominent locations in the town include the Badrinath Temple, a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu and part of the Do Dham and Char Dham pilgrimages.

Situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River at an altitude of 10,279 feet (3,133 meters) above sea level and surrounded by the Nar-Narayan mountain range.

• Location: Chamoli district of Uttarakhand within the Garhwal Himalayas.
• Altitude: 3,133 meters (10,279 feet)
• Deity: Lord Vishnu
• Highlights: Colourful temple architecture, divine and attractive idol of Lord Vishnu
• Best time to visit: May to June & September to October
• Accessibility: The best way to reach Badrinath is by road via Haridwar & Rishikesh

Tapt Kund & Narad Kund

The two natural hot springs near the main temple, Tapt Kund and Narad Kund, hold great mythological significance and healing properties. Tapt Kund is associated with Lord Agni Dev, while Narad Kund is tied to sage Narad Shilla. 

Tapt Kund is used for a holy dip, having therapeutic properties in its water. Narad Kund holds immense spiritual value; bathing is restricted in this pool. 

• Location: Just to the right of the Badrinath temple
• Altitude: 10,279 feet (3,133 meters)
• Significance: Core part of the Badrinath yatra
• Highlights: Hot temperature of holy kunds in cold Himalayas and surrounding peaks

Brahma Kapal

Just a few meters away from Badrinath, Brahma Kapal is a highly revered site over a flat rock platform over the Alaknanda River. Holds great importance, where devotees generally perform ancestral rituals like Pind daan and Shraadh rituals, making it a prominent Moksha sthal.

• Location: Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, 100 meters from Badrinath
• Altitude: 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) above sea level.
• Significance: Famous for ancestral rituals, like Pind daan & Shraadh karma 
• Accessibility: Short walk from the temple 
• Best time to visit: May to November
• Visitor information: People visit to perform rituals for their ancestors. 

Charan Paduka

Charan Paduka is a sacred rock located just 3 km uphill from the Badrinath Temple. Situated at an altitude of 11,090 feet (3,380 meters) above sea level. Requires trekking via the uphill mountain trails.

Devotees believed that the divine footprints of Lord Vishnu, according to mythology, were placed here as the first step while descending on earth. 

• Location: 3 km uphill from the Badrinath temple
• Altitude: 11,090 feet (3,380 meters)
• Highlights: Scenic views of Mt. Neelkanth peak and Nar-Narayan Parvat
• Accessibility: A 3 km short trek from the main shrine
• Best time to visit: May to June & September to October

Mana Village: The First Indian Village

The first village of India, Mana, is one of the must-visit places near Badrinath. Situated on the Indo-Tibetan border at an altitude of 10,500 feet, it is known for its picturesque views of the peaks and its mythological significance. 

At the entrance gate of Mana village, you see small tea stalls, shops of local handicrafts, and the smiling faces of local villagers, making it ideal for a cultural walk. 

• Location: Chamoli district of Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 10,500 feet (3200 meters) 
• Significance: famous for its unique flora and fauna & rich cultural heritage
• Highlights: Peaceful surroundings, local homes, & famous “first indian tea shop” 
• Accessibility: By a short drive from Badrinath

Vyas Gufa & Ganesh Gufa

Ved Vyas and Ganesh Gufa are two historic caves inside the Mana village, known for their great mythological significance.

According to legend, this site holds great mythological significance, where Maharishi Ved Vyasa composed the epic Mahabharata here with Lord Ganesha’s help. A peaceful setting, scenic walk, and great stories make it good for exploration, especially for children and elders.

• Location: In the Mana village, Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 3200 meters (10,500 feet)
• Significance: Historic place where the Mahabharata was composed and written. 
• Highlights: natural stone caves & scenic surroundings
• Accessibility: By shuttle walk from Mana village 

Bhim Pul: Natural Stone Bridge

A massive rock bridge was built over the sacred Saraswati River. Believed to have been built by Bhima, one of the Pandavas, to help his consort Draupadi cross the sacred Saraswati River.

It is the only place where the roaring Saraswati River is visible. The dramatic and photogenic surroundings make it one of the must-see places to see in Badrinath. 

• Location: in Mana village, Uttarakhand, within the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 10,500 feet (3200 meters) above sea level
• Significance: tied with the legend of the Mahabharata; built by Bheema to help Draupadi cross the roaring Saraswati river
• Highlights: Views of the Saraswati River and snow-capped peaks
• Accessibility: By a short walk from Mana village

Vasudhara Falls

Located just 9 km from the Badrinath temple, Vasudhara Falls is a mesmerising waterfall that cascades from a height of 12,000 feet above sea level. Famous for its stunning natural beauty and great mythology. Local legend says that the water Vasudhara touches only virtuous souls, people with pure hearts and turns away from sinners. Surrounded by lush green dense oak forest, Vasudhara offers great views of Himalayan peaks, making it an ideal place for trekkers, nature lovers, and Photographers alike. 

• Location: Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, within the Garhwal Himalayas
• Accessibility: Reachable via a 6 km scenic trek from Mana village
• Significance: Holds great importance for visitors, believed to be the only waterfall whose water just falls on virtuous souls, not on sinners. 
• Highlights: Scenic trail, snow-capped peaks, and peaceful atmosphere
• Best for: Nature lovers, trekkers, and peace seekers.

Mata Murti Temple

Mata Murti temple is another revered shrine in this area, located 3 km from Badrinath, and sits on the right bank of the Alaknanda river within the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand. 

Holds great mythological significance, dedicated to Mata Murti, who performed intense penance to grant the boon of Lord Vishnu as her son.

• Location: Near the main Badrinath temple, around 3 km away.
• Altitude: 10,279 feet (3133 meters) above sea level
• Significance: Believed to be the mother of Lord Vishnu in the Badrinarayan form. 
• Accessibility: Easily reachable by a short 30-35 minute walk from the main Badrinath shrine. 
• Best time to visit: May to November, while September is a peak time for cultural events 
• Highlights: Popular for hosting the annual festival “Mata Murti temple,” celebrated on Vaman Dvadashi (September), and local fare is held. 

Neelkanth View Point

A scenic viewpoint in the unique shape of an icy pyramid above the Lord Badri Vishal premises. You can not climb it; just admire its beauty, which glows golden during sunset and sunrise hours. Perfect for capturing the beauty of the Himalayas.

• Location: Just opposite the Badrinath temple
• Best For: Photographers & nature enthusiasts
• Highlights: Sunset & sunrise views over the temple

Places To Visit Near Badrinath

The region surrounding Badrinath Dham features stunning Himalayan valleys and great Mythological significance. So here are some Badrinath nearby places for trekking and scenic excursions.

Valley of Flowers

A popular UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its great beauty, featuring lush alpine flora and rare fauna. Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and reachable by trek from Govindghat. 

The rare Brahma Kamal and Himalayan Blue poppy are major highlights of this national park, which bloom during the peak monsoon season.

Hemkund Sahib

Gurudwara of Shri Hemkund Sahib is a revered Sikh pilgrimage site situated on the banks of Hemkund Lake (Lokpal Lake).

Located at an altitude of 4,329 meters, making it the highest Gurudwara in the world. It is devoted to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth sikh guru of sikhism and accessible by trek from Govindghat.

Satopanth Lake

An alpine, crystal-clear lake sits at an altitude of 4,600 meters and amidst snow-covered glacial peaks. Located around 22-25 km from Badrinath.

It is renowned for its mythological significance, the “path of truth” visited by the Pandavas during their final journey to heaven. It is accessible by trek, which offers great views of the Mt. Chaukhamba and Neelkanth peaks.

Joshimath

A sacred town in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, along the route to Badrinath Dham, Joshimath is a primary gateway to Badrinath, Auli, and other nearby sites.

Holds great significance as the winter abode of Lord Badrinath. The idol of Badrinath continues to be worshipped at the Narsingh temple during the winter period.

Auli

It is often renowned as the skiing capital of India. Auli is a popular hill station site in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level. Known for its dense oak snow slopes and artificial, man-made Auli lake.

It has become a popular site for winter sports, such as the Ropeway ride and snowboarding, and a summer gateway to nature walks to the famous Gurson Bugyal trek.

Vishnuprayag

Located on a route between Joshimath and Badrinath, Vishnuprayag is a revered town and a sacred river confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers, considered the very first among the Panch Prayag in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand.

Famous for its iconic bridges and serves as a crucial stop for pilgrims heading toward Badrinath. Offers a peaceful environment and great views of the peaks.

Pandukeshwar

Located around 22 km from Badrinath, Pandukeshwar Village is a revered Himalayan village in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Serves as a home to ancient temples: Yog Dhayan Badri temple and Lord Vasudev temple. 

Known for the great mythology of the Mahabharata’s King Pandu (father of the Pandavas), who performed penance here, are Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Things To Do In Badrinath

The top things to do in Badrinath are focused on spiritual exploration, high-altitude trekking, and cultural exploration. It offers a great mix of devotion and adventure. 

• Temple Visiting: Visit the Badrinath temple and nearby places; seek the deity’s divine blessings and enrich your spiritual experience.
  
• Holy Bathing: Take a holy dip in the therapeutic sulfur-rich water of Tapt Kund Badrinath and purify and heal your body and soul.
  
• Mountain Trekking & Hiking: There are so many famous natural wonders for trekking and Hiking, such as Charan Paduka and Vasudhara falls, that offer panoramic views of the Himalayas.
  
• Cultural Exploration: Explore local village life by visiting Mana village and Pandukeshwar. Visit the historic caves Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa, tied with great mythology. Drink a cup of tea at the “first tea shop of India” by the Bhutia community in Mana.
  
• Photography: Badrinath and its scenic location make it a paradise for Photographers and nature enthusiasts. Neelkanth viewpoint, Vasudhara trek, and the historic village are popular sites for nature photography.

Tips For Visitors

• Visit between May and June and September and October, when the weather is pleasant and sites are accessible. 
• Carry warm clothes and necessary medicines for unpredictable weather. 
• Take necessary breaks and properly acclimatise your body.
• Plan your day trip to nearby sites wisely.  
• Keep ID proof, Badrinath Registration and cash handy, as the network is poor and online payment may not work well.

Conclusion

Badrinath tourist places are famous attractions that offer a great blend of spiritual experience, local culture exploration, and trekking-adventure explorations.

Some famous places to visit in Badrinath include Badrinath temple, holy Tapt Kund, scenic Mana village, majestic Vasudhara waterfall, and more, making it a perfect destination for both spiritual and peace seekers, adventure enthusiasts, or nature lovers. 

So whether you are travelling for inner peace or to experience the scenic surroundings, Badrinath has something unique to experience for everyone. 

FAQs

What are the major attractions in Badrinath?

The major attractions in Badrinath are:

• Tapt Kund
• Narad Kund
• Charan Paduka
• Brahma Kapal
• Nar Narayan Ranges
• Local Market
• Alaknanda river

Where to visit between Rishikesh and Badrinath?

The famous and scenic places to visit between Rishikesh and Badrinath are the Panch Prayag, sacred temples like Dhari Devi, Kedarnath Dham, scenic hill stations like Auli, and towns like Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Joshimath. Each place along the route holds great importance due to its beauty and great mythology.

What to see in Badrinath Temple?

There are so many things to see near the Badrinath temple, such as Mana village (famous for local culture), Bheem Pul, and Vasudhara falls, famous for their stunning beauty. Tapt Kund and Panch Shilla hold great mythological importance, and the Neelkanth viewpoint is a perfect photography spot.

Which thing is famous in Badrinath?

The famous things in Badrinath are the sacred Badrinath temple, colourful bazaars, and nearby attractions, such as Mana village and Tapt Kund & Narad Kund.

Which hill station is near Badrinath?

Auli is a popular and very close hill station near Badrinath, which is around 55-60 km away. Situated between the Joshimath and Badrinath routes. Famous for snow-covered slopes, ropeway rides, and the untouched beauty of the surroundings, it offers great views of Mt. Chaukhamba and Trishul peaks.