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Location : In the north Indian State of
Uttaranchal.
Tourist Attractions : Joshimath, Valley of Flowers,
Govindghat, Lok-Pal Hemkund, Charan Paduka, Mana villages, Vyas Gufa,
Shes Netra Tal, Ganesh Gufa and Bhimpul.
Best Hangouts : Valley of Flowers
Best Activity : Trekking |
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Nearby Tourist Destinations : Kedarnath,
Gangotri, Yamunotri, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Hemkund Sahib, Pipalkoti
(80 Kms.), Chamoli (10 Kms.), Srinagar (192 Kms.), Auli (57 Kms.)
When to Visit : September to May. The Badrinath temple opens
every year in May and closes for winter in the third of November.
About Badrinath
Badrinath in one of the four Dhams a devout Hindu has to visit in
his lifetime to attain salvation. An abode of seers, saints and
yogis from times immemorial, Badrinath is surrounded on either side
by two mountain mountain ranges known as Nar and Naryanan, with the
Neelkanth peak providing a breathtaking backdrop. The legends say,
that Badrinath, was the home of Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as
Narayan. It is known as Tapobhumi, a land for meditation and penance
and bhubaikunth, the heaven on earth. Facing the Badrinath
temple is
a hot water spring known as Tapt Kund, known for its medicinal
properties. Other springs here are the Narad Kund and Surya Kund.
There is a separate tank for women.
Major Tourist Attractions in Badrinath
Joshimath
It is believed that Adi Guru Shankaracharya came all the way from
Kerala in 8th century AD to perform penance here. After enlightment,
he established a religious center (Math) here, which he called 'Jyotirmath'.
The name Joshimath is a derived from that. Of religious interest are
the temples of Nav Durga and Narsingh. Apart from the religious
importance, this place is unequalled for its scenic beauty.
Valley of Flowers
This is just amazing hangout for the flower and nature lovers. So
named because of the abundance of flowers that bloom here. It is one
of the most picturesque valleys in the world. Nearby flows the river
Pushpawati while the massive Rataban peak forms a splendid backdrop.
The appropriate time to visit it is July & August when the flowers
bloom.
Govindghat
The confluence of alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers. It has an
imposing Gurudwara named after Guru Gobind Singh. Situated between
Joshimath and Badrinath it is the starting point for the trek to
this valley. From Gobindghat, it is 16 kms. away. Ponies can also be
hired from Gobindghat.
Lok-Pal Hemkund
This is where the Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara, at an altitude of 4320 m
above sea-level, is located. The climb is steep and tiring. Hemkund
Sahib is one of the most famous Gurdwaras and is held in great
reverence by the Sikhs. Nearby is the Lok-Pal Hemkund Lake, with its
crystal clear waters and four peaks surrounding it.
Getting There
Air : The nearest airport is at Jelly Grant, 315 km away.
Rail : The nearest rail heads are at Rishikesh, 297 km away, and
Kotdwara, 327 km away.
Road : There is bus service to Badrinath from Rishikesh, Haridwar,
Dehra Dun, Kotdwara and other major towns.
Accommodation
Tourist Rest House, from UP Tourism Accommodation are available.
There are also Private Hotels and Dharamshala and Temple Committee
Guest House. Local eateries/dhabas which offer only vegetarian food.
Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are prohibited. Facilities
for lodging are available at Gobindghat and nearby Ghagria.
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