Tourist places in and around Badrinath
Tapta Kund
Taptta Kund, natural water and cold springs are at the entrance of the temple. Before entering the temple, the pilgrims take a holy dip in the Tapta Kund. Other famous natural spring sites are Narad Kund and Surya Kund.Sheshnetra
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.There are many important places to visit around Badrinath. The place is replete with tales of the Pandavas who are said to have taken this route via Badrinath on their way to Heaven. From the temple a bridle path goes to the village of Mana which is the last village on the Indian side. From this village one path leads along the river known a Saraswati to Kailas and Manasarovar in western Tibet. This is a route which is taken only by great yogis since it is fraught with difficulties. The Saraswati joins the Alakananda at Mana at the place known as Keshava Prayag. Vyasa Gupha or the cave of Vyasa as well as Ganesha Gupha, the cave of Ganesha, is found here. If we keep going we reach a natural causeway across the Saraswati River formed by a massive mountain rock. This is known as Bhim phul. When the Pandavas came here, the second brother known as Bhima is supposed to have thrown this boulder across the river so that his brothers could cross the river with ease.
The Vasudhara falls is only three miles from here but due to the rarefied atmosphere the going is difficult. These falls are over four hundred feet high and are at an altitude of 12,000 feet. The wind is so strong that someone standing just under the falls will not get wet. It is said that only the pure will feel the waters sprinkling over them.
Five miles from Vasudhara is the place known as Alakapuri which is the source of the Alakananda.
Here the river gushes out from between two glaciers, Bhagirath Kharak and Satopantha.
Satopantha Lake is at a height of 14,400 feet and is at a distance of 15 miles from Badrinath and five miles from Alakapuri. It is a glacial lake three quarters of a mile in circumference bordered by clumps of bushes. Celestial beings like Apsaras and Gandharvas are supposed to sport in its icy waters. A number of glaciers encircle the lake. It is a mystic place filled with incredible charm and beauty. Only very hardy pilgrims are able to reach this. Some yogis do live on its shores. The journey to this lake takes about three days and can be done only between June and September. Every article of food and accommodation has to be taken.
There are some caves in which yogis live.
Alka Puri
The origin off Alakananda River, Alka Puri, attracts a number of tourists all the year round. Satopanth, a triangular lake, is located at a height of about 4400 metres 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.Rudrraprayag
Rudraprayag, which is at the metting point of the rivers, Alakananda and Mandakini, is known for the Rudranath and Chamunda Devi temples. Nandaprayag is known for the Gopalji temple. The fifty pilgrimages spot is Vishnuprayag, at the confluence of Alakananda and Dhauliganga, where there is a very ancient templle dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Kund. The convergence of the rivers gives birth to the famous pilgrim sites that are collectively called the Panch Prayag. Devprayag is also famous for itsrock incriptions and the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Raghunath.Joshimath (44 km)
Jyotirmath, the religious centre, established by Adi Shankaracharya, later came to be known as Joshimath. The other sites of interest ae the temples of Nav Durga and Narsifgha. Apart from its obvious religious importance, this place is unparalleled for its scenic beauty.The winter home of Badrinathji lies on the slopes above the confluence of Alaknanda and dhauliganga. It is an important halt enroute to Badrinath and base for trekkers to the famous valley of Flowers. Adi shankaracharya is said to have gained enlightenment here. Main attractions are Narsingh and Garuda temple, the shankracharya Math and Amar Kalp tree.
Valley of Flowers (42 km)
Frank S. Smythe, in 1931, discovered this great valley. The valley is profuse with a plethora of vibrant flowers, hence the name. The river, Pushpavati flows nearby while the massive Rataban peak forms a splendid backdrop.This ‘Paradise' of nature lovers sprawling over an an area of 87.5kms. lies 6kms. from Bhyundar village and is a 19kms. Trek from Govind Ghat. The valley exceptionally rich in floral wealth was discovered by Frank smythe along with R.L. Holdsworth in the 1930s. According to mythological legends, lord Hanuman visited the valley to collect ‘sanjeevani' herb to save the life of Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama. The Pushpawati River flows through the verdant valley surrounded by mountains on all sides. With the melting of snow from May onwards, the entire valley blooms with exotic flowers till September. There are over 521 species of flowering plants and the area was declared a National Park in 1982, to preserved the bio-diversity of the valley. The park is also inhabited by animals like Himalayan black bears, musk deer, brown bears, snow leopards, tahr, bharal, serow and rich variety of butterflies.
Gobindghat (15 km)
Gobindghat is the starting point for the trek to the valley. This trekking attraction in the valley is situated between Joshimath and Badrinath.Is set on the confluence of the alaknanda and Bhyundar or Lakshman Ganga. There is a big gurudwara here.
Lok-Pal Hemkund
One of the most famous Gurudwaras in India, Hemkund Sahib is located here. IT is believed to be 4320 metres above the sea level. Lok-Pal Hemkund lake, with its crystal wates, and four peaks surrounding it acts as another important attractive spot for tourists. Mana village, the last village in the Indo-Tibetan border is about 4 km from here.Hemkund Sahib (43 km)
Hemkund Sahib is situated 43 km away from the lok-Pal Hemkund Sahib which is an important pilgrimage of the Sikhs and Hindus. The sacred shrine is located along the shores of the holy lake, Hemkund. IT is the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh unified with God after Prolonged meditation in his previous birth. Another attraction is the Lakshman a Temple, where Lakshmana performed his penance.Hemkund or the ‘Snow Lake' nestles at a height of 4329 m. amidst which are collectively called Hemkund Parvat. The sacred star shaped gurudwaa near the lake is one of the most important sikh pilgrim centres. It is believed that Guru Govind singh ji, the tenth Sikh Guru meditated here. Saints like Rishi Medhasa of the Markandeya purana and Lakshman, the brother of Lord Ram also performed penance here. A temple dedicated to Lakshman is located near the gurudwara. The 15km. trek from govindghat to Hemkund is very popular. The best time to come here is from July-Oct.
Brahma Kapal
Brahma Kapal is a flat platform, situated on the bank of the Alakananda River. Here the Hindu perform propitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.Neelkanth
Nellkanth is popularlly known as the ‘Garhwal Queen'. Neelkanth is basically a pyramid shaped snow peak towering above Badrinath.Mata Murti Temple
Mata Murti Temple is about 3 km away from Badrinath, and lies on the banks of the Alakananda River. The temple is dedicated to the mother of Sri Badrinathji.Chardham Yatra
Char dham or the four most sacred Hindu pilgrim centres on India nestles amidst the lifty peaks of Garhwal Himalayas. The four sacred rivers, the Yamuna (Yamunotri), the Bhagirathi (Gangotri), the Mandakini (kedarnath) and the Alaknanda (Badrinath). Millions of devotees undertake this ardous pilgrimage during the yatra season between April and November.Traditionally, the yatra is done from west to the east starting from Yamunotri, then Gangotri and finally to Kedanath and Badrinath. Rishikesh/Haridwar is convenient place to start the holy char Dham pilgrimge.