Badrinath
One of the holiest pilgrimage centres dedicated to Lord Vishnu, nestled at 3,133 metres between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Best Time
May to June, September to November
Timings
4:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (314 km)
Languages
Hindi, Garhwali
The Abode of Lord Vishnu
Badrinath Temple, also known as Badrinarayan Temple, is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the four sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage and the northernmost of the four Char Dham destinations.
According to legend, the temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The temple gets its name from the wild berries (badri) that grow in abundance in the area. Lord Vishnu is believed to have performed meditation here under a badri tree.
The colourful facade of the temple features a tall arched gateway, and inside sits the 1-metre-tall black stone murti of Badrinarayan in a meditative posture. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred abodes of Vishnu.
Sacred Sites & Attractions
Explore the spiritual landmarks in and around this sacred Himalayan shrine.
Badrinath Temple
2-3 hoursThe main shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Badrinarayan. The temple houses a 1-metre black stone idol of Lord Vishnu in meditative posture.
Tapt Kund
30 minsA natural hot water spring near the temple where pilgrims take a holy dip before darshan. The water is believed to have medicinal properties.
Mana Village
3-4 hoursThe last Indian village before the Tibet border, featuring the Vyas Gufa where sage Vyasa composed the Mahabharata and Bhim Pul, a natural rock bridge.
Neelkanth Peak
ViewpointRising to 6,597 metres, this majestic peak provides a stunning backdrop to the temple. The peak is considered the abode of Lord Shiva.
Spiritual Experiences
Brahma Kapal Puja
Perform pind daan (ancestral rites) at this sacred flat platform near the temple
Maha Abhishek
Witness the grand abhishek ceremony of the Badrinarayan idol with holy water
Valley of Flowers Trek
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site located nearby with over 600 flower species
Temple Prasad
Receive the sacred prasad including panchamrit and tulsi leaves
Badrinath Visit Checklist
Essential items for your pilgrimage to the sacred shrine.
How to Reach Badrinath
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport (314 km). Helicopter services also available from Dehradun to Badrinath helipad.
Airport to Badrinath: 10-11 hours
By Road
Well-connected by road via Rishikesh-Devprayag-Rudraprayag-Joshimath route. Regular buses from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Delhi.
Rishikesh to Badrinath: 9 hours
By Train
Rishikesh and Haridwar are the nearest railheads. From there, take a bus or taxi to Badrinath via the scenic mountain route.
Station to Badrinath: 9-10 hours