13 Best Places to Visit in Badrinath and Kedarnath
Introduction to Visit in Badrinath and Kedarnath
Nestled among the magnificent Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, Badrinath is one of the most auspicious destinations of Vishnu worshippers. Tucked gracefully in the background of the magnificent Neelkanth Mountain Peak, Badrinath has always hypnotized travellers with its unparalleled exquisiteness. Those who count themselves as a true explore must secure this place in their bucket list to enjoy an exclusive travel experience.
Kedarnath, one of the most acclaimed pilgrimages of Shiva worshippers have mythological connotations, especially from the Mahabharata. Kedarnath tourism is not only about spirituality as one who visits here gets to explore several other majestic places offering unique and admiring memories to the travellers. Additionally, an adventure seeker can try his/her trekking skill at this place. Chardham Yatra by Helicopter Package helps you well in reaching this place more conveniently.
Discover the most happening places of Kedarnath and Badrinath through this well-researched list and also know about the hidden gems, activities to participate in, and popular picnic spots in the region for a memorable trip. Our well designed Do Dham Yatra Package covers many of these places and all you need to do is to reach out of our travel executive.
Badrinath Temple
Established beautifully on the banks of River Alaknanda, Badrinath Temple happens to be one of the most ancient temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This 15-meter tall structure is elevated at a height of 3133 meters above sea level and dates back to the Vedic ages. Badrinath is one of the most sought pilgrimages in the country where devotees from far around the world visit.
The dark stone idol of Badrinarayan is considered a manifestation of Lord Vishnu and this hugely celebrated tourist spot in India spreads its impeccable spiritual aura for the travellers.
Neelkanth Peak
Popularly called as “Queen of Garhwal”, Neelkanth Peak sets a mesmerizing backdrop to Badrinath Temple. Tucked at a height of 6597 meters above sea level, this gorgeous pea has been named after Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of Hindus and its glory gets magnified when the sun rays hit the top at the dawn. Inarguably, this snow-peaked mountain happens to be one of the most tremendous summits in the Garhwal Himalayas.
The summit is encircled by the magnificent Satopanth on the northwest side and on the southwest side, a traveller can spot the incredible Panpatia Glacier. Also, the Khirao Ganga that runs to the south of this snow-covered peak adds more charm to it.
Vasudhara Falls
Vasudhara Falls is a delightful cascade established at Mana Village in the tranquil surroundings of the Himalayas. It has been said and observed that the falls turn away and don’t become visible to those who are impure at heart. Although you can visit the site throughout the day yet exploring it early in the morning offers you a unique experience.
To reach here a traveller can hire a taxi or a jeep from Badrinath and it is highly advised to carry an umbrella and a good pair of trekking shoes.
Tapt Kund
This characteristically hot water spring is believed to be the place of Lord Agni that holds the temperature of 45 degree Celsius and remains hot even in the winter season. As per the rituals of the Badrinath Dham, a devotee has to take bath in this holy water tank before entering the temple. The water of this hot water spring is believed to have restorative and medicinal properties that cure skin diseases.
There are five boulders settled near this holy water tank- Narad, Markanday, Narsingh, Garur, and Varah where all hold huge mythological significance.
Bheem Pul
A natural stone bridge constructed on the Saraswati River is believed to have been built by Bheema, one of the Pandava brothers. As per the Hindu belief, Bheem tossed a stone to create a way to cross the giant stream. Inarguably, witnessing the stone bridge and River Saraswati spouting through it offers you a stunning sight.
This stone bridge is another star attraction of Mana Village, the last Indian village situated on the Indo- Tibet border. The destination is almost at a distance of 3 km from Badrinath and opposite to the majestic valley of Vyas Cave.
Mana Village
Located on the border of India and Tibet, Mana Village happens to be the last Indian village and hence attract a huge number of tourists every year. This small yet beautiful hamlet is celebrated for its grand magnificence dotted with eye-catching views of the alluring Himalayan ranges. Located at a distance of only 3 m from Badrinath Dham, this village is an exciting place to explore on Badrinath Yatra.
Here you can find some small yet very cute homes and the shops selling handicraft items and if you are a true nature admirer then you must visit this place at least once in your lifetime.
Satopanth Lake
Your trip to Badrinath is said incomplete if you don’t visit this amazing lake that happens to be one of the most enriching places to discover in Badrinath. This triangular-shaped lake is elevated at a height of 4402 meters above sea level and is enveloped by snow-capped mountain peaks and lush green valleys.
The lake got its name from the three supreme deities of Hindus- Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh and it is believed that these deities reside on the three different corners of the lake.
Places that one shouldn’t miss out to explore in and around Kedarnath
Kedarnath tourism is not only popular for religious significance but also for the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, the gorgeous lakes, and many more. Keep on scrolling down the page to learn about the places that you can explore in the region.
Kedarnath Temple
Undoubtedly, Kedarnath Temple is one of the most important places to explore in Kedarnath Dham. This century-old Shiva shrine is standing here since the time of Mahabharata. Being one of the most important Jyotirlingas and Panch Kedars, Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is elevated at a height of 3584 meters above sea level.
The temple is believed to be constructed by Adi Shankaracharya, a great Hindu philosopher and spiritual leader. It also holds an interesting mythological tale about Shiva transforming himself into a bull and chased by the Pandavas.
Note: It is an annual pilgrimage opened for a public visit between May and the first week of November.
Bhairavnath Temple
Not so far from Kedarnath Temple, there is another beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It happens to be one of the best places to visit in Kedarnath if you are a Shiva follower and want to fill your soul with his devotion. Locals believe that this shrine is the protector of the Kedarnath Dham during the winter months when the pilgrimage is closed.
It is said that Lord Bhairav keeps an eye on the entire valley of Kedarnath and protects it from any mishappening. The stunning views of the surrounding valley take the beauty of this place a notch higher.
Vasuki Tal
Another exciting place to explore in Kedarnath is Vasuki Tal from where you can have a close-up view of the magnificent peaks. These crystal clear looks are so fresh and transparent that you can spot the rocks beneath it and also you can spot several mystics and colourful flowers blooming around the lake especially the Brahma Kamal.
Hindus believe that Lord Vishnu one bathed in this divine lake and this makes it more significant. Reaching to this amazing lake is however very treacherous as you have to walk through the long narrow track and also need to cross the ravine filled glaciers falling en-route.
Sonprayag
This beautiful spot lies at the confluence point of Rivers Mandakini and Basuki. One who visits to this place must take dip into these merging rivers as they believe that this bath purifies their soul. The gorgeously flowing rivers and the snow-peaked mountains create a magnetic charm that attracts tourists from different nooks and corners of the country.
Gaurikund
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati performed a deep meditation at this place in order to please Lord Shiva to marry her. It is believed that the goddess performed years-long tapa amidst the Garhwal Himalayas. Another famous incident related to Lord Shiva and Parvati life occurred here i.e. Lord Shiva cut off Ganesha human’s head and replaced it with an elephant head.
These all incidents make it an immensely spiritual destination where one can feel the energy of gods and can also bath in the nearby hot water spring to purify the soul.
Triyuginarayan Temple
Several years of pure meditation of Goddess Parvati pleaded Shiva and he finally confessed his love and agreed to marry her. Triyuginarayan Temple is the same place where Shiva and Parvati took their marriage vows and hence the site marks this celestial union occasion. There is a fire burning at the front of the temple and it is believed that this fire has been burning since the time of their marriage.
Dip into these merging rivers as they believe that this bath purifies their soul. The gorgeously flowing rivers and the snow-peaked mountains create a magnetic charm that attracts tourists from different nooks and corners of the country.
There lies a Saraswati Kund in close proximity to the temple whose water is believed to have been arrived from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Besides attaining a spiritual aura one can also enjoy trekking to the Sitapur Village which is only 7 km from here.
There is a huge list of places to explore in Kedarnath and Badrinath and a very few of them are compiled here. Those who are excited to know about other exciting places to visit here shall write their ideas in the comment box below. Also, if you have suggestion or feedback then, do not hesitate to pen them down below. Do like and share this post with your family, friends, and others who are in your contact as it would be a token of appreciation for us.
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