Badrinath Temple Uttarakhand | One of the 4 Dham of India

Badrinath Temple Uttarakhand | One of the 4 Dham of India

Being situated on the edges of the Alaknanda River, Badrinath is an attraction that is mainly known for its stone carving structure of the temple. This temple is located under the shadow of snow-capped Nilkantha. Badrinath temple Uttarakhand is dedicated to Hindu Lord Vishnu and it is also one of the Char Dhams (four important pilgrimages) in the Uttarakhand state of India. The other three Dhams are Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. This temple is located in the Garhwal Himalayan range in the Chamoli district of the Uttarakhand state of India. It is located at an elevation of 10300 feet from sea level. In recent years, it has attracted many tourists all over the world and became the most important religious hub in Northern India.

How to Reach Badrinath Temple

Reaching Badrinath is not a big deal but, yes you need to know some hidden information before you go. Being one of the Char Dham there is easy connectivity to reach the Badrinath temple.

By Air

Jolly Grant at Dehradun, Uttarakhand is the nearest airport to reach Badrinath Dham. It is further 310 km from the airport. Many flight options are available from Delhi to reach Jolly Grant. There are private taxis on sharing and personal basis to reach further. Government buses are available from the airport to reach the Badrinath temple.

By Train

Haridwar, Dehradun, and Rishikesh are the railheads if you are traveling by train. The temple is further 230 to 250 km from each railway station. As it is one of the Hindu temples it is well connected from Haridwar, Dehradun, and Rishikesh. Sharing taxis or personal taxis are available from each railways stations. Also note, all the buses and taxis run in the early morning between 3 am to 8 am, so plan your trip accordingly.

By Road

Badrinath has descent road connectivity and it is further well connected from major cities by road. Alternatively, you can drive up to the Badrinath temple in your own vehicle. Make a note that you have to leave early morning before 7 am if you are driving with your own vehicle. The road is passing through the Ghat area where night driving is risky.   

My dream of exploring India brought me to the Badrinath temple. Some of you might have the same dream, right? Then why are you waiting for? Take your bag pack and start heading towards your dream.

A sudden thought of exploring North India brought me close to my dreamland. Our plan was to explore Kedarnath Dham and then to Badrinath Dham at the same time. As per the plan we had explored the Kedarnath Dham and it was now time to explore the Badrinath temple of Lord Vishnu (second Dham). This place can also be reached by road from nearby cities like Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. The average distance to the Badrinath from this location is 250 km.

As decided we left Sonprayag near Kedarnath and started our journey to Badrinath Dham in GMOU local bus at 5 am in morning. The GMOU buses are not that comfortable to sit for a long time but, you won’t be having many options to reach Badrinath. If you are traveling to Badrinath then most of the buses run in the early morning between 3 am to 6 am, the reason it normally takes 10 to 12 hours to reach the Badrinath. If you want to travel to Badrinath from Kedarnath then you must leave early morning because the frequency of buses is very low from Kedarnath to Badrinath.

Local buses of Garhwal express from Sonprayag to Badrinath temple

If you have ever not explored the drive to the deadly road then you are not so far from your dream, yes trust me the road that goes to the Badrinath is one of that deadly roads to drive but it is that adventurous too. The road that passes through the gorgeous Govind wildlife sanctuary looks so spectacular but, sometimes the spectacular roads can be scary and dangerous too. While you pass through the Govind sanctuary you also witness the gorgeous view of Valley of Flowers. It took us 12 hours to reach the Badrinath bus terminal. After reaching Badrinath we head to the hotel near the bus terminal and left to attend the Aarti at Badri temple. The aarti time is at 7 pm in the evening. From the hotel the distance to the temple was not more than 15 min by walk but, as the temperature was falling down it was too cold in the evening. We walked the footbridge before the temple arrives. The shimmering water of River Alaknanda and its soothing sound of water attract travelers. The glimpse of hot water Taptakund just beside the river looks beautiful.

Govind wildlife sanctuary route that goes to Badrinath

Govind wildlife sanctuary- one of the deadly roads to drive

The structure of the temple is so beautiful; it was another dream come true from Char Dham. As you cross the bridge of the Alaknanda river you witness the Taptakund just beside the temple. Many pilgrimages take the bath in the hot water springs before moving into the temple. It hardly takes 15 min for the queue to enter the temple. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple. Many guards are standing in surrounding to keep a watch on your camera, so better not to take pictures inside the temple otherwise you will be fined. We halted here for almost 2 hours to feel the cold weather of Badrinath Dham. The temperature was 2 degrees by the time and now it was time to have something hot in food. Hotel Krishna Kamal situated just beside the bridge was offering tasty and delicious hot food to give some kind of calm from the cold night. The food was so delicious, and I must recommend having your food from Krishna Kamal hotel at Badrinath.

Alaknanda River view in the night

Badrinath market route

Many of you want to have a window-shopping then shops are available just outside of the Badri temple. One who has mountain sickness must avoid visiting here in the wintertime because the temperature here falls to minus. We left back on next day morning. You will not get options after 11 am to leave from Badrinath so better to have proper information of the return journey as you reach there. Book your bus ticket at the counter near the bus terminal of Badrinath. 

  

Badrinath bus terminal with snow-capped mountain view in the background

  

Ideal Time to Visit the Badrinath Temple

As you know it is located in the range of Himalaya Badrinath temple is open only for six months and it is closed for another six months. Temple is open from summer to monsoon and right before starting of the winter.

It is best to visit the temple in the summer months when the temperature ranges from 8 degrees to 19 degrees. A time when you enjoy the temperature and local ride to the Mana village near Badrinath temple.

Winters are very cold here. The temperature in winter ranges from 4 degrees to -5 degrees. You need to carry proper clothing if you are visiting here in the winter season. October and November month may welcome some snowfalls with rain.  

Budget Stay near Badrinath Temple

When you get down at the Badrinath bus stop, there are so many guest houses and hotels available within walkable distance. The room range starts from 500 INR to 4000 INR as per economics to deluxe rooms along with guesser availability. In non-season time you even have the right to bargain with hotels. I had got the room in 500 INR only but, I had to pay 100 INR extra for two buckets of hot water for a bath. You can also camp if you have your own camping gear.

Food Availability at Badrinath Temple

No worries about food, because there are many options available near Badri temple for food. food quality here is not less than any five-star hotel. When there is cold outside and hot food inside then what else do you need, right? 

Hotel Krishna Kamal near the footbridge of Badrinath temple is one of the best restaurants for delicious food. You need to carry some snacks while traveling on the bus. 

Things to Remember while Visiting the Badrinath Temple

• No private travels or Volvo to reach the Badrinath Dham, the only option is Government buses of the Garhwal region.
• Book your bus ticket a day before you leave for Badrinath as there are limited buses.
• Carry some food in the bag, the journey is too long and you will hardly get any option to eat.
• Carry extra water with you during the bus journey.
• Carry warm clothes to keep you warm throughout your trip.
• Carry basic medicines for motion sickness.
• Do not litter the area around you.

Things to carry on a winter trip