Places to visit in Badrinath Temple
Badrinath, a sacred town nestled in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, holds immense spiritual significance in India. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath is one of the revered Char Dham sites and also a key part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Every year, countless devotees from around the world visit this holy destination to seek blessings and immerse themselves in its divine aura.
Apart from the renowned Badrinath Temple, the town offers several other attractions for pilgrims and travelers alike. Whether you're in search of spiritual solace or offbeat places near Badrinath, the region has something for everyone. The serene atmosphere, breathtaking Himalayan landscape, and spiritual energy make a visit to Badrinath truly unforgettable. Here is a guide to the must-visit places near Badrinath Dham that pilgrims can explore during their spiritual journey.
Best Places to Visit in Badrinath
Badrinath is more than just a sacred temple it’s surrounded by several divine and scenic spots that enrich the pilgrimage experience. For those visiting this holy town, here’s a list of the best places to visit in Badrinath that every pilgrim should explore.
1. Tapta Kund
Tapta Kund is a sacred natural hot water spring located just below the Badrinath Temple, nestled between the temple complex and the banks of the Alaknanda River. Known for its spiritual and healing significance, this geothermal spring maintains a steady temperature of around 45°C throughout the year.
Devotees believe that bathing in Tapta Kund purifies the soul, washes away sins, and cures skin-related ailments, as the water is said to have medicinal properties. Considered the abode of Lord Agni (the fire god), it is customary for pilgrims to take a ritual dip in this holy spring before proceeding to the darshan of Lord Badrinarayan. The Kund’s serene location and spiritual energy make it a deeply revered stop on the journey to Badrinath Dham.
Location: Tapta Kund is situated just 50 meters before the entrance of Badrinath Temple.How to Reach: Tapta Kund is easily accessible on foot. It is about 800 meters from the Badrinath bus stand, a distance that can be comfortably covered in 10 to 12 minutes. For pilgrims staying at nearby hotels or guesthouses in Badrinath, the kund is often just a short walk away, making access even more convenient.
2. Narad Kund
Narad Kund is a revered hot spring located near the Badrinath Temple, known for its spiritual significance and believed healing properties. It is widely believed that the sacred idol of Lord Vishnu, currently enshrined in the Badrinath Temple, was retrieved from this very kund by Adi Shankaracharya.
Pilgrims usually take a dip in its warm waters before visiting the temple, as it is believed to cleanse the body and help with health problems. The spring gets its heat from Gauri Shila and is located next to the well-known Tapta Kund. Narad Kund is named after the great sage Narad Muni, who is believed to have composed the Narada Bhakti Sutra at this sacred site. Surrounding the kund are five sacred rocks, or Shilas, each with its own mythological significance: Narad Shila, Narasingh Shila, Varaha Shila, Garur Shila, and Markandeya Shila.
Location: Narad Kund is located just below the Badrinath Temple, on its left side.
How to Reach: Narad Kund is located about 850 meters from ISBT Badrinath and approximately 250 meters from the main road. Pilgrims need to walk a short distance and cross a bridge near the temple area to reach the kund. It is easily accessible and just a short walk from both the Badrinath Temple and nearby accommodations.
3. Vyas Cave
Vyas Cave, located near Badrinath in Mana Village, is believed to be the sacred spot where Sage Vyas composed the epic Mahabharata. According to legend, he was assisted by Lord Ganesha, who agreed to write the verses as Vyas dictated them. However, Lord Ganesha had one condition Vyas must speak without pausing. If he stopped even for a moment, Ganesha would stop writing and leave.
As the sage recited continuously, Lord Ganesha wrote rapidly. At one point, his pen broke, and without hesitation, he broke off one of his tusks to continue writing. This is how, as the story goes, Ganesha came to be known for his broken tusk. A unique feature of Vyas Cave is its roof, which resembles the pages of sacred scriptures a symbolic reminder of the spiritual knowledge created here. The cave is not just a natural formation but a deeply revered place for devotees and seekers. It is said that many other holy texts like the Puranas and Vedas were also composed here.
Location: Vyas Cave is situated in Mana village, approximately 4.8 kilometers from the Badrinath Temple and just 200 meters from the heart of Mana village.
How to Reach: Pilgrims can first reach the Badrinath bus stand, from where taxis are readily available to Mana village. Those traveling in their own vehicles can easily drive directly to Mana. From Mana village, Vyas Cave is accessible via a well-marked path that involves climbing around 100 stairs to reach the site.
4. Ganesh Cave
Ganesh Cave is a sacred and naturally formed cave located in Mana Village, close to Badrinath. It is believed that Lord Ganesha wrote the Mahabharata in this cave while Sage Vyas narrated it from the nearby Vyas Gufa. Ganesh Cave is considered the sacred spot where this legendary writing took place. The cave holds a peaceful atmosphere, making it a special stop for pilgrims.
A small idol of Lord Ganesha is placed at the entrance, and inside the cave, you’ll find a traditional havan kund (a small fire altar) and the soft glow of lamps that add to the spiritual feel of the place. For pilgrims visiting Badrinath, Ganesh Gufa is a meaningful and memorable site that connects deeply with the religious history of the region. It’s a quiet spot, perfect for prayer and reflection, and a must-visit for those exploring the sacred town of Badrinath.
Location: Ganesh Cave is situated in Mana village, approximately 5.2 kilometers from the Badrinath Temple.
How to Reach: To visit Ganesh Cave, pilgrims should first reach the Badrinath bus stand. From there, taxis or private vehicles can take you to Mana village, approximately 4.8 kilometers away. The cave is located a short walk from the main road in Mana, with a few steps to climb to reach the site.
5. Vasudhara Falls
Vasudhara Falls is a stunning waterfall located at an altitude of 3,675 meters above sea level, making it one of the most breathtaking natural spots near Badrinath Temple. Known as the best trek near Badrinath, the Vasudhara Falls trek begins from Mana village, the last village before the India Tibet border, and stretches about 9 kilometers. The trek offers scenic views of the majestic Himalayas and requires pilgrims to cross two small glaciers, adding an element of adventure to the spiritual journey.
According to local belief, there is an intriguing Vasudhara fall story it is said that the water from the falls does not touch impure souls. Only those who are pure at heart will feel the touch of the sacred water, making the visit not just a physical trek but also a spiritual experience.
Location: Vasudhara Falls is about 9 km from Badrinath, near Mana village, at an altitude of 3,675 meters.
How to Reach: The journey starts with a 3 km drive from Badrinath to Mana village. From there, a scenic 6 km trek begins, passing the natural stone bridge known as Bhima Pul. The well marked trail offers stunning views and a moderately challenging route to Vasudhara Falls.
6. Mana Village
Mana Village, located just 3 km from the Badrinath Temple, is famously known as the last Indian village on the Indo-Tibetan border. It serves as the starting point for many notable attractions including Vyas Cave, Ganesh Cave, Bhima Pul, and the breathtaking Vasudhara Falls. Rich in legends from the Mahabharata era, Mana offers pilgrims and travelers a unique spiritual and cultural experience.
The village is also a paradise for trekking and nature lovers, offering stunning views of snow-covered peaks, cascading waterfalls, and serene alpine meadows. A must-visit destination during your Badrinath Yatra, Mana beautifully blends myth, history, and Himalayan charm, making it a truly unforgettable stop.
Location: Mana Village is situated approximately 4.3 kilometers from the Badrinath Temple.
How to Reach: Pilgrims can easily reach Mana Village by road. Shared jeeps and taxis are readily available from Badrinath. Those traveling in their own vehicles can also comfortably drive to Mana, as the route is well-maintained and scenic, making for a pleasant journey.
7. Pandavas Statues
Pandavas statues in Mana village, Uttarakhand, are a major attraction for pilgrims and tourists alike. These impressive statues stand near the banks of the Saraswati River, where visitors not only take memorable photos but also offer their prayers. According to legend, this is the path the Pandavas took to ascend to heaven.
The statues depict the five heroic Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata, along with Draupadi and a dog, symbolizing their epic journey and the time they spent in exile in the Himalayas. Weighing around 13 quintals, these statues add a powerful spiritual and historical dimension to the Badrinath pilgrimage, giving devotees a deeper connection to the timeless stories of the region.
Location: The Pandavas statues are situated along Swargarohini Marg, a trail near Mana village, approximately 4 km from Badrinath.
How to Reach: Pilgrims can travel to Mana village from Badrinath by shared jeep or private vehicle. From Mana, the Pandavas statues are just a short walk away along the well-marked Swargarohini Marg.
8. Brahma Kapal
Brahma Kapal is a holy spot located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, just a short walk from the Badrinath Temple. It is one of the most important places for performing Pind Daan and Shraddha rituals—the final rites done for departed ancestors. Many believe that offering these prayers at Brahma Kapal grants moksha (liberation) to the souls of loved ones, freeing them from the cycle of rebirth.
According to ancient stories, this is the place where Lord Shiva cut off the fifth head of Lord Brahma. After that, Brahma’s skull got stuck to Shiva’s hand. To get rid of this, Lord Shiva wandered for a long time in regret until he finally came to this place. It was here that Lord Shiva was finally freed from the sin, and thus the site came to be known as Brahma Kapal. It is also believed that Lord Brahma resides here, blessing those who perform rituals for their ancestors. Even the Pandavas are believed to have come to Brahma Kapal to do penance for the sin of Brahma Hatya (killing a Brahmin) during the Kurukshetra war.
Location: Brahma Kapal is situated on Badrinath Temple Road, just about 200 meters from the Badrinath Temple.
How to Reach: Pilgrims can easily reach Brahma Kapal on foot. It’s a short and comfortable 2–3 minute walk from the Badrinath Temple, making it very accessible for visitors.
9. Bheem Pul
Bheem Pul is a natural stone bridge near Mana village, close to Badrinath. According to an old story from the Mahabharata, Bhima one of the five Pandava brothers placed this big rock across the Saraswati River. He did this so that his wife Draupadi could safely cross the river during their journey to heaven.
This stone bridge, surrounded by majestic mountains and the roaring Saraswati River, offers a stunning view with the river rushing below and towering peaks all around. It’s a peaceful and special place to visit, full of history and natural beauty. A visit to Bheem Pul adds a special touch of mythology and natural beauty to any Badrinath pilgrimage.
Location: Bheem Pul is located near Mana village, about 4 km from Badrinath Temple.
How to Reach: Pilgrims can reach Mana village by road from Badrinath. From the Mana village parking area, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Bheem Pul along a well-maintained trek.
10. Charan Paduka
Charan Paduka is a sacred rock located at an altitude of around 3,400 ft near Badrinath. This rock is believed to bear the footprints of Lord Vishnu, making it a spiritually significant place for devotees. According to legend, this is the spot where Lord Vishnu first stepped on Earth. It is believed that having a darshan of these divine footprints can free one from physical and mental troubles.
Charan Paduka not only holds great spiritual significance but also offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. From this spot, pilgrims can enjoy panoramic views of the flowing river below and the majestic Neelkanth peak in the background. The Charan Paduka Badrinath history is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, as it is believed to bear the footprints of Lord Vishnu, making it a revered site for devotees. Since reaching Charan Paduka requires a short trek, it’s a perfect destination for pilgrims visiting Badrinath who also wish to experience a scenic and rewarding hike. This blend of devotion and natural beauty makes Charan Paduka a must-visit stop on the Badrinath tour.
Location: Charan Paduka is situated on Narayan Parvat, about 1 km from Badrinath Temple. The Charan Paduka Badrinath distance makes it a short and accessible trek for most pilgrims.
How to Reach: To reach Charan Paduka, pilgrims need to trek approximately around 1 km from the Badrinath Temple. Start from the left side of the temple, walk a short distance, and then look for stairs on the right going uphill. These stairs lead to the Charan Paduka site. The path is moderately steep but manageable for most visitors, and it usually takes around 25 mintues to reach the top.
11. Shesnetra
Sheshnetra is a big rock located in Badrinath that has a natural mark that looks like the eye of a snake. According to Hindu belief, Lord Vishnu once rested on a huge snake called Ananta Shesha, and this rock is said to have the mark of that divine snake’s eye. That’s why Sheshnetra is considered a very holy and important place.
People believe that Sheshnetra not only has spiritual value but also protects the Badrinath Temple and the entire area. The beautiful surroundings, with two small lakes and the flowing Alaknanda River, make this place peaceful and perfect for a short visit. Devotees visiting Badrinath Temple can also take a little time to visit Sheshnetra, as it is nearby and offers both spiritual and scenic experiences.
Location: Sheshnetra is located near Parmarth Lok Ashram, on Mana Road in Badrinath.
How to Reach: It is only 1 km away from the Badrinath Bus Stand and about 1 km from the Badrinath Temple. You can reach it by walking a short distance, and the path is easy for most people to walk on. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the mountains and river.
12. Mata Murti Temple
Mata Murti Temple is located on the right bank of the Alaknanda River and is dedicated to Mata Murti, the mother of the twin sons Nar and Narayan. According to legend, Mata Murti prayed to Lord Vishnu to take birth from her, so He could come into the world as Nar and Narayan to defeat a demon.
Every year in September, a grand fair called Mata Murti Ka Mela is celebrated here on the day of Shravan Dwadashi. During this festival, devotees worship Mata Murti, who is also known as the mother of Lord Badrinath, with great devotion. Many believe that praying at this temple helps relieve the difficulties and sufferings of life. In winter, the temple is often covered with snow, offering a stunning and peaceful view. Mata Murti Temple is one of the best places to visit in Mana village and is a wonderful spot for both pilgrims and tourists alike.
Location: The temple is located close to Badrinath town, near Mana village.
How to Reach: You can easily reach Mata Murti Temple by road from Badrinath, as it is located just 3 km away from the main town. Local taxis and buses are available for a quick ride. Alternatively, those who enjoy walking can also trek the 3 km distance, enjoying the scenic beauty along the way.
How to Cover Nearby Attractions During Badrinath Tour
After visiting the holy Badrinath Temple and taking blessings of Lord Vishnu, you can also explore some beautiful and spiritual places nearby. These spots are not only peaceful but also full of mythological stories and natural beauty.
Here’s how you can cover the nearby attractions easily:
1. Places You Can Visit on Foot (Very Close)- Tapta Kund : Just near the Badrinath temple, take a holy dip in the hot spring.
- Narad Kund & Brahma Kapal : Walk a few steps from the temple to do rituals and see sacred spots.
- Charan Paduka : A short trek uphill, where Lord Vishnu’s footprints are found.
- Mana Village: Just 3 km from Badrinath, it’s India’s last village. You can take a taxi.
- Vyas Gufa & Ganesh Gufa : Located in Mana, where saints wrote holy scriptures.
- Vasudhara Falls: Around 6 km trek from Mana. Beautiful and peaceful waterfall.
- Mata Murti Temple: 3 km away by car, dedicated to the mother of Lord Badrinath.
- Bheem Pul & Saraswati River Origin: A natural stone bridge and river with mythological importance.
Tips for Pilgrims Visiting Places Near Badrinath
After visiting the holy Badrinath Temple and receiving the blessings of Lord Vishnu, you can explore many beautiful and spiritual places nearby. Here are some useful tips for pilgrims visiting places near Badrinath Temple:
- Start your journey early in the morning to avoid crowds and have enough time for sightseeing.
- Use local taxis or shared jeeps for easy travel to nearby spots, or walk and hire taxis for places like Mana and beyond without parking or road worries.
- Show respect at temples by maintaining silence, following rules, and keeping the surroundings clean and peaceful.
- Only attempt trekking if physically fit, and walk slowly to avoid exhaustion or altitude sickness during the climb.
- Keep your identification and important documents with you at all times for safety and emergencies.
- Avoid traveling after dark as mountain roads can be risky and visibility decreases significantly in the night.
- Keep at least one extra day in Badrinath to explore nearby attractions and enjoy sightseeing fully.
