Perched on the Garhwal hill tracks, near Alaknanda River, Badrinath is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Badrinath is known for the sacred Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the four Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage yatra’s and is one of the most visited pilgrimages in India.
Badrinath is well connected by air, rail and road to all major cities in India. The nearest airport to Badrinath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (code: DED), around 317 km away. The nearest railway station to Badrinath is in Rishikesh almost 295 km away. Badrinath is also connected by motorable road to all cities in Uttarakhand while regular buses are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in New Delhi connecting it to other cities in India. Helicopter services are also available for Badrinath from Dehradun.
Badrinath remains closed for six months from November to April. The best time to visit Badrinath is in the summer season from May to June. The temperature during this time ranges around 18 degrees Celcius making it pleasant and comfortable. Another good time to visit Badrinath is September-October which is the post-monsoon season. It is best to avoid visiting Badrinath during the monsoon season of July-August as the place is prone to landslides and cloudbursts.
Placed between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, Badrinath Temple is situated in the backdrop of the mighty Neelkanth mountain and is known for stunning natural beauty. Situated at the height of 10,279 feet, the Badrinath Temple is believed to be originally established by the saint, Adi Shankaracharya. The temple houses a black stone idol of Lord Vishnu which is 1m tall and is considered to be one of the 8 swayam vyakta kshetras or self-manifested statues of Vishnu. It also finds its mention in the 108 Divya Desams devoted to Lord Vishnu in India.
Badrinath Temple remains closed for six months from November to April each year. The temple is closed for worship on the auspicious day of bhatridwityia in October. On the day of the closure, an Akhanda Jyoti lamp is lit to last for six months and the image of Badrinath is transferred to Narasimha temple at Jyotirmath. Badrinath reopens on Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day in April every year.