One Day Itinerary for Badrinath Temple – Uttarakhand

6 AM: Arrival in Badrinath
– Start your day early in the morning by arriving in Badrinath, the famous temple town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
– Badrinath is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, at an elevation of 3,133 meters.
– It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

7 AM: Badrinath Temple
– Begin your day by visiting the Badrinath Temple, the main highlight of the town.
– The temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is considered to be one of the 108 Divya Desams (holy shrines for Vaishnavites).
– It is believed to be established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century.
– The temple is an architectural masterpiece and its towering structure surrounded by snow-capped peaks is a sight to behold.
– The distance from the town to the temple is around 500 meters.

8:30 AM: Tapt Kund
– After visiting the temple, head to Tapt Kund, a natural hot water spring located near the temple.
– It is believed that taking a dip in this holy water before entering the temple cleanses pilgrims of their sins.
– The temperature of the water is around 55 degrees Celsius and it is known for its medicinal properties.
– The distance from the temple to Tapt Kund is just a few steps.

9 AM: Breakfast
– Enjoy a delicious breakfast at one of the local restaurants in Badrinath. Indulge in local flavors and specialties.

10 AM: Mana Village
– After breakfast, visit the nearby Mana Village, the last village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border.
– It is located at a distance of around 3 km from Badrinath.
– The village holds great mythological and historical significance, as it is believed to be the birthplace of the Pandavas (from the epic Mahabharata).
– It is also home to the Vyas Gufa (cave), where it is said that Ved Vyasa dictated the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha.
– Explore the village, interact with the locals, and soak in its serene atmosphere.

1 PM: Lunch
– Have a hearty lunch at a local restaurant in Mana Village, enjoying the traditional Himalayan cuisine.

2 PM: Vasudhara Falls
– After lunch, embark on a scenic hike to the mesmerizing Vasudhara Falls.
– Located at a distance of around 6 km from Mana Village, this waterfall is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil surroundings.
– It is said that the water of the falls is as pure as the ingredients used in the holy Yagna performed at the Badrinath Temple.
– The hike to the falls is moderately challenging but rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

6 PM: Return to Badrinath
– Return to Badrinath from the Vasudhara Falls and spend some time exploring the local markets and shops.
– You can buy souvenirs, religious artifacts, and local handicrafts as reminders of your visit to this sacred destination.

8 PM: Dinner
– Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants in Badrinath, relishing the flavors of traditional Uttarakhand cuisine.

9 PM: Departure
– After dinner, it’s time to bid farewell to Badrinath, taking with you memories of a spiritually enriching day.
– Depart from Badrinath and make your way back to your accommodation or onward journey.

Checklist of Items:
– Warm clothing (as the temperature can drop in the higher altitude regions)
– Comfortable walking shoes
– Water bottle
– Sunglasses
– Sunscreen
– Hat/cap
– Umbrella (in case of rain)
– Camera for capturing the beautiful landscapes and moments

Historical Importance:
– Badrinath Temple is believed to be more than a thousand years old and holds immense religious significance. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams and one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
– The temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya, and its architectural style displays the influence of both the north and the south Indian temple architecture.
– Badrinath is mentioned in various ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Skanda Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Mahabharata.
– It is believed that Lord Vishnu meditated at this spot, standing on one foot for several thousand years in the form of the Badri tree, to offer protection to mankind.
– The town and its surroundings have witnessed many significant events from Hindu mythology, making it a place of historical and cultural importance.