Badrinath is one of the most important Hindu religious destination and one of the sites of the Char-Dham Yatra. Located in the Chamoli District at an altitude of 3133 meters above sea level, Badrinath is along the banks of River Alaknanada at the India-Tibet Border. Badrinath is encircled by the Nar and Nikantha Peak named after the two forms of Lord Vishnu, who meditated on these places. Legends believe that the greatest epic of Hindu religion, The Mahabharta by Ved Vyasa, was written in one of the cave in Mana which is 4 kms from Badrinath. Apart from all these reasons, the major attraction at Badrinath is the Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Badrinarayan. Legends say that in 8th Century, Adi Shankracharya, visited this place and found the idol of Lord Badirnarayan submerged in the River Alaknanada. He took out the idol and established it in the near Tapt Kund (hot spring). The temple was later constructed in 16th century by the King of Garhwal which is now known as the Badrinath Temple. Along with the Badrinath Temple, Badrinath is also known as the destination of ‘Panch Badri temples’ (5 Badri Temples); Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishtya Badri, Adi Badri and Vriddha Badri, along with Badrinath temple. Best Time to visit Badrinath is in the seasons of summer and autumn.
