Badrinath
Situated between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, Badrinath in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand is one among the most sought after pilgrim centers in the Indian subcontinent. Badrinath is beautifully set in the backdrop of the colossal Neelkanth mountain peak and never fails to make the visitor spellbound with its unparalleled gorgeousness. The term Badrinath is a derivative of Badri, which means the place where berries grow abundantly.
A place, which holds so many myths and legends, Badrinath acquires predominance in the travel itinerary of a pilgrim. The popular belief is that Badrinath was the domain of Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu managed to unseat Shiva from here to Kedarnath. Another belief is that when Ganga made her descent to earth, she split up into twelve streams and one among the channels, Alaknanda fell on Kedarnath which gives Badrinath it’s majestic look.
It is not just recreational activities, shrines and pilgrimage that Badrinath offers, it proffers the awesome beauty of the snow clad mountain peaks and the surging landscapes of the Garhwal region.
State: Uttarakhand
District: Chamoli
Famous for/as: Pilgrimage
Languages: Garhwali, Hindi
Best Season: May – June and Sep – Oct
Weather: Summer 7 to 18°C, Winter: -1 to -18°C
Altitude: 3415 m
Kedarnath
Kedarnath is an ancient and magnificent temple located in the Rudra Himalaya range, is over a thousand years old, built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. Ascending through the large gray steps leading to the holy sanctums, we find inscriptions in Pali on the steps. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya. The inner walls of the temple sanctum are adorned with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone their sins after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into ground leaving behind his hump on the surface. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard.
Kedarnath is among the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindu. It is set amidst the stunning mountainscape of the Garhwal Himalayas at the head of the Mandakini River. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. The shrine of Kedarnath is very scenically placed, and is surrounded by lofty, snow covered mountains, and during summers grassy meadows cover the valleys. Immediately behind the temple, is the high Kedardome peak, which can be sighted from great distances. The sight of the temple and the peak with its perpetual snows is simply enthralling.
State: Uttarakhand
District: Rudraprayag
Famous for/as: Pilgrimage
Languages: Garhwali, Hindi
Best Season: May to Jun – Sep to Oct
Weather: Summer: 7°C to 17°C, Winter: -14°C to 8°C
Altitude: 3553 m
Yamunotri
Situated amidst the Garhwal Himalayas, Yamunotri in the state of Uttarakhand is naturally bestowed with abundant beauty and charm. At a hovering altitude of 3291 meters, Yamunotri lies adjacent to the Indo-Chinese border and is encircled by the lofty peaks on all sides. One of the holiest centers in the Hindu pantheon, this sacred abode of the Asti Muni boast of so many unparalleled vistas of nature.
Highly revered as the origin of the majestic River Yamuna, Yamunotri is famed for its glaciers, and thermal springs that makes it one of the most important stopovers in the schedule of a Hindu pilgrim. According to Hindu tradition, Yamuna is the sister of Yama, the god of death and a holy dip in this river secures a painless death to the devotee.
A thrilling and exhilarating location in the footsteps of Garhwal mountain ranges, Yamunotri proffers picturesque surroundings with the awesome shrubs, lush meadows and gushing cascades. A legendary place, which demands lots of courage and stamina to reach, Yamunotri would be a perfect place for those who love escapades. The trek to Yamunotri is magnificent, subjugated by mind stilling views of craggy peaks and intense forests.
From the snow-clad summits to the turquoise lakes, Yamunotri has unbelievably romantic allures on store for those who are young at heart. Its imposing walking trails beside the gushing streams present some of the spectacular moments that one could never forget.
State: Uttarakhand
District: Uttarkashi
Famous for/as: Pilgrimage, Trekking
Languages: Garhwali, Hindi
Best Season: Apr – Oct
Weather: Summer 6°C to 20°C, Winter: -7°C to 5°C
Altitude: 3291 m
Gangotri
One of the main religious places among the four Char Dham pilgrimage, Gangotri, situated in Uttarkashi, is closely related to Goddess Ganga, the river that we know as Ganges. The history of Gangotri dates back to centuries when Goddess Ganga transformed herself into a river to dissolve the sins of King Bhagirath’s forefathers, following his penance. Gangotri is a popular pilgrim place in India, which stands at an altitude of 3415 m and emits a highly pious aura. During the yatra time, religious rituals are in full swing in the Gangotri temple with the Arti ceremony performed by the priests of the Semwal family.
The river Ganga originates from the Gangotri glacier and is also known as Bhagirathi. The name Ganga picks up later on after the river passes Devaprayag and merges into the river Alaknanda.
The striking presence of the snow clad mountains in the vicinity and the pure crystal clear water of the Ganges flowing around add to the sanctity of the place. Vegan food dominates the culture and is available in the local food joints or dhabas. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited.
State: Uttarakhand
District: Uttarkashi
Famous for/as: Pilgrimage
Languages: Garhwali, Hindi
Best Season: April to Jun, Sep to Nov
Weather: Summer: 10°C to 15°C, Winter: 0°C to 10°C
Altitude: 3415 m
