Two main pilgrim centres in Uttarakhand are Badrinath and Kedarnath. It is located in the Rudraprayag district. Every year lakhs of pilgrims come to worship in this temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.  There are many stories related to this temple. According to the legend, Pandavas built this temple. Pandavas were very desperate and filled with self-gratification because of killing their brothers in the war. They wanted to meet Lord Shiva so that they could get a path of liberation. But Lord Shiva was not happy with Pandavas because of Mahabharata’s war and did not want to meet them that’s why Lord Shiva took the form of a bull. And when he was founded by the Pandavas, he went further into the earth leaving the hump on the surface.

According to the legend, Pandavas built this temple. Pandavas were very desperate and filled with self-gratification because of killing their brothers in the war. They wanted to meet Lord Shiva so that they could get a path of liberation. But Lord Shiva was not happy with Pandavas because of Mahabharata’s war and did not want to meet them that’s why Lord Shiva took the form of a bull. And when he was founded by the Pandavas, he went further into the earth leaving the hump on the surface.

Some of the tourist spots that a traveler can see there are Vasuki Tal, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Sonprayag, Chandra Shila and many more.

As it is situated in the mountains at a very high altitude, so the temple opens in the mid of April to November only when the temperature is favorable. It is one of the 12 Jyotirling. Among the devotees, this temple has a lot of importance. The month of October is considered the best to visit the Kedarnath Temple.

Badrinath temple is the main attraction in the city. This temple of Lord Vishnu built in ancient style is very spacious. Its height is about 15 meters. The temple is split into 3 parts the sanctum sanctorum, the worship hall, and the convention hall. There is a statue of a tall black stone of God Vishnu in the temple. This temple is also called “Vaikuntha of Earth”.

According to legend, Adi Shri Shankaracharya discovered the image of Badrinarayan on a black stone Shaligram in the Alaknanda river. It was originally made in a cave near the Hot Spring which is known as Tapt Kund.

There are many tourist sites near and in Badrinath, which mainly includes

TAPT KUND– hot sulfur springs on the banks of Alaknanda which is known to cure all type of skin diseases.

Brahma Kapal– A flat platform used for religious rituals

A boulder with the alleged impression of Sheshnag. The vehicle of Lord Vishnu

Charanpaduka: – It is said that it is the footprint of Lord Vishnu when he steps down on earth.

The Neelkanth Mountain: the majestic view of the mountain make the environment more beautiful.

Mana Gaon – This is also called the last village of India. After this, the Tibet region starts. There is also a cave in Mana where Vyasa, according to legend, wrote the Mahabharata.

The temple remains closed for 6 months during harsh winter conditions. The best time to visit the temple is from April to June and September to November. Monsoon time is a little risky affair for traveling.