Badrinath is considered the holiest of the four main shrines of Uttarakhand. The town, situated on the left bank of the Alaknanda, is equidistant from the twin mountains of Nara and Narayan. Badrinath is on the itinerary of every devout Hindu. The place is also known as Badri Van after the forest of Badri trees which grow here.

The present temple was built about two centuries ago by the kings of Garhwal. The principal idol in the temple is of black stone and represents Vishnu seated in a meditative pose, and flanked by Nara-Narayan. Badrinath is also known as Vishal Badri and is one of the Panch Badris.

The temple remains closed from October to April due to severe winter conditions. During this period the idols of Utsavo Murti are taken to Pandukeshwar. It is said that "There are many sacred spots of pilgrimage in the heavens, earth and the nether world, but there has been none equal to Badri, nor shall there be".

Rail
Rishikesh Railhead : 292 km. See Rishikesh for rail connections.

Road
Badrinath is connected by road to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Nainital and Almora. Some of the major road distance are : Delhi - 518 km, Rishikesh - 297 km, Joshimath - 42 km, Haridwar - 321 km, Karnprayag - 123 km, Rudraprayag - 155 km, Deoprayag - 225 km, Dehradun 343 km.

Chand Cottage, Shri KedarBadri Temple Committee. 
Gujrat Bhawan, Shri Kedar-Badri Temple Committee. 
Modi Bhawan, Shri Kedar-Badri Temple Committee. 
Inspection House. (Advance permit from DM, Chamoli, Gopeshwar/Executive Engineer, PWD) 

UP Tourism Accommodation
Hotel Devlok, (GMVN) Near Bus Stand, Ph : (01381)2212 
Travellers Lodge, (GMVN) Bus Terminal

Badrinath Temple(Adi Shankaracharya Ji)
The Temple has been renovated several times due to damage by avalanches. The present structure is 15 mtrs high and has a gilded cupola. The rawal or chief priest of the temple is a Namboodripad Brahmin from Kerala. The temple is divided into three parts - the garbha griha or sanctum sanctorum, the darshan mandap where the rituals are conducted and the sabha mandap where devotees assemble.

Tapt Kund And Surya Kund
The famous hot springs just below the temple. The sulphurous waters have a temperature of 550C. A dip, considered holy and refreshing to the body as well as the soul, is a must before offering prayers to Shri Badrinathji.

Neelkanth
A majestic peak of the Himalayas, towering to 6600 mtrs, presents the most dramatic sight of Badrinath.