HolidayIQ | Reviewer of the Month October 2007

Sight-seeing and shopping:

We - a group of 8 - decided to go to Kedarnath and Badrinath by road as the as the scenic beauty is spectacular .We drove for about 150 kms to Tilwara and it took us about 8 hours. The maximum drive was through the ghats and the roads though narrow were quite decent. We reached Tilwara about 5 pm and halted for the night at one of the GMVN resorts. The accommodation was very good and we had booked it well in advance. The tariff is very reasonable. Private hotels are very costly though. The next day the party split into two. Two passengers halted at Tilwara to go to Kedarnath by helicopter as they could not go by horse or palki to the temple and the other 6 drove on to Gaurikund where they took a night halt. The helicopter ride has just started and it costs 7500/-- per person for a round trip to the temple. The halt at the temple for darshan is 1 hour so the helicopter passengers get a priority for darshan. The flight takes about 15- 20 minutes to Kedarnath and the view is really breathtaking.

In Gaurikund the accommodation is quite reasonable and there is a facility for attached bathrooms. All bookings for govt. guest houses can be done from Delhi mostly. There is accomodation to suit everyone's budget. From Gaurikund you can either trek to the temple or take a palki ride which takes about 5 hours to reach and costs 2050/- per person. The horse ride takes 4 hours and costs approximately 600 /- per person. The return journey takes a little less time. It is said that a person must first go to Kedarnath and then Badrinath. From Gaurikund we went back to Tiwara the next day to pick up the 2 passengers and from there went to Joshimath for a night halt. Joshimath is a small town and is just about 15-16 kms from Auli by road. Regular taxis ply between Joshiamth and Auli. The road journey has beautiful sights on the way. We took an enchanting 4 km ride on the world’s highest and longest ropeway to Auli from Joshimath and a round trip cost us Rs 400/- per person but it is sight which one will not forget for years to come as you get a magnificent view of great Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri . Nature's beauty in its best form can be seen here.

Badrinath Temple

From Auli we went back to Joshimath by cable car and then drove to Badrinath. The drive is breathtakingly beauty through the ghats and it took us about 3 hours but no car or bus is allowed to go on its own.

There are timings and you have to go in a convoy only. Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There is a story behind this famous temple. It is said that Lord Vishnu after being scolded by Narad for indulging in worldly pleasures came here at Badri van to meditate for penance.

Way to Badrinath

The temple remains closed in winters when the entire area gets under snow cover and opens only in summers. The entrance of the temple is quite modern and colourful.

The main temple of Badrinath along with four other temples or Badris forms Panch Badri, Panch meaning five. The other Badris are situated closeby. There are natural thermal springs Tapt Kund and Surya Kund on the bank of Alaknanda River where we took a dip before visiting the temple. It is said that one must take a dip before going to the temple. These springs are said to be having medicinal properties, Tapt Kund is also considered to be a holy experience.

Opinion on activities:

Auli, the place blessed by snow is known as a skier’s paradise. Auli has one of the best slopes in the world to take up winter sports activities. GMVN conducts a skiing course from January to March. All modern equipment for skiing is provided but one must go to Auli with heavy woollen clothings like caps, socks, gloves, mufflers, wind proof jackets, dark glasses, gum boots if going for skiing from December to March.

There are some interesting excursions nearby so one can stay in the resort in Auli and take those excursions if you visit in summer months. It has beautiful slopes and lots of wild beauty.

In and around Badrinath there are many attractions such as Brahma Kapal, Sheshnetra, Charanpaduka, etc. Approx 3 km from Badrinath by road is the Mana Village the last Indian village before Tibet where a small tea shop is located which is said to be the last tea shop of India. One can enjoy the serene nature and beauty and relax in the quietness of the place away from the busy life.

How to reach, travel tips & warnings etc:

Badrinath can be reached by air but the nearest airport is in Dehradun approx 318 kms and after that one has to go by road. The nearest rail is about 300 kms in Rishikesh. By road is the easiest and most convenient way to travel Regular buses are available for Badrinath from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and other important places. As Badrinath is situated at a high altitude approximately 3100m and the temperature ranges from 18 degrees C - 6 degrees C one must take woollen clothes even when visiting in the summer months. Be sure to carry lots of warm clothes and proper walking shoes and socks. Do not carry valuables as you will not find a proper place to keep them. Carry common medicines. Those who suffer with travel sickness be sure to carry medicines as most of the travel is on winding ghats. The best time to travel is from June to October though the earlier months May, June and July have more visitors. Please do not try taking pictures inside the temples as the cameras will be confiscated.