Badrinath is a sacred town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus and is part of the Char Dham Yatra, which also includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath. Badrinath is situated along the banks of the Alaknanda River in the Garhwal Himalayas.

Key features and information about Badrinath:

1. Badrinath Temple: The town is famous for the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams and is considered one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. It is also part of the Char Dham Yatra circuit. The idol of Lord Badrinath is in a meditative posture, sitting in a padmasana (lotus) position.

2. Opening and Closing Dates: The Badrinath Temple opens its doors annually in late April or early May on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. The temple remains accessible for pilgrims until the day of Vijayadashami in October or November. The opening and closing dates are subject to change and are influenced by Hindu calendar calculations.

3. Pilgrimage Route: Pilgrims typically reach Badrinath after visiting the other three Char Dham sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath. The journey often begins from Haridwar or Rishikesh, and pilgrims follow a well-defined route through picturesque landscapes.

4. Mana Village: Located near Badrinath, Mana is the last inhabited village before the Indo-China border. It is known for its scenic beauty and is associated with various mythological stories. Visitors often explore Mana village as part of their Badrinath pilgrimage.

5. Hot Springs: The town of Badrinath is also known for its natural hot springs, called Tapt Kund. Pilgrims take a ritual dip in these hot springs before entering the Badrinath Temple. The water is believed to have medicinal properties.

6. Accessibility: Badrinath is accessible by road, and the nearest major town is Joshimath. During the pilgrimage season, the government arranges various facilities for transportation, including buses and shared taxis. Helicopter services are also available for those who prefer aerial transportation.

7. Surrounding Scenery: Badrinath is surrounded by stunning landscapes, with snow-capped peaks and the Alaknanda River adding to its natural beauty. The Neelkanth Peak, named after Lord Shiva, is particularly prominent in the region.

Badrinath holds immense religious and cultural significance, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year. The town not only offers a spiritual experience but also provides an opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.