‘Badrinath’ receives its name from ‘Badri’ which means berry in local language. As per the legends, Lord Vishnu performed great penance here and Goddess Lakshmi, consort of Lord Vishnu, shaded him from harsh sun by taking form of berry trees. Best sightseeing places in Badrinath include the following.

• Badrinath Temple– The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is revered here in the dual form of Nar and Narayana. The deity is made of black saligram stone and thousands of pilgrims gather here to seek blessings of the lord.

• Tapt Kund– A natural hot water spring believed to contain medicinal properties. Before entering the main shine, pilgrims need to take a holy dip in the hot waters of this kund.

• Narad Kund– This is another holy kund near Tapt Kund. It is believed that Narad Muni authored ‘Narada Bhakti Sutra’ at this place. Also, this is the place from where Guru Adi Sankaracharya discovered the idol of Lord Vishnu and erected it in the Badrinath Temple.

• Mana Village– It is the last Indian village before Tibet and is home to the ‘Vyas Cave’ and ‘Ganesh Temple’. It is believed that great sage Vyas while composing the Mahabharata took the help of Lord Ganesh to write it in a great speed. Vyas Cave and Ganesh Temple are associated with this legend.

• Bheem Pul– It is a natural rock bridge which according to mythology, is believed to have been constructed by Bheema by laying a huge rock on the Saraswati River, while their ascent to heaven.

• Saraswati River– The Saraswati River holds a great religious significance as it is believed that Rigveda was composed at the banks of this holy river. Also known as the ‘Lost River’ because the river dried away many thousands of years ago, a small stretch of river flowing from the mountains near the Mana Village, merging in the Alaknanda River just a km. ahead, is believed to be the lost Saraswati River.

• Vasudhara Falls– These beautiful falls can be reached through a 6 km. trek from the Mana Village. Captivating views of snow-clad Himalayas and glaciers feeding the Alaknanda River are just a sight to behold at the Vasudhara Falls.