To visit Badrinath and Kedarnath you have to pass through Haridwar first then Rishikesh. Haridwar is the Gateway to Himalayan region and is the religious abode beside Rishikesh. In Haridwar there a number of famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.  You get to see the panoramic view of the River Ganga flowing beside. This place is worth to stay for 1 or 2 days as you get to witness the holy rituals and puja along the river banks and is spiritual in nature.

Rishikesh looks similar to Haridwar and has the famous Lakshman Jhoola along with a lot of Ashrams surrounding it. You can witness ‘Rishis’ or ‘Sadhus’ meditating in a deep state.

Badrinath

Moving from Rishikesh and traveling for quite a long distance you can reach the famous Badrinath temple where you can take bath in the famous spring water ponds or “Kund” as it is called for a refreshing and rejuvenating bath relieving you of body pain as it contains strong mineral elements. Badrinath offers you a breathtaking view of the Himalayas and is truly an enchanting place to visit.

Kedarnath

Kedarnath is at a very long distance from Badrinath and you reach here only by trekking from Gaurikund by the help of ponies. The way from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is amazingly beautiful and breathtaking. You pass by wild nature along with snowy capped mountains blooming with flowers with a fair share of deep gorges beneath as you will be trekking at a very high altitude from sea level. You reach Kedarnath temple which also has an Adi Shankaracharya temple behind it. The views from here are mind-boggling and really treat for the naked eyes.

Both the temples of Badri and Kedar are historical and deep-rooted in Hindu traditions and it is believed that you have to visit the four Dhams or four important religious places before you die namely Badri, Kedar, Yamunotri and Gangotri to gain Salvation.

Truly the above places are worth visiting from religious and tourism point of view where you get to see the real Himalayas in its true self. Go ahead and plan accordingly as there are so many tour operators to arrange and take care of this pilgrimage places suiting to everyone’s budget.

You can check out my other post on Hyderabad->Hyderabad Calling!