Chardham Yatra: Indian Himalayan Hindu Pilgrimage with Tranquality and Peace - Badrinath, Kedarnath

The most visited Hindu pilgrimage at India is Chardham. Every year several thousand pilgrims visit the sacred location in order to achieve solace and peace in the Himalayan region of India. There is a belief amongst the Hindus that once visited this holy location shall absolutely cleanse the human sins and bestow peace amongst the mankind.

Geographically the Ganges emerges from the hills and touches the plains. Generally the water is very cold and clear except during the rainy season when the soil from the upper crest muddy region to the bottom. There are several minor seasonal streams like Ranipur Rao, Pathri Rao, Harnaui Rao, Begam Nadi etc. The large area is forested and Rajaji National park is ideal for the adventure lovers. The Rajaji is accessible from the various gates like Ramgarh gate and Mohand Gate are within the Dehradun territory of 25km while from Haridwar about 9 km are Motichur, Ranipur and Chilla Gates. Kunao Gate is 6km from Rishikesh and Laldhang gate is 25km from Kotdwar. The region lies in between Shivalik Hills in the North and Northeast and Ganga River in the South.

The Chardham is well connected by Rail, road and air route and include Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri.

Badrinath is located in the Uttrakhand region and on the banks of Alaknanda River at the height of 3133mtr above the sea level and known as Vishnu lord abode. The area is located in the Garhwal hills with a majestic picturesque view and meandering river.

There is a belief that the region was barren and abundant with wild berries and had one temple of Vishnu built by the Garhwal king and was restored by AdiGuru Shankracharya some two decades ago where the Shrine with a black stone idol abodes and bless the devotees visiting the location.

Nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport 316kms and the railtrack is Rishikesh (294 kms) and buses and taxi are available from Haridwar Rishikesh, Joshimath.

Kedarnath temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and 3580mtrs above the sea level. The region is famous as one of 12 Jyotirlingas. The Shiva is worshipped as conical shaped protrusion. According to the legends Lord Shiva took the form of a bull while eluding the Pandavas, as he went into the ground this hump was left behind.

Kedanath is considered to be part of panch kedar along with the Rudranath, Tunganath, Kalpeshwar and Mandmaheshwar.

The nearest airport is Jollygrant (250km) and railroute is Rishikesh (234km) and by road and foot from Gaurikund connected with Haridwar, Kotdwar and Dehradun.

Chardham is well connected by air route from Delhi and most popular as a spiritual Yatra starting from April – May and last upto October November every year.