Two ancient sanctuaries of faith stand in silence in the Garhwal Himalayas - the temples of Shiva and Vishnu at Kedarnath and Badrinath, which have been the destination of pilgrims for centuries. Badrinath is situated at the confluence of the Rishi Ganga and the Alakananda rivers at an altitude of 3,122 meters. This sanctified spot was once carpeted with wild berries of badri, which gave the place its name. Guarding it on either side are the Nar and Narayan ranges and in the distance is the towering Neelkanth Peak. On the banks of the river is a hot water spring - the Tapt Kund and some 5 km to the north is the tremendous waterfall of Vasudhara.
Tapt Kund: Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bathe before entering the Badrinath temple.
Narad Kund: A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.
Mata Murty Temple: Devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Other important temples include Sesh Netra Temple, Urvashi Temple and Charanpaduka.
Mana Village: Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet.
Bhim Pul: On the other side of Mana village, a massive rock forming a natural bridge lies over the roaring Saraswati River. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.
Vyas Gufa (cave): Near Mana Village, this is a rock-cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries.