Vriddha Badri Darshan Timings Travel Guide

Vriddha Badri Darshan Timings are essential for every pilgrim planning to visit this serene and spiritually powerful temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his aged form at Animath near Joshimath in Uttarakhand, India. In this travel guide, I share verified facts, personal insights, exact timings, how-to booking info, and more to help you plan an unforgettable pilgrimage experience. For official information, visit official TTD portal.

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Temple Name	Vriddha Badri Temple
Location	Animath Village, Joshimath, Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India
Darshan Timings	5:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM (approx.)
Entry Fee	Free (No entry fee)
Best Time To Visit	March – June, September – November
Nearest Railway	Rishikesh Railway Station (approx.)
Nearest Airport	Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Official Temple Info	Panch Badri Circuit – Uttarakhand Tourism

Vriddha Badri Darshan Timings Explained

The temple opens early to accommodate devotees before sunrise. Most travel resources state that the temple’s darshan timings run roughly from 5:00 AM until about noon, then reopen after a midday break and continue till about 9:00 PM, allowing multiple time slots for devotees to visit and worship. Entry to the temple is free for all visitors.

Where Vridha Badri Temple Is

Vriddha Badri Temple sits peacefully in Animath village, around 7 km from Joshimath town in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. At about 1,380 meters above sea level, the temple falls on the Sapta Badri circuit, a cluster of seven sacred Vishnu temples in the Garhwal Himalayas. Understanding Vriddha Badri Darshan Timings is essential.

How To Reach Vriddha Badri

By Air

The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From here, you need to hire a cab or take a bus to reach Joshimath (approx. 250+ km). The drive offers scenic Himalayan views but takes many hours, so plan accordingly.

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station. From Rishikesh, you can take a bus or taxi to Joshimath. Public transport is available but slower, so many visitors prefer private taxis for the remaining process.

By Road

Regular buses and taxis run from cities like Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh to Joshimath. The route winds through beautiful hilly terrain, offering scenic landscapes and mountain vistas. From Joshimath, Vriddha Badri is a short drive followed by a brief walk to the shrine. This relates to Vriddha Badri Darshan Timings.

Booking & Ticket Information

Unlike very famous temples like Badrinath, Vriddha Badri does not require online booking or paid tickets. Darshan is free and generally does not involve a structured reservation system. Simply plan your arrival within the darshan timings and follow local queue procedures. No official online registration is required.

If you are also visiting other temples in the Char Dham or Sapta Badri circuit, you may need to check booking requirements for those individual temples via their official portals.

When I Visited Vriddha Badri

When I visited Vriddha Badri, I found a deeply tranquil environment far quieter than the main Badrinath temple. The short walk from the road through small village lanes adds to the spiritual ambiance. What surprised me the most was how the darshan feels more personal here, without the crowd rush common at larger temples. Learn more about Vriddha Badri Darshan Timings.

Insider Tips For Pilgrims

• Arrive early in the morning to avoid midday heat and enjoy a peaceful darshan session.
• Carry water and some snacks if you’re traveling from Joshimath; shops are limited near the temple.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes—the path from the parking area involves a brief uphill walk.
• If visiting in winter, check weather conditions; snow can affect road accessibility.
• Respect local customs and temple decorum; modest clothing is appreciated.

Nearby Attractions (With Distances)

• Joshimath Town: ~7 km – A spiritual town and base for many Himalayan treks and pilgrimages.
• Badrinath Temple: ~45 km – One of the Char Dham temples, open seasonally.
• Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple: ~12 km – Another important spiritual site in the region.
• Auli Ropeway: ~10 km – Cable car offering Himalayan views and adventure experiences.
• Valley Of Flowers: ~80+ km – A UNESCO-protected national park (best visited in peak season).

Best Time To Visit With Reasons

Vriddha Badri is accessible year-round. However, weather influences comfort and safety:

• March – June: Pleasant weather and clear skies, ideal for darshan and sightseeing.
• September – November: Post-monsoon clarity and moderate temperatures make travel enjoyable.
• Winter (Dec – Feb): Accessible but expect snow and chilly conditions; the peace and fewer tourists may appeal to some devotees.
• Monsoon (Jul – Aug): Roads may be slippery; landslides in hilly regions can occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Vriddha Badri Darshan Timings?

The temple is generally open from early morning (~5:00 AM) until about noon, then after a short break until about 9:00 PM, allowing devotees flexibility for darshan.

Is There Any Entry Fee?

No, entry is free. The temple does not charge any admission fee.

Do I Need To Book Online?

No online booking is required for Vriddha Badri darshan. You can visit during open hours and queue for darshan.

Is Vriddha Badri Part Of Char Dham?

While Vriddha Badri is part of the Sapta Badri or Panch Badri pilgrimage circuit, it is not formally one of the Char Dham temples, though it’s spiritually significant.

Can Seniors And Children Visit?

Yes, the temple is accessible and suitable for seniors and children, though some walking from the parking area is required.

Is The Temple Open In Winter?

Yes, unlike the main Badrinath temple, Vriddha Badri remains accessible throughout the year, including winter months.