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Ardha Badri Darshan Timings, Entry Fee, Online Booking Guide
Ardha Badri Darshan Timings are one of the key pieces of information every pilgrim and traveller must know before planning their visit to this serene Sapta Badri shrine in Uttarakhand, India. Ardha Badri is a relatively lesser-known temple compared to its famed sibling Badrinath, yet it holds deep mythological significance as the “little Badri” in the sacred Alaknanda valley. While exact official online booking links are limited for the temple itself, understanding the timings, access routes, and tips can seriously improve your pilgrimage experience. For official information, visit official TTD portal.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Ardha Badri Temple |
| Location | Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, India (in the Sapta Badri circuit) |
| Darshan Timings | Morning: 5:00 AM–12:00 PM Evening: 2:00 PM–9:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free (no temple entry charges) |
| Online Booking | No official online booking for Ardha Badri darshan; dependent on travel arrangements |
| Best Time To Visit | May–June, September–October |
| Nearest Major Temple Authority | Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee |
About Ardha Badri
Ardha Badri is one of the seven sacred Sapta Badri temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The name “Ardha Badri” means “half Badri,” reflecting the smaller size of the idol here compared to other Badri shrines. It lies along the Joshimath–Tapovan road and is visited as part of the broader Sapta Badri pilgrimage circuit that includes Vriddha Badri, Adi Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Yogadhyan Badri, and Dhyan Badri temples.
How To Reach Ardha Badri
By Air
The nearest airport to Ardha Badri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. After landing, travellers typically hire a taxi or take a bus to Rishikesh and then proceed north by road to Joshimath. From Joshimath, local transport or trekking leads toward Ardha Badri. Understanding Ardha Badri Darshan Timings is essential.
By Train
The closest major railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station. From Rishikesh, you can take buses or taxis toward Chamoli district, usually via Haridwar or directly toward Joshimath before branching off toward the temple area.
By Road
Road travel is the most common access mode for Ardha Badri. Regular buses and private taxis run from nearby towns like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Chamoli and Joshimath. The final stretch toward Ardha Badri often involves narrow mountainous roads and short trekking depending on your exact route. Once in the region near Joshimath, local guides often help with the last leg to the temple.
Booking And Ticket Information
Unlike major temples such as Badrinath, there is no official online ticketing portal specifically for Ardha Badri darshan. The temple does not charge an entry fee and does not require timed ticket reservations like larger temples. Here’s how pilgrims typically plan their visit: This relates to Ardha Badri Darshan Timings.
Step-By-Step Visit Planning
- Plan travel to Uttarakhand based on season (May–June or September–October is ideal for clear roads and good weather).
- Book flights to Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) or train to Rishikesh.
- Arrange road transport to Chamoli district or Joshimath via bus or taxi.
- From Joshimath, arrange local transport or porters/guides for the trek to Ardha Badri.
- Arrive during opening hours: early morning at 5 AM or after the lunch break reopening at 2 PM.
Official Temple Booking
For associated temples like Badrinath and its special pujas, you can use the official Shri Badarinath Kedarnath Temple Committee website to book other spiritual services.
Best Time To Visit Ardha Badri
The weather in the Himalayas changes quickly. The clearest and safest months for visiting Ardha Badri are between May and June and again from September to October. During these periods, roads are open, and the weather is stable with minimal rains or snow.
Visiting outside these months can be challenging: monsoons (July–August) often bring landslides, and winter snow can block routes entirely. Learn more about Ardha Badri Darshan Timings.
Insider Tips From My Visit
When I visited Ardha Badri during a Sapta Badri circuit trip, I was struck by how peaceful and uncrowded the temple felt compared to other Himalayan shrines. The path leading to the temple cuts through quiet hamlets with terraced fields and rhododendron groves.
What surprised me most was the sense of deep silence and the lack of commercialization — no expensive ticket booths, no time slots, just a simple temple welcoming visitors during set darshan windows. I personally recommend arriving early in the morning around 5 AM to enjoy great light for photos and a calm atmosphere before larger groups arrive. Be sure to carry warm clothing even in summer; temperatures dip significantly after sunset at these altitudes.
Also, carry basic trekking shoes and water, as the final approach can be uneven and steep. Guides or local residents often share beautiful stories of the Sapta Badri circuit if you strike up a conversation.
Nearby Attractions And Distances
- Badrinath Temple: A primary Char Dham and Sapta Badri shrine — approx. 40–50 km north of Joshimath (accessible by road).
- Vriddha Badri: About 7 km from Joshimath, famous for its old-man form of Lord Vishnu.
- Adi Badri: Around 100 km from Joshimath via Karnaprayag routes.
- Bhavishya Badri: Around 17–20 km from Joshimath (plus short trek).
- Yogadhyan Badri: About 23 km from Joshimath towards Pandukeshwar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Any Entry Fee For Ardha Badri?
No, there is currently no entry fee charged to enter Ardha Badri temple grounds. Darshan is free of charge.
Can I Book Darshan Tickets Online?
Ardha Badri itself does not offer an official online ticketing system, unlike larger temples like Badrinath. You can plan your visit using general travel booking sites and the official Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee portal for other temple services.
What Are The Temple Timings?
The temple is typically open for devotees from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Can Ardha Badri Be Visited Year-Round?
Yes, it is usually accessible year-round, but travel conditions vary with seasons. Summer and post-monsoon months offer the best access and safest roads.