In India, hot water springs are associated with religious and cultural significance. Hot water spring is a geothermal activity in which hot water rises from above the earth’s crust and flows to the surface due to the heat generated from the earth’s core.
Many people visit these hot springs to rejuvenate and relax their bodies and mind. The water of spring has healing properties for various ailments and joints when they soaked themselves in the hot water.
So here is the list of 15 hot water springs in India that can add a rich flavor to your travel experiences.
Rishikund
Rishikund is a sacred pond that is located in Uttarakhand, near Rishikesh. According to mythology, the pond was created when Lord Rama was on his way to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita. Ram and his brother were thirsty and couldn’t find any source of water. So to satisfy their thirst for the water, Ram swung his bow and created a spring that filled with water; today, this pond is known as Rishikund.
Rishikund is considered a holy site and is visited by thousands of pilgrims. The pond is believed to have healing properties and is used for religious rituals. The pond is surrounded by many temples and ashrams in the vicinity. The most famous of these is the Raghunath temple, dedicated to Ram.
In the months of Kartik Purnima and Makar Sakranti, the place gets crowded with pilgrims from all over the country who take a holy dip in the pond.
Kasol
Kasol is a small hamlet located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh It’s a popular destination for scenic beauty and trekking trails. It’s imperative to see the stunning hot spring in the Parvati Valley while you’re in this Himachal Pradesh hippy town. Travellers sometimes overlook Kasol Hot Spring’s unending splendour. Consider adding this one to your itinerary for your subsequent trip if you haven’t already done so.
Aravali
The Aravali Hot Water Springs, which are in the Maharashtra region of Ratnagiri District, are well-known among visitors for their constant temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. The wonderful rural setting creates a unique atmosphere for taking a hot spring bath. In the village of Aravali, two man-made ponds may be seen on the southern side of the Gad River bridge. Women should use the closed one, while males should use the open one.
There are separate kunds for males and females. Located in the Shyadri mountain range is 29 km south of Chiplun. This natural phenomenon is south of the Gad River. The water in the spring is believed to have medicinal properties that can treat diseases like the skin and arthritis.
Manikaran
The Manikaran Sahib temple, a popular destination for Hindu and Sikh pilgrims, is located on top of a number of hot springs along the Parvati River’s banks. Uranium, sulphur, and other radioactive substances are claimed to be present in significant concentrations in the water here. The fact that this natural hot spring’s water is always above the boiling point but still safe for bathing or swimming is another peculiar feature of it.
Gurudwara above the hot water springs is famous. Gurudwara Sri Manikaran Sahib is a major pilgrimage and community site for Sikhs. Gurudwara used the hot water of the spring for cooking the langar (community meal) to serve the pilgrims. The area around the springs is popular for trekking routes like Kheerganga and Tosh.
Gaurikund
It’s a famous hot spring that is located at the base of the Kedarnth trek. It’s a popular destination for pilgrims who are taking the trek to Kedarnath Temple. Thousand of pilgrims take a dip in the spring to rejuvenate and relax their mind and body. Parvati bathed in Gaurikund before marrying Richiva, according to Hindu mythology. The mineral-rich water is beneficial for various ailments, such as joint pain and skin diseases.
It’s a natural hot water spring that is located in the west Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya on the route to Mawsynram, India. Rich in minerals and therapeutic properties, Meghalaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Meghalaya, which is visited by people seeking relaxation and healing. A health spa is constructed around a place that offers a facility for taking hot baths. It is believed that spring water is beneficial for skin diseases, joint pain, and fatigue.
Ralong Hot Spring
It’s a natural hot water spring that is also known as Ralang Cha Cchu and is located in Ralong village, south Sikkim. One can reach this place after a hike of 2 hours and 7 kilometers from the town of Borong. Situated next to Sikkim’s sacred caves, this is an ideal spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Vashisht
Vasisht hot water spring is a natural attraction that is located in the village of Vasisht, near the town of Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Heated by geothermal activity, natural hot water springs are rich in minerals and nutrients.
According to Hindu mythology, a water spring was created by Lord Rama’s younger brother, Lakshman. He shot an arrow into the ground, and hot water emerged from the ground. The famous nearby places you can explore are Vashisht Temple and Manu Temple, which is known for their religious significance.
The water of the spring has medicinal properties that are beneficial for diseases like joint pain, skin conditions, and stress.
Reshi hot spring
Located in the Indian state of Sikkim, it is a natural hot spring that is located in the town of Reshi, near the India-Bhutan border. The spring is accessible when you drive toward the Rangit River Valley. A small monastery named Lho Khandro Sangphug, or the cave of occult fairies, is present beside this holy spring. Due to this cave, taking a dip in the spring water is considered very holy among the visitors.
The water from hot springs is rich in sulfur and considered very beneficial for conditions such as disease, joint pain,and other diseases.
Kheerganga
It’s a natural hot water spring that is located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. Surrounded by beautiful lush green forest, snowcapped mountains,, and stunning landscapes, one can reach the hot water spring after trekking a distance of 13 km from the Barsheni village.
According to mythology, kheer Ganga is a place where the lord Kartikeya, son of Shiva, meditates. He came to the place after he won a battle against the demon Takasur. He was exhausted and needed a place to meditate.
People believed in the healing properties of spring, and taking a holy dip in it was considered very auspicious.
Bakreshwar
The natural hot water spring, believed to have been created due to geological activity in the region, is located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal.
According to mythology, the spring is associated with Lord Shiva, who created the spring by piercing the earth with his trident. It is believed that spring was created from the sweat of Lord Shiva.
There are many temples and shrines located in the vicinity of hot water springs. Every year, a large number of devotees flock to Bakreshwar, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Apart from that, there are several temples, such as the Mahakal Temple, the Kankalitala Temple,, and the Raktambari Temple.
Bakreshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a variety of flora and fauna, is another popular destination that is located near a natural hot spring.
Tapovan
The natural hot spring is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 14000 feet above sea level, it is on the route from Joshi Math to Kuari Pass.
Surrounded by breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks, taking a dip in the spring cures many diseases like joint pain and skin irritation.
According to mythology, It’s the place where Hindu sage Vishwamktra meditated for several years. It is said that Lord Rama and Lakshmana meditated at this place during their exile. This place is also associated with the hindu epic Ramayana, when Lord Hanuman visited the place in search of medicinal herbs for the Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana.
The region is also home to several trekking routes that offer stunning views of Nanadadevi, and Trishul.
Dhuni pani
Dhuni Pani is a popular hot water spring that is located near the town of Jabalpur, Mp in the middle of the thick Forest of Amarkantak.
Surrounded by dense forest, the natural hot water spring is a popular tourist attraction that has developed into a park with a picnic area and other amenities. According to local legend, the water spring is named after the sage Dhuni Baba, who used to meditate here. It is believed that he discovered this place while he was meditating. He used the water for medicinal purposes.
Panamik Hot Spring
A natural hot spring is located in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh. At 10,400 feet above sea level, Leh is one of the major tourist attractions in Ladakh union territory.
Panamik hot water springs have a rich presence of minerals such as sulfur, magnesium, and calcium that have therapeutic properties. It treats various diseases like joint pain, skin diseases,, and respiratory problems.
According to local legend, the place was discovered when soldiers were on a hunting expedition in the area. When they noticed a group rising from a particular spot, they discovered the hot water spring.
The around the spring is developed with facilities like bathing areas, changing rooms, etc.
Chumathang Hot Spring
Chumathang hot springs, at an altitude of 11,800 feet above sea level, are located in the little Ladakh hamlet of Chumathang.
On the main road from Leh to Tso Moriri, you will find hot bubbles coming from the ground near the bank of the Indus River. The water has medicinal properties and is a good place to take some rest, especially for people who are suffering from altitude sickness and moving toward Tso Moriri.
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