Every year, thousands of people travel to countries like Iceland, Japan, New Zealand and Hungary to take a dip in the world-famous hot springs. Countries like Iceland and New Zealand have no dearth of such hot springs where you can enjoy a refreshing bath after a tiring day of travel. However, you might be shocked to know that India itself is home to more than 10 hot springs where you can get the same experience that you’ve been spending hundreds of dollars to visit in different countries across the world. There are numerous natural hot springs in India that are located in the vicinity of prominent religious sites or tourist attractions.
While the word ‘geyser’ originated from Iceland, the country that is popular in every part of the world for its breathtaking hot springs, India has its own share of geysers and hot springs. There are two main reasons for the occurrence of hot springs.
- An underground water source coming in contact with the magma near the earth’s crust.
- Water gets heated due to the energy coming from the earth’s core. Such springs are called geothermal hot springs.
Whatever the reason behind the occurrence of hot water bodies is, the fact is that India has plenty of them that beg to be explored. In this article, we are going to share with you the 8 most popular hot springs in the country.
Kheer Ganga Hot Water Spring
Kheerganga in Himachal is a popular trekking destination that is graced by the presence of Lord Shiva. You’ll need to start your trek from Barshaini near Manikaran to reach the top of the hill where you’ll find the beautiful hot spring whose milky waters give it a unique look. Taking a dip in this hot spring will take away all your tiredness and will fill you with refreshing energy. Located in the Parvati valley, the site where the hot spring is located is one of the best ways to get a view of the Parvati river.
Panamik Hot Spring, Nubra Valley
Situated at a remote location, Panamik Hot Spring is one of the best hot springs in the country. Located near Nubra Valley, nearly 150 km from Leh, the hot spring is believed to have medicinal properties. The remote village where the hot spring exists is located at an altitude of 10,442 feet. The village is located in the border region of India and Tibet. You’ll be passing the adventurous Khardung La pass to find this hot spring.
Chumathang Hot Spring
Chumathang is another popular hot spring destination in the Ladakh region. Located in the Chumathang village on the banks of the Indus river, Chumathang Hot Spring is loaded with medicinal properties. It is believed that skin and joint-related problems are cured by taking a dip in this hot spring. Nestles amid a scenic location is a perfect spot to begin your adventurous journey.
Manikaran
Manikaran is a prominent pilgrimage site for Sikhs and Hindus. It is believed that human life was revived by Manu after mass destruction due to a flood. Located in Kullu, the hot spring near Kullu not just provides a rejuvenating experience but also holds religious significance. The water here is so hot that it is used to cook vegetables and rice for the Langar that is served in the famous Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara. Pilgrims visit this destination around the year.
Tapovan Hot Spring
This famous hot spring is located in Joshimath amidst the mesmerising view of the majestic Nanda Devi and Dronagiri Chakumba peaks. The waterfalls down from yellow-coloured rocks and can reach up to 100 degrees celsius as well. It is a popular stop for pilgrims travelling to Badrinath, a very famous pilgrimage of Hindus. The valley of flowers is also situated near this hot spring.
Tattapani
Tattapani hot spring is located near Mandi in a village nestled at the bank of the Satluj river. It is a typical Himalayan town with rocky terrain, scenic landscapes, clear water bodies and hot springs. Just like any other hot spring in the state, this one is also believed to have medicinal properties. The locals treat the water of this hot spring as a healer against several ailments related to skin and joints. The place is also famous for activities like rafting on the Satluj river.
Sahastradhara
Sahastradhara is a famous tourist spot in Dehradun. The name Sahastradhara translates into ‘Thousand Fold Spring’. At a distance of 14 km from Dehradun city, Sahastradhara is a hot spring located at the Baldi river. It is actually a collection of water pools that is famous for its unique appearance. Water flows down from the top through rock beds connected in the form of stairs. The hot spring is located amid jaw-dropping Himalayan views.
Gaurikund
Gaurikund serves as the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath, a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus that is graced by the presence of Lord Shiva. Located at an altitude of 2000 metres from sea level, the village is a perfect laidback destination to relax your muscles before you trek all the way up to Kedarnath. The village was popular for a natural thermal spring but it got destroyed in the recent earthquake. However, there’s still a small hot water stream. There are several small-sized hot springs in the region.
