Guide to India’s Natural Thermal Springs
India is a nation the size of some continents, and all this land means it has a surplus of quality hot springs. One such wonder is both an ideal stop for those seeking to take the waters as well as flower lovers. In the valley, a rainbow of rhododendrons breaks up the green and leads to the mineral springs. Another is a winding spring that is an icy blue color despite its natural heat. The hot springs are grouped in three separate areas of the country: the north, the southern coast, and the eastern corner. We’ll break them down by those locations.
Northern Hot Springs
In Tatwani National Park there’s a hot spring connected to a small temple. It’s a square pool open to the sunlight with a panoramic view of the mountains. The water is sulfuric and has a local following of those that believe it has healing properties. Past visitors warn that getting to this national park and temple of Shiva can be quite difficult since the roads leading to it are not maintained. Make sure to set aside time to make your way to the hot spring slowly and carefully.
The Hot Water Spring And Temple in Himachal Pradesh is southeast of Tatwani National Park. Here, the spring pool is open every day, all day. There are separate places for men and women to bathe while in the temple grounds, though you may have to take quick dips instead of the long soak that is most often associated with hot springs tourism. The water at the temple is very warm, too warm for some visitors. However, people with skin disorders have been trekking to the temple to use the spring for many years.
Other Northern Hot Springs:
- Panamik Hot Spring
- Tatapani Hot Water Spring
- हॉट वॉटर स्प्रिंग
- गवर्नमेंट हॉट वाटर स्प्रिंग
- गर्म पानी का स्रोत
- Kund Bath
- Kheer Ganga Hot Water Spring
- Manikaran Hot Water Pool
- Hot Spring Tattapani Wellness Retreat
Hot Springs in the East
Yumthang Valley is the location mentioned above, the one that has both a riot of flowers and natural hot springs. While bathing, it’s also possible to see the snow-capped mountains in the distance. People who visited previously have said that being in the valley feels like walking among the clouds. The best time to visit, if you’re hoping to see the flowers in bloom as well as to soak in the geothermal water, is probably in early April. By May, most of the blooms have given way to greenery. Small shops and cafes are within walking distance of the valley if you’re looking to make a day of it.
Saptdhara Kund can be found in Rajgir. It is both a holy place where people go to worship as well as the site of a natural hot spring. Like at the Hot Water Spring and Temple, women and men bathe separately in the facility. Know that, if you’re planning to visit, you’ll be mingling with the locals since many make pilgrimages to be purified by the sacred water at Saptdhara Kund.
Other Hot Springs in the East:
- Gangyap Hot Spring
- Tantloi Hot Springs
- Bakreshwar Hot Spring
- Tapovan Hot Spring
Coastal Southern Hot Springs
Bendru Theertha is a natural spring with the closest town to it being Puttur. The water at Bendru Theertha is collected in a rock-lined basin where people can come to bathe. What’s special about this spring is that it isn’t in a volcanic zone. It’s rare to find geothermal water not heated in this way, and Bendry Theertha is one of those unique examples. Unless you’re visiting on Teertha Amavasya Day, the hot spring tends to be quiet and out of the way. There are no facilities around it, so bring drinks and towels with you.
North of Bendru Theertha you’ll find Aaravali Hot Water Spring, where you can get great food as well as bathe in the sapphire-colored spring water. The spring and restaurant are located among the hills, making it scenic and relaxing. Similarly to many of the springs we’ve discussed, men and women bathe in separate pools. There are changing rooms at the springs, although guests have said that these are not well maintained.
Other Southern Hot Springs:
- Unhavare Hot Water Spring
- होत वॉटर स्प्रिंग
- Unhere Kund
- Hot Springs Sativali
- Ganeshpuri Hotwater Spring
- Vajreshwari Hotwater Spring
- Hot Springs, Kokaner
Visit India
Such a large country has something for everyone. You can hike through the mountains, get your fill of culture in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, and enjoy some of Asia’s best beaches. Don’t forget to check out the many hot springs that India has and learn why these are often considered sacred spaces where people congregate for healing and purification.
