Top 5 India Hot Springs
Escape the bustle and rejuvenate your spirit in the naturally heated embrace of India's hidden hot spring getaways. Here's a glimpse into a few havens ideal for those seeking solace and the therapeutic powers of mineral-rich waters:
Manikaran Sahib
Located in the Parvati Valley, the Manikaran Sahib hot springs are considered sacred by Hindus and Sikhs and are believed to have healing powers. The water is rich in sulfur and minerals, and there are separate pools for men and women.
The Hindus believe that Manu recreated human life in Manikaran after the flood, making it a sacred area. It has many temples and a gurdwara.
Stay nearby in a beautiful wood chalet homestay. Enjoy the chalet's outdoor fireplace while looking out over the mountains. The chalet consists of 3 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a stovetop and a coffee machine, and 3 bathrooms with a bath and a shower.
Manikaran is 45 km from Kullu in the Parvati valley of Kullu district. The springs are near the bank of Parbati river. These are confined to several groups of hot water springs emerging at various locations spreading up to a distance of about 1.3 kms along the river from the old bridge to Brahmaganga.
It is believed that one day Shiva and Parvati chanced upon a place, surrounded by mountains and lush forest. The beauty of this place won their hearts and they decided to reside here for some time. One fateful day, Parvati lost her mani (precious stone) in the water. The search for the stone was made but it was unsuccessful. Shiva became extremely upset over this and there were repercussions in the universe. A plea was made to Sheshnag, the serpent God, to help pacify Shiva. Sheshnag hissed and the water boiled and was then spread in the entire area; this somehow brought back the mani.
Secret Tip: Visit early mornings or weekdays for a tranquil solitude amidst the religious significance of the site.
Mineral Content: Sulfur, sodium, calcium, and magnesium, known for skin ailments, pain relief, and muscle relaxation.
Health Benefits: Joint pain relief, improved blood circulation, and skin-soothing properties.
Accessibility: Moderate hike on well-maintained paths, although stairs can be challenging for some.
Crowds: Moderate during peak season, manageable during weekdays and off-season.
Kheerganga Hot Springs
To reach the secluded Kheerganga Hot Springs, you need to take a scenic trek through the mountains. The water is said to be good for skin conditions and joint pain.
The trek usually takes 3.5 hours. In almost 6°C temperature, there's a hot water springs where you can take a bath. The water is hot and very relaxing. There's different space for men and women.
There are tents which can be rented to stay. Since you will be at an elevated height, please remember that it will get colder at night.
If you don’t want to stay in the tents, stay at a number of nearby homestays.
Before you enter the spring, there is a space outside where the spring water comes out. TClean off before going in to remove any soap or lotions that can contaminate the water.
Secret Tip: Pack good hiking boots and a spirit of adventure for the scenic, yet moderate, uphill trek.
Mineral Content: Sulfur, silica, and calcium, renowned for their skin-rejuvenating and pain-alleviating properties.
Health Benefits: Detoxification, muscle relaxation, and relief from skin conditions and joint pain.
Accessibility: Moderate to challenging trek through Parvati Valley, requiring physical fitness.
Crowds: Minimal, attracting nature enthusiasts and off-the-beaten-path seekers.
Yumthang Hot Springs
Nestled in the Himalayas, these hot springs are surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. The Yumthang Hot Spring is a natural wonder with medicinal and scenic beauty values in the lovely Yumthang Valley of North Sikkim, India.
Before your trek, check-in at the beautiful and colorful Rufina Lachung Heritage lodge.
The water is rich in sulfur and minerals, and there are separate pools for men and women as is common in India’s hot springs.
Yumthang Valley is about 150 kilometres from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The journey by road typically takes 6-7 hours, winding through mountainous terrain and offering spectacular views.
Often referred to as the “Valley of Flowers,” Yumthang Valley is a stunning natural beauty not far from the hot springs. At 3,564 metres, this lovely valley becomes a vivid carpet of wildflowers throughout spring and summer. Over 24 species rhododendrons call the valley home, producing a fantastic show against the Himalayan snow-covered mountains.
Beside Yumthang Valley is the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, a botanical wonderland for enthusiasts of the natural world. One of the most extensive collections in its native habitat, this refuge boasts more than 40 types of rhododendrons.
Secret Tip: Combine your soak with a visit to the vibrant Yumthang Valley during Rhododendron blooming season in spring.
Mineral Content: Sulfur, iron, and magnesium, believed to possess therapeutic properties for various ailments.
Health Benefits: Improved blood circulation, pain relief, and potential benefits for digestive disorders and skin conditions.
Accessibility: Moderate trek through Rhododendron forests, best attempted with prior acclimatization to high altitude.
Crowds: Minimal, but can see some increase during peak tourist season in spring.
Tattapani Hot Springs
Tatapani — literally meaning hot water — was once an important village for not just Mandi people but for all Himachal folks. Located 52 km from Shimla, 120 km from Mandi, and 45 km from Karsog, Tatta Paani was visited by devotees on every Makar Sakranti festival in hundreds of thousands of numbers.
Stay nearby at the Palamau Tiger Reserve Eco Habitat. The tiger reserve is located in the Latehar district and is one of the first nine tiger reserves established under Project Tiger in 1973. With over 140 species of birds, including the Indian pitta, crested serpent eagle, and racket-tailed drongo, birdwatchers are in for a treat.
Tattapaani is located on the banks of the invincible Sutlej river. The Tattapani hot water springs would magically rise out of water when the river levels were low and submerge as the water in Sutlej rose.
Devotees also used to make khichdi (rice-dal mix), bathe with their entire families, and do tula dan. Tula dan is an old concept still followed by many in which the weight of a human being is balanced with the commodities she wants to offer to the god. People who believed their stars were against them would weigh themselves against coal, iron, and other goods.
The hotel Hot Springs Tattapani has a small hot water common pool where they mix the sulfur-rich springs with cold water to bring it to a tolerable temperature.
Secret Tip: Head to the lesser-known natural pools on the riverbank for a truly rustic and secluded experience.
Mineral Content: Sulfur, sodium, and potassium, known for their muscle-relaxing, detoxifying, and skin-nourishing properties.
Health Benefits: Improved blood circulation, pain relief, and potential benefits for respiratory ailments and skin conditions.
Accessibility: Easy access by road, with public pools and private options at nearby resorts.
Crowds: Moderate, especially during weekends, but quieter during weekdays and off-season.
Gauri Kund Hot Spring
Gauri Kund hot water spring is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located on the banks of Mandakini River. Pilgrims visitng Kedarnath do take bath in this water and then continue their journey.
Stay nearby at Hotel Kedar Badri with a restaurant serving Indian cuisine and free private parking.
The Sirkata Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is half a km away from the springs. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that this was the place where Goddess Parvati meditated for about hundred years, to have Lord Shiva as her husband. Nearby, is an ancient temple of Gaura Mai which dedicated to goddess Parvati. Also, “Triyugi Narayan” where Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva married is located nearby. The temple contains intricately designed idols of the couple.
This temple was built after the famous legend of Parvati, who ordered Ganesha to guard the door as she was bathing in the pool. When Ganesha, restricted Lord Shiva’s movement inside the pool, Shiva became furious and in a rage beheaded Ganesha, not realizing that he was his own son.
On realizing his death, Parvati begged Shiva to bring her beloved son back to life. Consequently, his head was replaced with that of a white elephant and, Ganesha was blessed with the gift of immortality and got a name name-Ganpati. Since, then he is worshipped as the God of prosperity and happiness all over India. There is a huge rock known as Uma Shankar Shila, where the spirits of 12 sages who followed Lord Shiva after being banished from Lanka, reside.
Secret Tip: Combine your visit with a pilgrimage to the Kedarnath Temple, adding a spiritual dimension to your journey.
Mineral Content: Sulfur, silicon, and magnesium, known for their skin-soothing, pain-relieving, and muscle-relaxing properties.
Health Benefits: Detoxification, improved blood circulation, and potential benefits for joint pain and skin conditions.
Accessibility: Moderate to challenging trek through the Garhwal Himalayas, requiring proper preparation and permits.
Crowds: Minimal, attracts pilgrims and adventurous travelers seeking off-grid experiences.
Are you traveling in other parts of Asia? Take a look at more hot springs in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, India, Japan, Philippines, and Vietnam.
