7 Natural Hot Water Springs In Himachal Pradesh For The Rejuvenation That You Need

Hot water springs are nature’s own spas, which have drawn people all around the world for centuries. Being rich in variety of dissolved minerals, the bubbling hot waters of the spring are believed to have therapeutic and healing properties. Taking a bath in these natural spring waters is truly relaxing and de-stressing. There are, however, some hot water springs where the water nears boiling point due to high geothermal temperatures.

Himachal Pradesh has many beautiful and popular tourists spots which are visited by thousands of visitors all around the year. This picturesque mountain state is also home to several hot water springs, which have attracted tourists and pilgrims alike, from times immemorial. Mainly located in the Sutlej and Beas river valleys, these springs are scattered across some scenic villages where tanks have been built around them for visitors to soak themselves while enjoying the surrounding beauty.

Here is the list of some very popular and comeliest hot water springs in Himachal Pradesh:

1. Hot spring at Manikaran, Kullu

A revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs alike, Manikaran lies in the Parvati valley of Kullu district. It is 45 km from the main town of Kullu. The hot water springs are located alongside the river Parvati, a major tributary of the river Beas, and cover an area of 1.3 km. Since centuries, these hot water springs have been very popular. Thousands of people visit Manikaran to take a dip in these hot waters, considered both holy and medicinally beneficial. The water temperature of the springs here ranges between 65 °C to 80 °C. This is hot enough to boil and cook vegetables, rice and pulses. The communal kitchen (Langar) at Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara actually cooks its food in large utensils by submerging them in the spring water. For someone who is not habitual to this heat, it is intolerable to stand near the spring for even few minutes. The name Manikaran in Hindi means “Ear Rings”. Legends has it that while taking a bath at the springs, Goddess Parvati lost her ear rings in the Kund (Pond). When she told this to her husband Lord Shiva, he became extremely angry. He looked at the water with such rage that it started boiling and many precious stones (Mani) came out of it. The water continues to boil ever since.

2. Hot spring at Vashisht, Kullu

Named after Maharishi Vashisht, this tiny village in Kullu district is a very popular tourist place. Said to be the place where Sage Vashisht (Guru of Lord Rama and Laxman) had lived and meditated, the village was once the residence of the Vashisht clan. The village has been put on the world map by the hot water springs found there. It is a 3 km trek from Manali. Natural sulphurous water of the spring is believed to cure many epidermis illnesses. Located above the river Beas, there are separate bathing hot water tanks for men and women. Visitors can also enjoy modern ‘Turkish bath’ with separate enclosures for men and women. With majestic Deodar and Pine trees covering the hill, the beauty of this place is pristine. Lore has it that Lakshman fired an arrow into the ground to warm up the cold place and the hot water spring jetted out of it, and is still flowing. There is a stone temple dedicated to the sage.

3. Hot spring in Tattapani, Mandi

If you want to enjoy the hot waters along with some white water rafting, Tattapani is the perfect place to visit. Located in Mandi district, the village is 49 km from Shimla, situated on the right bank of river Sutlej. At an altitude of 665 metres, Tattapani is famous for its natural hot sulphur springs. The water temperature varies between 47 °C to 70 °C. In local parlance, Tattapani means ‘hot water’. The water here provides natural relief from joint pains, fatigue and skin disease. A perfect place to rejuvenate, relax and re-energize, these hot water springs are an ideal place to visit. People come here in abundance every year to take a dip in these water, during the month of Magha (Jan-Feb). The water level of these springs keep fluctuating depending on the water level of the river.

4. Hot spring at Kheerganga, Kullu

Located further up in the mesmerizing locales of Parvati valley, Kheerganga is another captivating and beautiful hot water spring in Kullu district, at an altitude of 3050 metres. Around 22 km from Manikaran, the motorable roads go only upto Barshaini village. In order reach these mystical hot water springs, one needs to trek 9-10 km from Barshaini. It is believed that ‘Kartik’, elder son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, meditated here for thousands of years. The springs get their name from the unique white complexion of the water. While men’s section is open, women’s section is covered, but does not block the view. As you immerse yourself in the warm waters of the spring, surrounded by snow clad mountains peaks, you would experience an overwhelming sensation, that will remain with your forever.

5. Hot springs in Tatwani, Kangra

A very serene and relatively unknown Tatwani temple is located in Kangra valley. About 35 km from Dharamshala, the Tatwani temple has a small pool which receives water from a hot Sulphur spring. This water flows into the pool from a stone carved gargoyle. Locals believe that the water contains natural healing properties and can cure many ailments. You need to take a dip in the water before entering the temple.

6. Hot spring at Jeori, Kinnaur

Jeori, situated on the National Highway 22, also known as the Hindustan Tibet road. It is located at a distance of 14 km from the beautiful hamlet of Sarahan in Shimla district. The pilgrims undertaking the holy pilgrimage to Manimahesh Lake, start their journey, called the ‘Charri Yatra (holy stick), by taking a dip in the hot spring waters of Jeori.

7. Hot water spring at Kalath, Kullu

An obscure village of Kalath, located on the banks of river Beas, is recognized for a collection of six hot water springs. There are separate bath tanks for men and women. The sulphur rich water is believed to have therapeutic properties. A dip in the hot water spring here is sure to leave you refreshed and rejuvenated in body, mind, and soul.

So next time you plan a jaunt to Himachal Pradesh, be a bit more experimental, let loose your adventure spirit and experience these exquisite spots to create memories of a lifetime.