Rejuvenate while soaking in hot springs of Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The humdrum existence makes one crave for exciting time spent well, creating memories. Endowed with nature’s bounty, Odisha offers options plenty. Among these are hot springs where one can relax and unwind while soaking in pools of lukewarm water.

Here’s the list of hot springs, which are produced by the emergence of geothermally heated groundwater that rises from the earth’s crust, for a short trip to rejuvenate.

Atri

Situated around 45 km from Bhubaneswar, Atri is a sulphur-rich perennial hot spring, known to possess remedial powers that can cure various skin ailments. It also serves as a natural spa. There are four bathing pool— two for men and two for women. The temple of Lord Hatakeswar and the rituals related to it attracts tourists to this place.

Deulajhari

Covering an area of 24 acres, the temple premises of Sidheswar Baba in Odisha’s Angul houses 24 hot water springs of which Agnikunda, Taptakunda, Himakunda, Amrutakunda and Labakusakunda are the prominent ones. Ancient records say that the temples, surrounded by indigenous-jasmine forest (kiabana) once had 84 such hot water springs. The temperature of these hot water springs varies from 40-60 degree Celsius. It also has a mysterious twin-spring where the water in one is hot while the other is cold. What is surprising though is the fact that the temperature of both these springs remain same even when there’s a constant inter-flow of water between them.

The spring water here cures skin and nerve diseases. The temple surrounding is lively throughout the year with various fasts and festivals celebrated by the people residing in villages nearby.

Taptapani

Located amid the forests of Ganjam district in Odisha, Taptapani is famous for the hot water spring which is capable of curing aches, pain and skin ailments like eczema and scabies. Around 40 km from Berhampur, it is surrounded by majestic hills of the Eastern Ghats which houses ancient tribes of Odisha. The Buddhist monastery, deer park and Shiva temple are other major attractions here. Best time to visit Taptapani is between October and March.

Tarabalo 

Sprawled over an area of around eight acres, the Tarabalo hot spring is situated in Nayagarh district, 75 km from Bhubaneswar. The placid atmosphere surrounding this hot spring makes it a must visit if you are planning a small break from city life. This place is also famous for Maghashtami fair of goddess Kaltheswari.