Considered part of nature's many wonders, the geothermal hot springs around the world are some of the best places to relax. Many of them are believed to have therapeutic effects too. Here is our pick of five top hot springs around the world you must visit.
The name 'Pamukkale' means "cotton castle" in Turkish. The 17-tiered pool is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the water temperature at 94-degree Fahrenheit. Contained in milky-white limestone formations, the waters of the hot water spring overlook the southwestern city of Denizli, which is about a six-hour drive from Istanbul.
Located in Rotorua, the Kerosene Creek is warmed to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit by a natural underground spring. You will get a fantastic view of the lush jungle and a waterfall that gently cascades into the creek. Though it's free to swim in the creek, you require knowledge of how to get there - something the New Zealand tourism board can help you with.
Reaching this secluded hot spring in Canada's Northwest Territories involves driving to a geothermal pool and then paddling for 20 miles. Accessible via the Nahanni River, this secret oasis offers a view of dramatic canyons and thundering waterfalls. Licensed raft and canoe guides ensure visitors explore this hot spring safely, which is a perfect spot to stop, soak, and unwind.
Although many hot springs can be found across Greenland, the ones in which you can dip your feet lie on Uunartoq, an uninhabited island off the territory's southern shores. A true example of Arctic beauty, the island is surrounded by mountain peaks and drifting icebergs. The temperature of the hot springs here remains at 100 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. If you ever plan to take a dip in the hot springs of Uunartoq, a private boat tour is the best way to go about it.
The four-hour trek to reach these hot springs starts from the village of Barsheni in the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh. A meadow where Lord Shiva is said to have meditated for 3,000 years, Khir Ganga is a relaxing halt you could ask for after a tiring hike. While bathing in the hot springs, you get a breathtaking view of the mighty Himalayas. There is also a temple nearby dedicated to Lord Shiva.