There are several hot springs which are visited by people. Let us take a look at 10 natural hot springs in the world.
Deception Island Hot Springs
The Deception Island near Antarctica is one of the safest harbours of Antarctica. The island is a caldera of an active volcano, and is dotted with many hot springs. These are among the most enthralling of natural hot springs in the world. The temperature of the waters of these springs vary. While some of the springs are icy cold, the temperature of many of them can go as high as 70 °C.
Cascate del Mulino, Italy
The Cascate del Mulino, found just outside the town Saturnia, in Tuscany, Italy, are, in fact, waterfalls cascading down naturally carved rock wells that get filled with water of 37 °C temperature, rising from its source with a rich content of sulphur and other minerals. This natural spa is close to the famous spa complex Terme di Saturnia, though more secluded and beautiful.
Blood Pond Hot Spring, Japan
The Blood Pond Hot Spring is located in Japan, and is so-named because of the “hellish” red colour of the water of the spring which is because of the rich iron-content, with steam rising from the hot water at all times. In fact, it is one of the “hells” or jigokus of Beppu, in Japan, i.e. nine spectacular natural hot water springs. The “blood pond hell” is considered the most beautiful among the nine.
Minerva Terrace, U.S.
The Minerva Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs, located in Yellowstone Park of the U.S., is one of the most exquisite natural hot springs in the world. The waters are trapped within ridges of travertine deposits. The limestone creates dramatic effect, covering up the walkways around the springs, thus forming an elevated and movable boardwalk, and giving tourists a stunning view of the terraces.
Takaragawa Onsen, Japan
The Takaragawa Onsen or hot pool is one of the best natural hot springs in the world. It is located in Japan, with a scenic riverside setting, perched amidst the Japanese mountains. The waters of the onsen are said to have healing properties, effective in case of nervous disorders, bad circulation, sore muscles and joints, skin irritation, etc., adding to reasons behind this spring’s huge popularity.
Brahmakund Hot Springs, India
The Brahmakund hot springs are found in Rajigir in the state of Bihar, India. Born from the Saptparni Cave, the water of the Rajgir Hot Springs which sprouts from the seven different streams or Saptadhara is has curative properties due to the rich mineral content. Besides, the springs are also sacred to the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. There are separate bathing places for men and women.
Grand Prismatic Spring
The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the many thousands of hot springs in the Yellowstone National Park of Wyoming, U.S.. Formed on hotspot, the boiling lake has mineral-rich water. Resulting from bacteria around the edges of the water, the lake’s vivid colouration varies from green to red, like the rainbow dispersion by an optical prism, depending on chlorophyll, carotenoid, temperature, etc.
Dominica’s Boiling Lake
Dominica’s Boiling Lake is Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean Sea. It is the second largest among the natural hot water springs in the world, and is located in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The greyish-blue water of the lake, bounded by high cliffs, is in a perpetual rolling-boil state, bubbling away to give off a cloud of vapor that envelops the lake.
Frying Pan Lake, New Zealand
The Waimangu Cauldron is the unused name of the Frying Pan Lake, located in the Echo Crater of the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley of New Zealand. At a maximum width of 200 m, it is the largest natural hot spring in the world. The water of this spring is acidic in nature, and maintains a temperature of 50-60 °C. The spring is along the wheel-chair-friendly walking path in Waimangu.
Pamukkale, Turkey
Pamukkale means cotton castle in Turkish.
The natural hot springs in the world offer an excellent and mystic view. Some of the hot springs have steam rising from many of the surface, while many of them are set within such vistas that it is a treat to the eyes. But more importantly, the water in these hot springs are rich in minerals, and those with moderately hot water attract people who just want to enjoy a nice warm bath in the midst of nature, and possibly go back with a better health.
