Iran's Thermal and Hot Springs
What could be more relaxing than sinking into a nice bubbling hot spring at the end of a long hard day? It could be after a difficult day at work, or it could be after a wonderful yet exhausting day of travel if you've decided to travel to Iran. Mineral or hot springs are naturally occurring springs that contain fresh water, but have a large number of minerals. Often, they will smell of sulfur and are heated by the earth's core. Many times, they may be found near a dormant volcano. For centuries, drinking mineral water and bathing in mineral springs has been thought to have positive medical effects. It is especially meant to be beneficial for those suffering from joint and muscle pain as well as poor circulation. Not only are mineral springs soothing to those aches and pains, but they are also a lot of fun and usually situated in beautiful locations. They are the perfect holiday spot for those tourists looking to do a bit of spa-type of relaxation. Iran is a great choice for mineral springs/ resort seekers.
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Hot Springs have some features such as:
Treatment of respiratory diseases, rheumatism, skin diseases, gynecological and local swelling, soothe the nerves, blood pressure, and joint pains, and improve the treatment of kidney pain. Hot and mineral springs are one the most beautiful attractions around the world and have a high contribution to the tourism industry in some countries. In Iran, more than 460 hot springs have been identified and it seems that there are many more to be explored. Different aspects of these springs such as spring rises, pools and water canals, deposits with different chemical compositions and colors, different algae coatings, historical monuments related to hot springs, and natural landscapes around them are attracting many tourists. Another more important tourist attraction of hot springs is their therapeutic uses which have had a long history around the world and also in Iran. Hot springs' therapeutic uses are deeply related to their water geochemical characteristics.
Badab Surt Thermal and Hot Springs
Badab Surt is a natural site in Mazandaran Province in northern Iran. It comprises a range of stepped travertine terrace formations that have been created over thousands of years as flowing water from two mineral hot springs cooled and deposited carbonate minerals in Mineral Springs in Iran. Geology enthusiasts will especially fall in love with Badab-e Surt. It is Located in Mazandaran province, close to Orost village. Badab-e Surt is unique due to its distinctive orange hue, resulting from a concentration of iron oxide. This travertine terrace sits at 1,840 meters (6,040 feet) above sea level and is the culmination of thousands of years of limestone deposited by water flowing from two mineral hot springs, which are thought to have medicinal properties on account of their high mineral content.
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This site was crafted by nature after two different mineral hot springs spent thousands of years sending water bubbling down the mountain from over 6,000 feet above sea level. When the water-cooled, it left behind its carbonate minerals in a jelly-like substance that eventually hardened to give the slope its current staircase shape. One of the hot springs spews salty water that's said to have healing properties. The other spring spurts sour sediment full of oxide which gives the water its beautiful orange tint. When the light hits the terraces just right, it makes the puddles glow with the red, orange, and yellow tones found in the underlying rock. Reflections from the sky and clouds above will sometimes add swirls of blue and gray to the mix, creating a watercolor palette bursting with rich natural hues. Badab-e-Surt as a National Heritage Site Badab-e-Surt Springs was registered as Iran's second natural site in 2008.
Given the lack of protective measures, even as little as installing an information board near the site, it is left to the villagers to protect the springs they have cherished for so many years. It is quite common to see local boys ask the visitors not to step on the terraces for taking a photo or just dipping in the water. This is while the visitors to Pamukkale in Turkey are not allowed access to the site and must purchase tickets only to see the springs from a distance.
Larijan Thermal and Hot Springs
Damavand peak is the highest peak in Iran and the Middle East. The most famous and important mythological mountain in the stories of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh. This high mountain is not only the most important destination for nature tourism and mountain climbing but also provides one of the best types of hot mineral water for hydrotherapy enthusiasts. Damavand has some thermal springs with therapeutic qualities, these mineral hot springs are mainly located on the volcano's flanks and at the base, giving evidence of volcanic heat comparatively near the surface of the earth.
Although Damavand is believed to be a dormant volcano and no historic eruptions of the Volcano Damavand are recorded, hot springs on the flanks of the volcano and fumaroles (steam vents) in the summit crater suggest that a hot or cooling magma body is still present beneath the Volcano Damavand. If you are staying in Tehran the low distance of Damavand's Thermal Hot Springs (100 Km) is the best option for amazing relaxation.
Larijan is the most famous village close to it with various thermal hot springs with some public baths with small pools for public use which are useful in the treatment of chronic wounds, and skin diseases. Also, Rineh Thermal Spring 73 km (45 mi) north of Amol, Iran, near Mount Damavand is the second most famous hot water spring.
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Sareyn the Paradise of Iran's Mineral & Hot Water
At the foot of the Sabalan Mountains lies a unique natural spa region with numerous hot mineral springs of various temperatures renowned for their therapeutic values. The city of Sarein, 30 km from Ardabil city, is the most famous and well-known tourist place in Iran for those interested in hydrotherapy, with a wide variety of hot springs. The wide variety of mineral waters allows tourists to choose hot water pools with many features such as temperature, minerals, or special services. Sablan hydrotherapy complex in Sarein city is the largest hydrotherapy center in the Middle East.
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This recreational and therapeutic complex with facilities such as indoor swimming pools and hot water pools under pressure (Jacuzzi), dry and steam sauna, individual bathtubs, medical and therapeutic services, private parking, etc. welcomes a large number of tourists every year. In many other spa complexes, in addition to the hot spring pools and minerals, you can use other facilities such as a jacuzzi, sauna, swimming pool, massage parlor, etc.
Not very far from Sareyn in a village called Sardava, a naturally carbonated cold water spring, also known for its therapeutic values complements the numerous hot springs of Sareyn and adds to the natural attraction of the Sabalan region The water is heated largely by the Sabalan Mountain which is Iran's second highest mountain after Damavand. There are also several cold water springs nearby, with the most popular being situated in a small village nearby called 'Vila Dare' - the water here is fizzy and is very good for the kidneys. The steamy waters emanating from the depths of the earth are rich in sulfur, calcium, lithium, and other minerals, and are believed to offer relief to patients suffering from joint pain and some skin diseases. This hot spring is heated by Mount Sabalan, which is an inactive volcano.
