Atri, a small village in Begunia police station situated in Khurda district is home to one of the hot springs of Odisha. During the visit to the majestic place, amidst paddy fields one can witness hot spring bubbles up from the ground and smell a strong odour of Atri Hot Spring sulphur that pervades the locality.
The temperature of the spring water is about 55 degree Celsius that remains more or less constant throughout the year. To prevent stagnation, the water of the hot spring is collected in a reservoir which is provided with outlets. The reservoir is 10 feet in circumference with a depth of 15 feet.
The water is so crystal clear that the stones lying at the bottom of the reservoir are properly visible when the sun’s rays fall on the water. Approximately, per hour 375 cubic feet of water flows out of the reservoir Atri Hot Spring.
Nearest Places of Attraction
The temple of Hatakeswara (Siva) is situated close to the premises of the hotspring where Sivaratri and Makar Sankranti festivals are Atri Hot Spring held every year. People in and cross the state attend the festival. The Makar Sankranti Atri Hot Spring festival that lasts for about a fortnight witnesses the congregation of nearly twenty thousand people annually.
Belief Associated with the Hot Spring
There is a belief that the spring has the miraculous power of removing the curse of barrenness from infertile women. As a ritual, after the prayers are complete, people throw coconuts, betel nuts, and other fruits and flowers into the reservoir as offering.
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The hot spring is also reputed to have medical properties and is used both intensively and extensively for the cure of skin diseases.
Scientific Benefits of the Hot Spring Water
Numerous researches have been conducted on the hot water spring of Atri. Many of these researches have indicated some common scientific benefits of the water.
The healing powers of hot springs have been used for thousands of years and have been widely accepted as natural treatment options for various common ailments. The Atri hot springs is reputed to have a number of therapeutic benefits.
Boost Blood Circulation
The water found in natural hot springs is constituted of a variety of different minerals. Once we take a dip in the hot water, our bodies soak up these minerals. As a result, the blood circulation and overall oxygen flow in the body increase manifolds.
Reduce Stress and Promote Sleep
The mineral water in the hot spring can also help reduce stress by relaxing tense muscles. Meanwhile as the body temperature rises in the bath, and then cools once one exits, can also help to relax and fall into a deeper sleep.
Relieve Pain
The hot mineral baths may aid in pain relief and fatigue caused by widespread pain. This result because the heat needless to say, sometimes intense, can dull our perception of pain by blocking the pain receptors in our bodies.
After we are left buoyant in the hot water for a long time, the water supports the joints of the body promoting freer movement of the limbs.
Best Time to Visit
August to March is the suitable time to schedule a visit to the hot water spring of Atri.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is the Biju Pattnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar. It is located at a distance of 45 km from Atri. From there, one can easily hire taxi directly from the airport to reach the place.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Atri is Khurda Road, which 14 kms. away. Taxi, auto-rickshaw can be hired at the station.
By Road: Khurda is well connected with other districts and cities of Odisha by roads.
