Surajkund Hot Springs

Surajkund Hot Springs is a cluster of natural thermal springs located in Barkatha block of Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand, along the Grand Trunk Road (NH19). It is known as the hottest hot spring in Jharkhand, with water temperatures reaching around 88°C in the main Surya Kund. The site comprises five kunds and a Surya temple, attracting pilgrims and tourists for its geothermal features, religious significance and natural forested surroundings.

Visitors can expect a natural geothermal site with five distinct hot water kunds, the main Surya Kund emitting steam and extremely hot water, surrounded by forested landscape. The complex includes a small Surya temple and bathing areas where water is channelled to cooler temperatures for holy dips. The setting is open and rustic with basic visitor amenities, food stalls and parking, offering sightseeing, photography and religious observance.

Surajkund has long been known as a natural geothermal site in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region. The springs are traditionally associated with Surya worship and have been a local pilgrimage centre for centuries, with the present temple structures and bathing kunds developed to facilitate ritual use of the thermal waters.

The springs hold religious significance for Hindus as a sacred Surya site. Devotees take holy dips in the cooler kunds, especially during Makar Sankranti when a large fair (mela) is held. The water is considered purifying and the site is revered as Surajkund Dham by local communities.