Pamukkale Sightseeing

Pamukkale is an incredible spectacle for the eye, as an entire hill is covered in white travertines {terraces of carbonate minerals} with bubbling hot springs water. The most amazing part is that we could actually swim in the mineral pools.

We reached hotel in the morning and rested for a while. We had booked tour with Pamukkale Tourism after negotiating hard. So, the pick up time was at 9.30 AM. For the first time in our trip, we saw middle aged Indian couples from Andhra, settled in Uganda. Sush got company.

We reached a place called Karahayit which has Hot springs and the water tasted like some acid. It has sulphur and we were told, its good for skin and digestion. Not authenticating their claim.

Then we went to South Entrance of Pamukkale, if I am not wrong. There are three entrances, Town, North and South. South if vehicle and Town if entering from below. We reached top and saw the travertines and walked beside them.

Then we went to the ancient city of Hierapolis . You enter the world heritage site at the top of the mountain, and explore the ancient ruins of the city! The city was the unfortunate recipient of numerous earthquakes, and so was abandoned at a certain time. It was truly amazing to stand at the top of the old stadium and see the travertine pools below.

Between the city of Hierapolis and the travertine pools, are the ancient baths that were built for the city inhabitants to enjoy. It looks much like a modern day pool except that old pillars and columns lay at the bottom of the pool floor. Its called as Cleopatra's pool.

Seeing the travertine terraces was absolutely unbelievable though not as expected. We did not venture deep into the pool and only walked for few distance and settled for an Orange Juice. Half the pools are not accessible to tourists, but the other half are.

Enjoy the pics.