This warm spring runs down a hilly landscape where it forms a confluence with another cold spring from

an adjoining hill and merges into one continuous stream. The evergreen tall trees which surround the
spring provide the canopy under which visitors relax. The people of Ikogosi worship the goddess of the
water and have strong belief in the myth around it. The undulating landscape adds natural beauty to the
scenery. it is located in Ekiti State. Historical Background Traditionally speaking, there are many stories
from the indigenes of this town regarding the origin of the warm spring. A version of the stories rests
more on the traditional belief of the people that both springs (Warm and Cold) were wives of the same
husband who turned to springs water in the wake of rift and rivalry between them. The hot and ill-
tempered first wife believed to have turned to the popular warm spring while the cool-tempered second
wife turned to cold spring water. The husband became the undulating hills that encompass the springs.
It is well established that some of the Villagers still worship the springs as their deities. The spring water
is said to have some therapeutic effects in some diseases like rheumatism and guinea-worm. People
who have access to the spring use it for the battery of their vehicles instead of the normal battery water.

http://www.nileguide.com/destination/ado-ekiti-nigeria/things-to-do/ikogosi-warm-spring/1170112

NATURE WONDERS ARE WHAT YOU WILL SEE HERE

BUT YOU NEED TO VISIT TO EXPERIENCE THEM
Ikogosi warm spring, Ekiti State.

This is one of the nature's wonders of the world. Two streams, one very hot, the order very cold
came together to form warm spring. It is believed that this nature gift has healing properties.
People all over Africa come to this spring for prayer and takes home some water to heal
whatever ailment they have. Stories of its efficacy are never in short supply in Ikogosi, Ekiti
State Nigeria.

Efon water falls, Ekiti State.

Efon waterfalls is one of those wonders of the world that is yet to be visited and admired by
tourist. Efon indigenes are very friendly and helpful.

Arinta water falls in Ekiti State.

Azo Rock- This is the rock the presidential villa is named after.

 
                         

Here is the famous ZUMA Rock- the rock with human face.

Oke-Idanre: Inside nature's gift to humanity

Right from the premises of Bobo Food and Beverages Ltd, sponsor of the three-day excursion,
the children were in high spirit, obviously in anticipation of what laid ahead. Not even the
teary eyes of a mother, who perhaps was seeing either a son or daughter off on such an
excursion for the first time, could stop their excitement.

Destination was the legendary Idanre Hills in Ondo State. Remarkably, nothing prepared
them for what to except in the definition of hills as sketched by their teacher during social
studies classes.

The aim of sponsoring the children on the excursion, according to Curtis Adekunle, managing
director, Bobo Food and Beverages Ltd, was to make the children know the country as well as
help them appreciate the potential of tourist centres in the country.

"Children should be made to know and appreciate their country. Nigeria is endowed with
beautiful tourist sites that have not been appropriately explored. We want to draw their
attention to what stuff the country is made of," he said. Not only did the children get exposed,
they also got some forms of education from the ancient town.

Nigeria is indeed a potential tourist paradise. Nigeria, therefore, is a fertile ground for both
local and foreign tourists who want to visit her (Nigeria) tourist attractions in order to
appreciate the extent to which nature has blessed her. And over the years, successive
governments had given its development the pride of place it deserves.

One of such potential tourist hubs is Idanre Hills in Ondo State. The hills are located in the
ancient town of Idanre, about 20 kilometres from the state capital, Akure.

Indeed, Idanre town is surrounded by hills, but the most visited of the hills is the 'Mother
Hill.' At the foot of the mother hill is a signpost welcoming tourists with information on
cultural relics and places of interest one is likely to come by on top of the hill. These include,
"great steps, Arun River, Aghagha Hill, Agbagun Footprint, the Wonderful Mat and the
Ancient Palace. Others are The Ark of Noah, the Unreadable Letters of the Flood and the
Tourist Chalets.

Anyone desirous of reaching the top, however, has to climb about 676 steps, which can be
momentarily tasking! However, the sublimity and the tranquility with the rich natural balance
of flora and fauna can be ultimately rewarding. The tasking nature of climbing the steps has,
however, necessitated, in addition, the construction of five resting posts along the steps to the
top.

Findings revealed that it takes three days to climb and go round the hill to get its full
potentials.

Historical records have it that the people of Idanre lived on the hills for over 800 years before
the advent of Western civilisation forced them down in 1928. It must, however, be mentioned
that prior to the incursion of Western civilisation, Idanre indigenes had a rich cultural blend
which largely informed and reinforced their worldview. The sights on the hills are
representative of the peculiar marks of civilisation that the earlier settlers, up the hills, had.

At the top of the hill, the uniqueness of the hills can be seen, beautifully on display by nature.

First, you come across the Arun River that can well be described as a haven of therapy for
individuals with ailment. Uniquely, the therapeutic potency, which the river is noted for since
the early Idanre dwellers lived up the hills, is still strongly sacrosanct till date. According to
one Samuel, a 27-year-old indigene, who acted as a guide, "The Arun River is unique in the
sense of the therapeutic effects it has on the human body. It is believed that it heals. You only
have to go in and deep in yourself. Worshippers are not, however, allowed to hold extended
retreats and camping programmes up the river."

The mystery surrounding the source of the river and its strategic location add to the reverence
with which it is held. The serenity and the "deafening" silence around the rocky formations
that surround the river have a psychic impact on any tourist.

Then there is the Aghagha Hill, which is as captivating as well as compelling to the human
sight. It has the shape of an umbrella. The gigantic size of the rock can be described as a hill of
itself. It rests its entire mass on another rock while giving shade to any tourist who sits under
it. It situates itself like a boulder, yet suspended by very small rock sediments. The sight of the
Aghagha Hill is slightly frightening as any tourist who sits under it may be tempted to
entertain fear of being crushed by the rock should it tilt a bit.

The Agboogun Footprint is still held in immeasurable awe, because of the mystical powers it
possesses in detecting individuals, considered to be either witches or wizards. It is as well
believed that anybody whose foot does not exactly fit into the footprint is considered to be a
witch or a wizard. Samuel says, "Agboogun Footprint is a magical footprint on the rock. When
you place a foot into the print, it immediately takes the exact size of your foot. Whoever's foot
that it is unable to fit in is adjudged possessed by some familiar spirits inimical to the well
being of the whole community. It is still effective till date, only that the coming of western
civilisation and the Western religion has eroded it."

The Wonderful Mat is hung mysteriously about 2,000 meters above sea level on one of the
rocks. The mat, which has its existence shrouded in some form of symbolic obscurity, is
believed to have been met by the people of Idanre, who lived up the hills in days gone.

Reflective of the era in which it was built and the various succeeding monarchs that lived in it,
the Ancient Palace built over 800 years ago is still intact as it is kept with close and
reverenced vigilance at the hill top. The Owa of Idanre is expected to spend three days in a
week up at the palace. In order to maintain cosmic balance among the three worlds which
include the world of the unborn, the living, and the dead, the Oba while at the hill top retreat,
communicates with his forebears. This interaction holds significant spiritual implications.

Up at the Ancient Palace are skulls of cows displayed at a corner located at the middle of the
palace. Findings revealed that the people, in their bid to know how many years the Oba had
spent on the throne after his demise, had to kill a cow once every year and keep its skill. This,
they did every year. After the Owa's death, the indigenes would count the number of the skull
to ascertain the number of years that he spent on the throne. Uniquely, despite the
advancement in technology, the present Owa of Idanre still does same as he climbs up the hill
once every year to perform the same ritual. Before an Owa is installed, he is expected to stay
in a house close to the ancient palace for a period of 90 days. After which he goes down the
hills and the coronation then takes place.

The present Owa was, however, not in the palace during the children's visit, as he was said to
have gone out to attend meetings bothering on the state of security of the domain under his
jurisdiction. Samuel, however, took us on a trip round to feed our eyes on the geographical
luxury that defines Idanre existence.

Aside the cultural relics in term of gods, goddesses and traditional arts that can still be seen in
addition to the old palace built around the 17th century, one also sees the refurbished first
primary school building established by the first missionaries. There is the refurbished court
building where offenders of old were tried. If they were found guilty and sentenced to prison,
there was also provision for it. Evidence of the remains of prison is there. There are also
remains of court official's residence.

Interestingly, the various natural phenomena have ties to the overall cultural aesthetic values
of the people of Idanre. The uniqueness of the hills can be seen, elegantly, on display by
nature.

From a vantage position atop one of the rocks, one can view with utter amazement a
formation of rocks artistically crafted by nature popularly referred to as the Ark of Noah. This
formation is named after the Biblical Ark of Noah. The rocks are depicted as a ship sailing on
 the sea. It is as remarkable as it is awesomely crafted.

On one of the rocks, massively taller than the other, has an undecipherable inscription in form
of alphabetical letters. These inscriptions, for lack of appropriate description, are referred to
as paleography by the people in scientific studies. These writings on the rock were met by the
early Idanre dwellers and are referred to as the Unreadable Letters of the Flood.

Also on the hill, one could hear the church-like beats from afar, an indication of the presence
of a church holding a revival. Further inquiry indicates that there are two churches that have
established there, holding regular services there.

Down the hill is the Idanre town, which is an offshoot of the old settlement on the top of the
hills. The town is divided into three major settlements, Alade with Alade Okun of Alade
Idanre as her traditional ruler; Otosin, led by Oba Gilbert Olakunle Ogunlowo, Awoshunye of
Atosin Idanre and Odode, led by Oba Frederick Aroloye.

The people of Idanre are mainly farmers, specialising in planting cocoa, plantain, and timber.
Because of these, Idanre boasts of rich cocoa, the old timber shed and plantain plantations.
The town also boasts of Alade International Golf Course.

The people of Idanre had some measures of indigenous civilisation before the advent of the
missionaries that introduced western civilisation. This is exhibited even in the warm manner
they relate to tourists, who throng the town regularly. Children also seek the opportunity to
provide essentials for tourists going up the hill and on their return by selling soft drinks,
sachet water, groundnut, and walnuts. Some smart ones even offer to carry bags of sachet
water along in case anyone may need it.

The panoramic view of the new Idanre never fails to fascinate first time visitors.
Unfortunately, the hills demand urgent investment in terms of making it a more beautiful and
attractive for tourists. There is also the need to install escalators or cable cars to make the
journey less cumbersome and ensure that tourists get full view of the magnificent piece.

Nigeria is a fertile ground for both local and foreign tourists who want to visit her tourist
attractions in order to appreciate the extent to which nature has blessed her.

For the children, most of who were visiting a tourist attraction of such nature for the first
time, and even adults who accompanied them, this nature's gift to humanity is acknowledged
as sure a place to visit again. Its awesome natural craftings are representatives of the
perfection that man had attained earlier, successive tourists admit.

http://discoverwestafrica.com/Naturwond.htm
Ikogosi Warm and Cold springs!

Set in the heart of the western part of Nigeria, lies this wonder of the world!
From the mother rock in Ikogosi, flow two springs; one very warm and the other, Ice cold!!!!
The two springs flow separately with their different temperatures until they reach a confluence,
where they mix and blend wonderfully. At this meeting point, very uniquely, lie two trees; A
palm tree and another tree which are both joined together at the root ( a few inches above the
ground)...
Its amazing...the ambience, the essence of nature, the tranquility and the uniqueness of nature;
these things should drive you from wherever you are to come to Ikogosi warm and cold
springs!!!
Welcome people.....Africa rocks!!!!!

http://www.africaourafrica.com/posting/ikogosi-warm-and-cold-springs

EKITI State is bounded in the south by Iju/Ita Ogbolu, Ifedore and Owo local governments; in the east by
Akoko of Ondo State; in the west by Osun State; and in the north by Kwara and Kogi states. The state is
acknowledged as the “Fountain of Knowledge” of Nigeria due to the large turnout of educationists and
professors. The main occupation in Ekiti land is farming. In addition, all major towns in the state have
Ekiti as suffix after their names because of the hills and valleys that characterize the state. The Ekiti
people are accommodating and peaceful in nature and are also known to be lovers of pounded yam.
Ikogosi Ekiti where the warm spring is located is in Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state. The
town is about 52 kilometers North West of Ado-Ekiti and 60 kilometers from Akure the capital of Ondo
State. The warm springs roll down over a hilly landscape, from another hill flows a cold spring which
joins the warm one at a confluence and together they form a continuous stream.The entire landscape
with its beautiful vegetation is rather captivating and fascinating. It is the most prominent tourist site in
Ekiti state, and due to its uniqueness it is popularly referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. Though a
warm spring is said to exist in Budapest in Italy but The Ikogosi warm and cold spring water flowing
together to meet at confluence is the first of its kind in the world. The natural vegetation of the spring
area has been left untouched for eco-tourism appeal. The immediate surroundings of the spring have
tall evergreen trees, which form a canopy under which visitors can relax. The haven of tourist in Nigeria,
tourists to the state would be irresistibly charmed with the beauties of the warm spring. The springs are
believed to have therapeutic effects on some diseases like rheumatism and guinea worm. It has been
proven that the people and indigenes of the Ikogosi village that use the water have a longer life span
and the stream is appeased for fertility. Its historical background There are various versions to the
history of the Ikogosi warm springs. Various myths and tales surround this natural occurrence. It is
believed that the warm and cold springs were wives of the same husband who turned into springs in the
wake of a rivalry between them. According to the myth, both of them were barren but one of them was
hot tempered while the other was cold tempered and as a result people loved her more. The husband is
believed to be the undulating hill that encompasses the spring. They turned into the hill and springs in
Ikogosi during a rift that could not be settled. Because of this, the springs are worshipped as deities.
Another version has it that the cold and warm springs were lovers. The cold spring is believed to have
been the woman while the warm spring is said to be the man. It is believed that they both turned to
springs due to stiff oppositions from their families regarding their love affair. These versions form part of
the folk tradition of the people of Ikogosi. Years ago when Ikogosi spring was discovered, barren women
appeased the spring for the fertility of the womb. These same women would return to the spring with
their children to express their gratitude. Women also sought for protection from the spring against
childhood killer diseases, bacterial infections and guinea worm. Adults also conserved the water as
medication against various ailments. Scientific explanation The Ikogosi warm spring is beyond human
explanation. Apart from the cold and warm springs phenomenon, there is also an uncommon
phenomenon where two different species of trees, an unidentified tree and a palm tree are found
growing from the same source with their roots embedded as one. According to Dr. Funsho Afolabi, an
associate professor in the Department of Geography, University of Ado- Ekiti, this natural occurrence is
an act of creation, the work of the unseen God. An Irish Bishop Rev. Richard Burke who lived in Nigeria
for thirty years said he believes that there is nowhere in the world where cold and warm water meet
except at the Ikogosi spring. Any other one would be man-made which is artificial. He went further to
say Ikogosi is a miracle of nature and a sacred place where God displayed His power of creativity. The
possible scientific proof is that the deeper a body of water goes underground, the hotter it becomes and
if by chance it is forced back to the surface through some earth fault, the temperature will be relatively
high. Another explanation is the co-reaction of different igneous and metamorphic rocks can lead to this
natural occurrence. It is also believed that the Ikogosi warm spring is underground water which has been
heated up by the energy liberated during the decay of uranium in the Ikogosi area. Uranium has been
discovered to be present in Ogohen, Ikogosi And Eringuyan land areas. Uranium is said to be useful as a
source of energy, X-ray in medicine, atomic energy and in reactor plants. According to most scholars this
is what is responsible for the warmth of the spring.One fact that is common to all these explanations is
that Ikogosi warm spring is an exceptional work of nature.Evolution of Ikogosi as a tourist siteIn view of
all this, the Baptist Mission established a youth conference centre and other conveniences on the hills
adjacent to the Ikogosi warm spring in the 1950’s. The missionary activities of the Baptist mission were
geared towards discouraging traditional beliefs associated with the spring in order to preserve and
beautify the spring as a gift of nature. Indigenes and foreigners come to admire the work of nature. After
independence, it became the property of the old western state. On the first day of October 1996, it
became the property of the Ekiti state government after its creation. In May 2008, Ikogosi warm spring
resort was declared as a national monument and selected by the National Commission For Museums
And Monuments as one of the three pilot eco-tourism projects in the country. The state welcomed the
development because it would improve the state economically and create jobs for youths in the area.
The Director of Monuments, Heritage And Sites that led an eleven member technical committee of the
commission to the site noted that the spring was selected because of its beauty, social and spiritual
qualities adding that an arts and crafts workshop and a herbal farm would also be established at the
spring. The Gossy Water In 1999/2000, a N7million share holding spring water company was established
at the Ikogosi warm springs to produce pure spring water by the U.A.C as principal partners with 60 per
cent ownership, private partnership 20 per cent, while Ekiti state government enjoys 15 per cent and
the host community 5 per cent. The factory capacity is 1000 bottles per day. The water is bottled directly
from the spring point and filtered with nothing added and nothing taken away. The water is widely
marketed and sought after in Nigeria and beyond. Major features of the spring There is no fish in the
water, no aquatic insects or bacteria in the water. The effect of the water on the body is very significant
as it cures skin infections and rheumatic pains. The water is warm and tasteless. Facilities present at the
warm spring It is a resort centre with modern spring. The facilities include 4 VIP chalets, 32 federal
chalets, 8 VIP annex chalets, 4 western chalets, and 20 cabin for students. A spacious multipurpose well
furnished conference hall, a beautifully warm swimming pool, a well-equipped restaurant/bar for all
kinds of dishes and drinks. A zoological garden, a field, a lawn tennis and badminton court. ... Read more
at The Guardian

http://tribunengrworld.com/the-warm-spring-at-ikogosi-ekiti-2566163.htm