Al Wadi Al Jadid governorate occupies the southwest corner of the country with the area practically equal to the fourth part of Egypt. As the biggest part of the area is covered by dessert the settlements are based around oases. The Kharga oasis is the biggest one in New Valley with a modern city of El Kharga nearby. The plans for El Kharga future growth aim at making it the attractive tourist spot. The thermal springs at Bulaq and Nasser villages to the south, are famous for water temperatures of up to 43 C and reputed to be suitable for the treatment of rheumatism and allergies. Further south is Baris Oasis, the second largest settlement in Kharga. Houses designed in traditional Nubian style remain uninhabited, as local people refused to live in them because of their similarity to tombs, so the building works were stopped. The Dakhla Oasis lies to the northwest of Kharga and consists of 14 settlements. It is the farthest oasis out of Cairo and surrounded by pink cliffs is considered one of Egypt's most beautiful oases. Dakhla is the only place in Egypt where new water wheels, which are driven by buffaloes, are constructed. The place has rich history and strong traditions, making visit here into a real experience of ancient past of the country.