Sri Lanka's Natural Hot Springs

Sri Lanka, the resplendent island nation, unfolds like a tapestry woven with vibrant culture, captivating landscapes, and hidden natural wonders.

Nestled amidst emerald hills and lush greenery lie natural hot springs, known as "kanniya" in Sinhala, offering a unique blend of relaxation, rejuvenation, and cultural immersion.

Getting there is an easy flight, with plenty of places to stay. As always I suggest getting travel insurance in case nature rears her head and cancels your travel.

1. Kanniya Hot Water Spring

Located near the city of Trincomalee, on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka, with pristine beaches, Kanniya hot spring offers a serene escape with multiple pools varying in temperature. Relax in the warm waters while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

In town stay at Calm Guest just a few hundred meters from the beach and a washing machine. Stay right on the beach and walkk out into the ocean over coffee at Moon Isle Beach Bungalow with free beach chairs, airport shuttle, and bicycle rentals.

There are seven wells in a square shape. Wells are only 3–4 feet deep and you can clearly see the bottom. The temperature is considerably high but vary slightly from one spring to another.

In the Ceylon Gazetteer of 1834, the remains of a temple sacred to Ganesha are documented at the site of the hot wells. In a handbook for travellers published in 1955, the seven hot springs at Kanniya are described as being sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike. The ruins of a dagoba, a Vishnu temple and a mosque are said to stand together near the site.

The old ruins of the monastery still visible over the area, but it seems that most of those artifacts were destroyed during the Sri Lankan Civil War.

According to local folklore, this site is connected with the antagonist Ravana of the Hindu epic, Ramayana. Ravana and his mother worshipped Hindu God Shiva at the Koneswaram temple and the Hot springs of Kanniya. Ravana wanted to remove the temple of Koneswaram when his mother was in ailing health. As Ravana was heaving the rock, Lord Shiva made him drop his sword. When Ravana's mother heard the news, she was wrought with unbeatable sorrow. When Ravana returned, he found his beloved mother's demise and was disheartened. To perform his mother's rites, Ravana stuck the earth with his sword in several spots and several fountains sprang from these points. The water was hot and such was the beginning of the hot water springs.

The waters are rich in sulfur, calcium, and sodium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, muscle relaxation, and joint pain. Specific mineral quantities haven't been widely documented.

Secret Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the serene atmosphere at its best. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a relaxing day amidst nature.

Safety: Be aware of potential slippery rocks near the pools and follow designated paths.

Best Time to Go: May to September offers comfortable temperatures, while December to April can be hot and humid.

2. Kapurella Hot Springs

Immerse yourself in the local culture at Kapurella, a traditional bathing spot frequented by villagers. Witness the vibrant atmosphere and experience authentic Sri Lankan hospitality. Kapurella Hot Spring is an infamous hot spring which is located few kilometres away from the Tempitiya village. The closest place to stay is Yuhibuhi Forest Resort in Pullumalai with lake views, a swimming pool, and airport shuttle.

Kapurella Hot Spring is now considered the warmest spring in the country with a temperature recording of 64.5 Celsius. Until the defeat of the LTTE terrorists in 2009, this area was continuously under threat from the terrorist group and access was restricted. But with the destruction of these groups, all these places are now being opened up to the public.

Kapurella Hot Spring lies in a marshy area in the Jungles of Kapurella. Access is through uninhabited forests in elephant country. While in the area, visit Maduru Oya National Park.

The waters are rich in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, muscle relaxation, and joint pain. Specific mineral quantities haven't been widely documented.

Secret Tip: Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala to enhance your cultural connection with the locals. Respect local customs and dress modestly.

Safety: Be mindful of uneven surfaces and follow designated paths.

Best Time to Go: May to September offers pleasant weather, while December to April can be scorching.

3. Maha-oya Hot Springs

Just down the road from Kapurella Hot Spring you can find Maha-oya Hot Springs. Perfect for families, Maha-oya offers multiple pools with varying temperatures, catering to all preferences. Enjoy a relaxing soak with your loved ones amidst a scenic setting.

Maha Oya is also a gateway to two incredible experiences: a visit to Maduru Oya National Park and a hike to Nuwaragala mountain. The Park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sambar deer, and a variety of birds.

Here you will find well maintained 7 wells with different temperatures. The temperature of the hottest well is about 56C (133F). Only two wells are of bathing temperature.

The wells are maintained by a local government body and a levy of Rs 50/- is charged to visit the bath. This is charged in the form of parking fees for the vehicle.

The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the weather is cooler, allowing you to enjoy the hot springs comfortably.

It's advisable to bring along essentials such as swimwear, towels, and sunscreen, as you may want to soak for an extended period. Also, consider visiting on weekdays to avoid large crowds and to fully immerse yourself in the serene environment.

Mahaoya is a magnet to the travelers, who had been flocking to Ampara with the end of the thirty year war.

The waters are rich in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, muscle relaxation, and joint pain. Specific mineral quantities haven't been widely documented.

Secret Tip: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it with the family.

Safety: Ensure children are supervised near the pools and respect local customs.

Best Time to Go: May to September offers comfortable temperatures, while December to April can be hot and humid.

4. Kivulegama Hot Springs

Venture off the beaten path to discover Kivulegama hot springs, a hidden gem surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Hike through nature trails before indulging in the warm embrace of the natural springs.

Kivulegama Jayanthi Wewa Hot Spring is a single hot well located on privately owned land with lukewarm water. The spring is located along the Pallan Oya Road near Jayanthi Wewa in Ampara District. Unless you have permission you should probably skip this one.

The waters are rich in sulfur, calcium, and sodium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, muscle relaxation, and joint pain. Specific mineral quantities haven't been widely documented.

Secret Tip: Hire a local guide to navigate the terrain and ensure a safe and culturally enriching experience.

Safety: Be aware of potential wildlife encounters and carry appropriate gear for hiking. Respect local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Go: May to September offers comfortable temperatures, while December to April can be hot and humid.

5. Madunagala Hot Water Spring

It is a beautiful creation of nature situated in Madunagala hermitage in the Hambantota district, close to Sooriyawewa town in Southern province of Sri Lanka. It’s also known as Mahapelessa Hot Water Spring.

Bathing is allowed using provided small buckets (you can’t take buckets from outside). That rule is imposed to keep the water level without dropping. Changing rooms are provided for both males and females.

There are six wells that can be used by the public, along with other facilities that allow you to bathe using the warm water.

A mini aquarium, a zoo, and a play area are also available for the children, making it an ideal place for picnicking with the family too. Madunagala temple is constructed on a scenic rock boulder covered by a thick jungle. If visit in early in the morning you can see many varieties of birds in the sky. A small aquarium and few cages made for a number of birds and rabbits can be seen at Madunagala hot water springs site.

You can have a ‘Belimal’ tea or a ‘Ranawara’ tea from the local stalls in the area. As a matter of fact, you can buy traditional Sri Lankan rice meals like ‘heenati’, ‘Suwandel’ and ‘Kekulu’ varieties of Rice.

While in the area you can see leopards and elephants at Yala National Park or meet local cultures at tuk-tuk.

Secret Tip: Visit during weekdays to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more peaceful soak. Combine your visit with exploring nearby Kataragama, a sacred pilgrimage site.

Safety: Be mindful of uneven surfaces and respect local customs. Dress modestly, especially near religious sites.

Best Time to Go: May to September offers pleasant weather, while December to April can be hot and humid.

Are you traveling in other parts of Asia? Take a look at more hot springs in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, India, Japan, Philippines, and Vietnam.