Some of nature’s most amazing gifts to mankind are the Hot Spring Wells found in Sri Lanka and so far I have visited two of them, both located in the Eastern Province, one near the port city of Trincomalee and another at a little known place called Mahaoya.
STEAMING HOT WELLS OF MAHAOYA – EASTERN PROVINCE
On my recent trip to Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, I had to take the Mahinyangana / Batticaloa Road in order to reach my destination at Pasikuda Sea Resort. The road from Mahiyangana was uneven and narrow, as road development projects had not reached this part of the country as yet. On the way I passed through a small town called MAHAOYA and took the opportunity to visit the hottest natural Hot Water Wells in the country.
The Hot Wells are located about two kilometers off Mahaoya Town. The springs, I am told are the hottest in Sri Lanka and I was really amazed most of the wells do generate very hot water, about 56C. I saw several visitors taking showers in the hot water. The water in these wells are said to have healing powers especially for skin ailments and arthritis.
The Wells are of different sizes and the temperature too varied from well to well. On peeping down, I was amazed to see the water was clear and free of mud.
Visitors have to buy tickets at the entrance and are advised to avoid use of soap to reduce pollution of the water.
KANNIYA HOT WELLS
About ten kilometers from Trincomalee and one km off Trincomalee-Anuradhapura main road, are located Kanniya Hot Water Springs also called Kanniya Hot Wells.
I found the water in these Wells were not so hot as the Mahaoya Wells but they were warmer than ordinary water. There are seven hot wells in the location, each surrounded by 6ft brick walls, thought to be of Dutch origin.
These Wells are considered historical and the legends of the Hot Springs go back to King Ravana’s time. The Hindus believe that God Vishnu wanted to prevent Ravana from a journey of some sort and appeared to Ravana as an old man bringing the false news that Ravana’s mother Kanniya was dead. Ravana, then wanted to perform the rites of the dead asked where he could find water for the ablutions. Vishnu disappeared and the hot springs burst open where he had stood. Since they have been called Kanniya. Another legend says Ravana through grief of his mother’s death pricked into several places on the ground with his sword where hot springs bursted out. The Wells are presently maintained by the nearby Mariamman Temple.
The Buddhists believe that the placed belonged to an ancient Buddhist Monastery. A Buddhist shrine has been built here for Buddhists to perform their rites.
Here too the water is said to cure skin ailments and arthritis and many people can be seen bathing in them for this purpose. The Hot Springs have become a major tourist attraction.