As we drove from Tangalle to Hiriketiya we made a spontaneous stop at Hummanaya Blow Hole in Kudawella, the only blowhole in Sri Lanka and reportedly the second largest in the world making it one of the top hidden attractions in Sri Lanka.
Just 20-minutes away from Tangalle in Kudawella you can watch the powerful spray of the ocean and browse local vendors selling handcrafted gifts, dried fish and local street food. The walk through the town to the ticket office isn’t too far but it is steep.
The Hummanaya Blow Hole releases a jet of water into the air, just like the top of a whale, as waves are pushed into a cave with an opening above. It’s particularly impressive at high tide, when the jet can reach heights of 25–30 metres (80–100 feet).
The thrill of seeing the jet of water erupt and being covered in the misty spray is the main draw to visit Hummanaya Blow Hole but the surrounding landscape is enchanting. The views over the cliff are of rugged coastline and a small shaded forest area gives respite from the sun.
Across from the forest is the small, sandy Hummanaya bay, where the sun glimmers off the gentle waves that contrast the powerful jet seen just above.
Below we share everything you need to know such as where to park for the Hummanaya Blow Hole, how much the tickets are, what to expect and our experience.
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Where Is the Hummanaya Blow Hole?
The Hummanaya Blow Hole is located near the small fishing village of Kudawella along Sri Lanka’s south coast. It is about a 20-minute drive west from Tangalle (12km) and 15-minutes (6km) from Hiriketiya making it a great day trip location.
🗺️ Your Ultimate Sri Lanka Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Sri Lanka. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
How To Get To Hummanaya Blow Hole?
To get to Hummanaya Blow Hole you need to make your way to Kudawella, either by a tuk tuk taxi or your own hire vehicle. We were coming from Tangalle and followed Google Maps. This didn’t go to plan and we drove down a dead end road which left us in a very understanding local’s garden.
With directions from our new friend we headed back down the cramped road hoping we wouldn’t meet anyone and headed to the parking for Hummanaya Blow Hole.
Hummanaya Blow Hole Parking
We parked next to a shop, rolled our tuk tuk covers down and paid 500LKR to the lady we hoped worked there. When we returned she was still sitting on her plastic chair so we do believe she was the right person!
What Is A Blow Hole?
Finally, the Geography degree comes in handy! Over time through coastal erosion a cave is formed. As the cave deepens and extends the pressure of the wave increases.
Eventually, a vertical shaft forms in the roof of the cave either due to continued erosion from above or the collapse of a weak spot. When waves rush into the cave, the water has nowhere else to go, so it’s forced upward through the vertical hole.
This creates a powerful streaming jet of seawater that can reach impressive heights.
The sound created is often a deep “whoosh” or “hooo”. This is where the Sri Lanka Hummanaya Blow Hole gets its name (from the Sinhala word hummanaya, which means the noise “hoo”).
What To Expect At Hummanaya Blow Hole?
Once you have parked up you need to follow the signs down a dusty track, up steep stairs and through a line of vendors selling various snacks, crafts and particularly pungent dried fish.
This will lead you to the ticket office. The Hummanaya Blow Hole Ticket Price is 500 LKR (~£1).
When we visited we were the only tourists and we found we were joined by locals enjoying the water display. Although we didn’t see any really impressive jets we did get to feel the refreshing spray at least once!
There is a metal barrier surrounding the blowhole but remember the sea is powerful and deserves respect so stand back and enjoy the show from a safe distance.
You don’t need too long to visit here but we took our time cooling off in the shade of the forest and watching the occasional jet before heading down the steps to enjoy the beautiful Hummmanaya bay.
At the ticket office you can find toilets and drinking water, which was much needed in the Asian sun. We refilled our trusty LifeStraw and took our time walking back to the parking spot looking at each of the stalls.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Hummanaya Blow Hole?
The biggest jets of water happen from April to September which isn’t peak tourism season, however, if you head at high tide anytime of year you may still be lucky enough to see a large expulsion of water.
You can find the tide times for Kudawella Here.
Best Places To Stay In Tangalle
$ Budget
Dilip’s House
Located just a 5-minute walk from Tangalle beach, Dilip’s homestay is the perfect budget option and one of the best cheap homestays in Tangalle. With comfortable rooms, a friendly host and delicious meals.
$$ Mid-Range
Hunguk Lanka Lagoon Villa
At Hunguk Lanka Lagoon you get a villa with a garden just 9-minutes walk from Tangalle Beach. Your villa also has a private entrance, en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning.
$$$ High-End
Anantara Peace Haven
On a cliff and nestled within a coconut plantation, you can find the luxury resort of Anantara Peace Haven. We’re sold on being welcomed by traditional raban drums and sent off by conch shell blowers but you also get individual plunge pools, a personal butler and a beautiful villa!
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Final Thoughts on The Hummanaya Blow Hole
Hummanaya Blow Hole stands out as one of the most unique natural wonders Sri Lanka has to offer. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Tangalle or Hiriketiya we think the Hummanaya Blow Hole should be on your list.
Make sure you go at high tide, and if you’re brave try some of the dried fish on sale at the stores lining the walkway up to the blowhole!
