Kanniya Hot Water Springs are not to be missed during your stay in Trincomalee or Nilaveli. A short 15 minute drive away you can find seven, square hot springs of varying temperature turned into a public bathing area.
The springs hold cultural and spiritual importance to Sri Lankan’s and with an average temperature of 36 degrees, the warm water is pleasant to pour over yourself. You might as well try out a bucket as the locals believe the water to have healing properties for skin conditions and arthritis.
Read on to discover the folklore legend surrounding the springs and everything you need to know before your visit to Kanniya Hot Springs.
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Where Are The Kanniya Hot Springs, Sri Lanka?
On the eastern side of Sri Lanka close to Uppuveli you can find the site of the seven hot springs, they are also easily accessible from the areas of Trincomalee and Nilaveli.
How To Get To Kanniya Hot Springs, Trincomalee?
If you have your own transport such as a tuk tuk then the easiest way to get to the springs is to drive yourself. It may be useful to know we used google maps and it didn’t take us to the official entrance, instead the back entrance, however a guard was still happy to collect our entrance fee and let us in.
The official entrance can be found on google as Hot Spring Entrance Parking. You will need to walk through the local market to find the entrance.
If you don’t have your own transport you can hire a tuk tuk taxi, they’re are loads around Trinco, just make sure you agree on a price before setting off!
You can also join a Tour Group to visit Kanniya Hot Springs.
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History and Folklore Around The Kanniya Hot Water Springs
Dating 5000 years back to the time of King Ratana, the springs’ mystical hot waters were said to be formed by the piercing of the King’s sword. In anger he struck the ground and fountains of warm water sprung from the earth creating the seven hot springs we experience today.
The area is also an ancient Buddhist site that was used for cleaning and purification. Although the monastery has now been destroyed you can see some ancient ruins around the spring. Today, you can see the Mari Amman Temple at the back of the springs; they are also in charge of maintaining the site.
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Visiting the Kanniya Hot Water Springs Trincomalee
It’s important to remember the hot springs are a sacred place and while visiting you need to remain respectful. All the people we saw were bathing fully clothed and therefore you should follow their lead. You may choose to bring a change of clothing for after your shower, but the changing rooms were closed when we visited.
We wandered around the site feeling the different temperatures from the springs and watching locals douse themselves with buckets of the healing water. By each spring you will find a bucket which you can use to shower with, shower gels and soaps are prohibited to stop polluting the area. The wells are around 4ft deep and hold around 15 buckets worth of water, we recommend doing it like a local and pouring the water over your head fully clothed.
You can spend perhaps 30 minutes enjoying the warm waters and experiencing local, cultural life here. The site is also home to many monkeys that you may need to watch out for!
Kanniya Hot Springs Common Questions
How Much Is Entrance Fee To Kanniya Hot Springs?
To enter the Trincomalee Hot Springs you need to pay a small entrance fee. Tourists pay 100 Sri Lankan Rupees (0.26p or 0.34 cent) and locals pay 50 Rupees.
Kanniya Hot Spring Opening Times
8pm – 6pm everyday
What Is A Hot Spring And How Are They Created?
A hot spring forms when pools of groundwater collect creating aquifers as the water can no longer seep further into the ground due to solid rock. The water is heated by the earth’s magma and rises back up to the surface, escaping through vents to form hot springs.
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Final Thoughts on Kanniya Hot Springs
If you’re in Trinco or the Nilaveli area then we think it’s worth a stop to visit the Kanniya Hot Springs. There are few sites where you can have true local and cultural experiences, this is one of them. Spend some time using the buckets to wash in the healing, holy water and take the time to understand the historical significance of the site you are visiting. Although a short stop we recommend adding it to your Sri Lankan itinerary, especially if you plan to visit Trincomalee.
Best Places To Stay In Trinco
$ Budget
Breeze Guesthouse
We chose to stay at Breeze Guest House in Uppuveli when visiting Trincomalee and found it was the perfect budget friendly choice. Our room was spacious with a fan, mosquito net and large bathroom.
$$ Mid-Range
Lobster Inn
Lobster Inn is a friendly, laid-back guesthouse just minutes from Uppuveli Beach. Known for its relaxed vibe and great seafood, it offers clean, comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant.
$$$ High-End
Uppuveli Beach by DSK
Uppuveli Beach by DSK offers clean, modern rooms just steps from the sand. The amenities here look incredible, with some villas having private plunge pools, a large infinity pool, gym and bicycles to get around.
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Water Shoes – Lightweight with Protection
Stay protected from sea urchins with these shoes. Also useful for trekking to waterfalls and snorkelling. We also love our microfibre towel and dry bag.
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