The Kanniya Hot Water Springs is a site with hot wells located in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. There are seven wells in a square shape. Wells are only 3 – 4 feet deep and you can see the bottom. The temperature is considerably high but varies slightly from one spring to another. Wells run out of water when 10-15 buckets of water are taken out.
It is also believed the water from the wells has therapeutic healing powers and can cure many ailments. It has been accepted that these wells belonged to a great Buddhist monastery that spanned vast areas.
According to this information, these wells were probably a part of a pond complex used by Buddhist monks of Velgam Vehera Monastery and a large number of remains of Buddhist buildings have been recovered around these wells.
The History of Kanniya Water Hot Springs
Wells goes back to the days of King Ravana, who ruled the nation more than 5000 years ago. And, now it has been acknowledged that these wells belonged to a major Buddhist monastery covering a wide region. The war of the North and East has devastated much of the Buddhist remnants in these regions, and only a handful have survived the vengeance of the Eelamists who have taken up the practice of erasing any traces of ancient Buddhist civilization in these regions over the last 30-40 years.
A Stupa mound belonging to the early Anuradhapura period and an inscription of 1-2 centuries A.D. were found from the recent archaeological excavations done at the site. The inscription reveals that the waters of five tanks located in a nearby area were reserved for the usage of Buddhist monks who were residing in a temple.
In a handbook for travelers 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.
In King Ravana’s period, it states that King Ravana pinned the earth with his sword in a few places and a few fountains shot out of those places. The water was warm, which was the origin of these hot springs, making it one of the Ramayana Yatra sites in Sri Lanka.
Legend of Kanniya Hot Water Springs
According to the Ramayana, the hot springs were formed when King Ravana’s mother passed away due to her son’s effort to move Koneswaram Temple. Ravana, hearing the passing away of his mother, made him perform the final rites of his mother in typical Hindu tradition. This meant the striking of his powerful sword in seven different places. These places eventually poured out fresh hot water, which we now consider to be the Kanniya Hot Springs and has not run out ever since.
The epic Mahabharata also explains a story of how the hot springs were a pilgrimage site for Hindus in the days of old, as these wells are believed to possess healing waters that could cure many ailments.
How to get to Kanniya Hot Water Springs?
The springs are 8 km from the middle of Trincomalee, 6 km from Uppuveli, and 15 km from Nilaveli. You can get here by tuk-tuk, a rental car, or a tour. Further from the parking lot via the shopping alley, you have to go to the counter to buy a ticket to get to the territory of the wells. It would be appropriate to walk through the pedestrian mall to the wells.
Present Situation
On 9 September 2011, the seven hot water wells, Chaitya mound, and other scattered building ruins on the site were formally recognized by the Government as archaeologically protected monuments. The designation was declared under the government Gazette number 1723.
FAQ
- What is the entry fee of Kanniya Hot Spring – 50 Sri Lankan Rupees for 1 tourist adult
- What is the opening time of Kanniya Hot Water Wells – 365 days/8 a.m. to 6 pm
- May I take a bath at Kanniya Hot Springs – yes, of course, but the number of buckets is restricted because there are a lot of visitors
- Is it too hot for a bath? not too hot, 38 – 42 Celsius
- May I use soap at the hot spring center – you shouldn’t use soap or shower gel; it’s prohibited
