Kanniya Hot Water Springs, Trincomalee - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 8 km from Trincomalee Railway Station, the Kanniya Hot Springs is a site with hot wells located at Kanniya in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. It is one of the popular places to visit near Trincomalee while holidaying in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka.

Kanniya Hot Springs are the natural wonders of the area. There are 7 square wells located quite close to each other. They are quite shallow just about 3-4 feet deep and one can clearly see the bottom of the wells. The depth of the well is such that the water will run out by drawing 10-15 buckets from it. The temperature is considerably high but varies slightly from one spring to another.

According to the legend, this is the place where King Ravana carried out the last rites of his mother. When he was unable to find water to duly perform the rites, he pierced his sword into the ground seven times in anger which has later emerged into the hot springs. These hot springs get the name 'Kanniya' after his mother. The very hot water cooled down to the present degree when Ravana's anger calmed down. Since then, Kanniya Hot Springs are used for performing last rights in Sri Lanka.

The wells were also considered as an ancient site used for cleaning and purification by the Buddhists. There is a Buddhist monastery and a Shiva temple next to the Kanniya Hot Springs. In front of it are the ruins of an old Brick Stupa, the kinds you see in the Anuradhapura area. The Mariamman Kovil now maintains the wells in collaboration with the authorities of the Sri Lankan military.

Timings: 7 AM - 7 PM

Entry: LKR. 10 for Locals, LKR. 25 for SAARC Nationals & LKR. 50 for Foreigners