Hot springs are springs formed when groundwater heated by the earth’s natural geothermal activity emerges. Although there are many definitions of a hot spring, the generally held definition is that they should contain water above body temperature. They form naturally and are primarily found in regions with volcanic activity, although they can occur in non-volcanic areas as well. Hot springs are frequented for their presumed therapeutic effect and are found all over the world, including the island of Sri Lanka.
The best hot springs in Sri Lanka can be found in Trincomalee (called Trinco for short), which is a major city found on the island’s eastern coast. There are two major hot springs in Trincomalee, namely Kanniya and Rankiriya. According to legend, the Kanniya springs formed when King Ravana struck the ground with his sword causing hot water to gush from the ground. Walls have been built around the site to form wells, and one has to buy a ticket to access them. Other springs include Madawawa, Mutugalwela, Gurukubura, and Borawawa in Polonnaruwa’s Maduruoya National Park; Madunagala in the district of Hambantota; and Mahaoya, Emmbilinne, Kapuralla and Wahawawa in the district of Ampara.
Sri Lanka is an island paradise located in the Indian Ocean and is separated from India by the Palk Strait. Since the end of a civil war that lasted decades, the island is enjoying a tourist boom. The island has excellent beaches, lush forests as well as attractions of historical and cultural significance. With so many things to do and places to see, tourists visiting the tropical island will be spoilt for choice. Since the island is quite small in size, it is possible to visit all the major attractions in just a short period.
Among the sights that should not be missed are the Galle Fort in Galle, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and the ancient temples in Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. For more information on Sri Lanka attractions, one can visit the Truly Sri Lanka website. It offers a comprehensive guide on travel to Sri Lanka and provides a valuable insight into some of the island’s most well-known attractions and places of interest that are very much a part of the country’s rich heritage.