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Out of the hot springs in Sri Lanka, Nelum Wewa Hot springs in Polonnaruwa is the most recent discovery. (See here for the complete list of all the hot springs found in Sri Lanka) Although these hot springs have been known to the villagers, the existence of the spring was made public in 2009.
This spring lies on the sand banks inside the Nelum Wewa and Gal Wewa reservoir on the foothills of the famous Dimbulagala mountain range in the Mahaweli B Zone. Senior Lecturer of the Peradeniya University H.G. Dharma Gunawardena who has studied the spring has measured the temperature of the water to be 61 C, which makes this the hottest spring in Sri Lanka. This spring is also unique in the sense that it is inside a wewa ( reservoir ) and submerge during the October rains.
Out of the seven springs, its is said that 3 springs have been closed and 4 wells has been constructed out of the balance springs. They lie in 2 clusters of 2 each on the sand dunes of Nelum Wewa.
These springs can be reached by traveling approximately 27 km from the Polonnaruwa Junction. Travel past Kaduruwela and Manampitiya Bridge on the A11 route. After travelling approximately 23 km from the Polonnaruwa Junction, you will come to the the small town of Sewanapitiya (Sevanapitiya). Turn left to nelum wewa from the town ( a direction board exists and the turn off). Traveling about 4 kilometers will bring you to Gal Wewa Reservoir. Traveling pass is picturesque tank over its bund will bring you to Nelum Wewa Reservoir on the same setting. This lies almost adjoining to the first.
The wells can be accessed by foot over sand dunes during the dry season but will need a service of local fisherman when the water of the reservoir is high.
Also See
- Hot Springs of Sri Lanka
- Attractions of Sri Lanka
- Heritage of Sri Lanka
- Waterfalls of Sri Lanka
- Nature and Wildlife of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Polonnaruwa Nelum Wewa Hot springs
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Traveling Directions to Polonnaruwa Nelum Wewa Hot springs
The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
| Route from Colombo to Polonnaruwa Sacred City | Route from Kandy to Polonnaruwa Sacred City |
| Through : Central Highway – Kurunegala – Dambulla Distance from Colombo :230 km Travel Time : 4.45 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map | Through : Matale – Dambulla – Habarana Distance : 140 km Travel Time : 3.5 hours Driving Directions : see on Google maps |
| Route from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa Sacred City | Route from Batticaloa to Polonnaruwa Sacred City |
| Though : Maradankadawala – Habarana Distance : 103 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map | Though : Chenkaladi – Valachchena Distance : 97 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map |
| Route from Colombo to Polonnaruwa Nelum Wewa Hot springs | Route from Polonnaruwa to Nelum Wewa Hot springs |
| Though : Panadura – Ratnapura distance : 191 km Travel time : 3-4 hours Driving directions : see on google map | Though : Siyambalagoda distance : 32 km Travel time : 45 mins Driving directions : see on google map |