Mahaoya Hot Springs is located about 2km from Mahaoya town. This is said to be the hottest spring of all the hot springs in Sri Lanka. Here you will find well maintained 7 wells with different temperatures. The temperature of the hottest well is about 56C (133F). Only two wells are of bathing temperature. You can see continuous evaporation of steam from the other wells.
The wells are maintained by a local government body and a levy of Rs 50/- is charged to visit the bath. This is charged in the form of parking fees for the vehicle. The caretaker of the wells who also issues parking tickets has a few buckets in his room and gladly provides them for you.
Due to the Tamil LTTE terrorists, this area was cut off from the general public for a long time and since the destruction of the LTTE, this area has access again.
How to get there
Three roads lead to Mahaoya Junction. One from Batticaloa, another from Ampara and the other from Mahiyangana.
The by-road leading to the wells is on the Mahiyangana road (Arannaganwila Rd) 400 meters from the junction. There is a display board at the turn-off to Arannaganwila Rd. Travel approx 2 km on this road and take a right turn. The wells can be reached by travelling 400 metres on this lane. (see map)
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 Mahaoya Hot Springs
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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Traveling Directions to Mahaoya Hot Springs
Route from Colombo to Maha Oya Hot Water Springs | Route from Ampara town to Maha Oya Hot Water Spring |
Through : Kandy – Mahiyangana – Padiyathalawa distance : 250 km Travel time : 6-7 hours Driving directions : see on google map | Through : Uhana distance : 64 km Travel time : 1.15 hours Driving directions : see on google map |
Route from Batticaloa to Maha Oya Hot Water Springs | |
Through : Chenkaladi distance : 60 km Travel time : 1.15 hours Driving directions : see on google map |
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