Mahapelessa (Madunagala) Hot springs

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Madunagala Hot Water Springs lie amid extensive paddy fields between Sooriyawewa and Ridiyagama. Today the site has become one of the most popular destinations for pilgrims traveling to the southern region of Sri Lanka.

The spring was first documented by Leonard Woolf, who served as the Assistant Government Agent of Hambantota between 1908 and 1911. In his diaries he described the difficult journey he undertook to reach the springs, traveling through jungles inhabited by wild animals and crossing waterways by boat. During this visit he collected water samples from the spring for analysis.

Rediscovery During the Uda Walawe Development Project

The springs were rediscovered in the early 1960s during the Uda Walawe development project, when large portions of the Walawe Basin were transformed into an extensive agricultural zone. As part of this development scheme, Embilipitiya was established as the principal town of the project, where several major roads from surrounding towns converged.

At the same time, Sooriyawewa, located about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) east of Embilipitiya, became the central administrative and service hub of the left-bank region of the Uda Walawe Reservoir.

Elephant Deaths and Early Protective Measures

During the 1970s several incidents were reported in which elephant calves died after falling into the hot spring well during the dry season. When most natural water sources in the surrounding area dried up, young elephants searching for water attempted to drink from the spring and accidentally fell into the deep well.

Following representations made by the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka to the Mahaweli Authority, two protective wells surrounded by walls were constructed in the 1980s to safeguard the springs. Separate bathing areas were created for men and women. For many years these wells remained the only development at the site. Reaching the springs required traveling along gravel roads and crossing paddy fields, and sightings of wild elephants after nightfall were common.

Development as a Tourist Attraction

During the early 2000s the springs were identified for development as a major tourist destination. Today the site contains four bathing wells constructed around the main hot spring, each offering water at different temperatures.

The surrounding area has been landscaped, and modern facilities have been added, including separate changing rooms and toilet facilities for men and women. Additional attractions such as a children’s play area, a small zoo, and an aquarium have also been introduced.

Changing Character of the Site

Despite these improvements, the location has lost much of its earlier quiet atmosphere. Extensive publicity has made the springs a popular stop for travelers, and during long holiday periods it is common to see ten to fifteen busloads of pilgrims visiting the site. This influx of visitors has diminished the sense of isolation and mystery that once characterized the springs before the turn of the century.

Entrance Tickets and Entry Fees to Madunagala Hot Water Wells

Description	Cost
Foreign – Adult	LKR 1,000
Foreign – Children	LKR 500
Local – Adult	LKR 100
Local – Children	LKR 50

Opening times of Madunagala Hot Water Wells

Days opend	Every day, including holidays
Opening times	8.00 AM to 5.30 PM

Other attractions near Madunagala Hot Water Wells

Mini Zoo for kids at Madunagala Hot Water Wells

New regulations in place at Madunagala Hot Water Wells

Also See

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Travelling Directions to Mahapelessa (Madunagala) Hot Springs

Route from Colombo to Madunagala Hot Spring	Route from Nonagama to Madunagala Hot Spring
Through : Panadura – Ratnapura distance : 191 km Travel time : 3-4 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Siyambalagoda distance : 32 km Travel time : 45 mins Driving directions : see on google map