East Coast
Kinniya Hot Springs
Seven springs, each a different temperature.
Why Visit
An unusual natural curiosity on the east coast, easy to combine with a Trincomalee visit.
A cluster of seven natural hot springs near Trincomalee, each said to run at a slightly different temperature, used for bathing for generations.
History
The seven wells at Kinniya are a well-documented geothermal feature, arranged close together and used by local communities for bathing for many generations. Local folklore attributes their creation to a rishi (sage) — accounts differ on the specific figure — who is said to have struck the ground to bring forth water; this is a traditional story rather than a verified historical event, and the springs' actual origin is geological, tied to the same fault and thermal activity found at a handful of other spots in Sri Lanka's dry zone. What is well recorded and repeatedly verified by visitors is that each of the seven wells consistently runs at a noticeably different temperature from its neighbours despite being only metres apart, a detail travellers have remarked on for a very long time and that continues to draw curiosity-seekers today.
Things to Do
- Bathe in the natural warm springs
- Compare the temperature across all seven wells
- Cross the long Kinniya Bridge over the lagoon nearby
- Visit as a stop on the way to Trincomalee
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kinniya Hot Springs known for?
An unusual natural curiosity on the east coast, easy to combine with a Trincomalee visit.
When is the best time to visit Kinniya Hot Springs?
The best time to visit Kinniya Hot Springs is year-round, as a short stop on an east coast itinerary.
What can you do in Kinniya Hot Springs?
Popular things to do in Kinniya Hot Springs include bathe in the natural warm springs, compare the temperature across all seven wells and cross the long Kinniya Bridge over the lagoon nearby.
Where is Kinniya Hot Springs located in Sri Lanka?
Kinniya Hot Springs is located in East Coast, Sri Lanka.
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