From Trincomalee town, take the A12 Puttalam – Anuradhapura – Trinco Road for some seven kilometres, then make a left turn and proceed around one kilometre to arrive at the location of the hot springs.
Close to the car park, visitors will encounter plenty of stalls selling various knick-knacks, fancy items, drinks and snacks.
Passing under an arch announcing the springs and after paying a token entrance fee, visitors can follow the path that leads them to a rectangular enclosure that is open on one side. Here lies the famous seven Hot Springs of Kanniya. These springs are said to date back to the era of the Indian Ramayana Epic that follows Prince Rama’s quest to rescue his beloved wife Sita from the clutches of Ravana. Archeological evidence also points to a greater Buddhist monastic complex in existence here, but lost to the ravages of time.
The neighbouring Mari Amman Kovil (Sivan Temple) manages these hot springs.
The temperature of each spring is slightly different and these springs are best known for their therapeutic qualities that soothes mind, body and soul with warmth. It is believed that these hot waters have medicinal properties that can cure many skin diseases including arthritis and rheumatism as well.
Each spring is enclosed by a stone wall . The bottom of each well is completed using quartz, leaving the water clear.
The best time to visit is either early in the morning or late evening as it is less crowded. The growing number of those who visit is affirmation of the remedial power of these waters.
Other locations to showcase such hot springs are in Polonnaruwa, Maduru Oya, Ampara and Hambanthota.
