The Steaming Hot Water Wells of Mahaoya

Wrapped in legends of its origin and their mythical healing powers of its water the seven hot water springs of Mahaoya is a magnet to the travelers, who had been flocking to Ampara with the end of the thirty year war.

Located about 2km off Mahaoya town, the springs are said to be the hottest spring of all the hot springs in Sri Lanka. The temperature of the hottest well is about 56C .Each spring is enclosed by a stone wall to form seven individual wells, which in turn are covered by a wall to provide privacy to those who bathe. The size of each well varies. The bottom of the well is formed of quartz, sand and gravel and thus the water is clear and not muddy. The temperature of each well varies and due to its mineral composition the water is said to cure skin ailments and arthritis.The best time to visit is either early in the morning or late evening when the sun goes down as it is quiet and sounds of the night give a calming effect. A ticketing counter at the entrance issues tickets and provide the visitors with buckets for a nominal fee and the visitors would be advised to use the water sparsely so that the springs will flow for posterity. Furthermore the use of soap should be avoided in order to reduce the pollution of the spring water.

Things To Do: Bathing, sightseeing