Kanniya Hot Springs
Trincomalee, Eastern
Just outside Trincomalee, Kanniya is a walled courtyard holding seven shallow wells of naturally warm water, each at a slightly different temperature. Visitors bathe by drawing water from the wells in buckets and pouring it over themselves, a ritual that locals and pilgrims have kept for generations. The site is also a protected archaeological monument, with the remains of an early monastery and a brick stupa mound beside the wells, and it carries a strong place in local legend. It is a short, easy stop on the road between Trincomalee and the rest of the island, and works well combined with Koneswaram and Fort Frederick.
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon, when the courtyard is cooler and quieter.
Visitor tip
Bring a small towel and a change of clothes, and dress modestly. Bathing is done by bucket from the wells, so expect a short wait on busy days.
Local pick
Look past the wells to the ruined stupa mound and monastery foundations beside them, which most day visitors walk straight past.
Quick answers
Where is Kanniya Hot Springs?
Kanniya Hot Springs is in Trincomalee, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka.
When is the best time to visit Kanniya Hot Springs?
Early morning or late afternoon, when the courtyard is cooler and quieter.
How far is Kanniya Hot Springs from Colombo?
About 236 km in a straight line. Road journeys are longer, so check current travel times before you go.
What is near Kanniya Hot Springs?
Nearby places include Koneswaram Kovil (about 8 km away), Fort Frederick (about 8 km away), Nilaveli Beach (about 10 km away), Pigeon Island National Park (about 13 km away).
Add to my itineraryNearby places
- Koneswaram KovilTrincomalee
- Fort FrederickTrincomalee
- Nilaveli BeachTrincomalee
- Pigeon Island National ParkTrincomalee
More places in Eastern Province
More to see around Trincomalee: things to do in Trincomalee. Planning a trip? See the top attractions in Sri Lanka, the best time to visit and how many days you need.