Mahapelessa Hot Water Springs

Tanks of the Hot Water Spring.

Situated in a remote area in the Hambanthota District, Mahapelessa Hot Water Springs (also known as ‘Madunagala Hot Water Springs’ because of the Madunagala Hermitage situated close by), is a very interesting and refreshing attraction one can reach easily while travelling from Embilipitiya to Nonagama on A18 road.

The famed literary scholar cum Assistant Government Agent of Hambanthota District - Leonard Woolf (1880-1969), describes in his printed diaries how he toiled his way through the dense jungle to reach Mahapelessa hot springs after crossing the Walawe River. 'Seeing Ceylon' is another prominent source from the yesteryears which has some references to Mahapelessa Hot Springs. Written by the renowned civil servant Dr. R. L. Brohier (1892-1980), it mentions a thrilling but interesting story of elephants, coming to pass away their last breath near the hot springs!

Originally, the hot water seeping through a crack might have created a natural water hole here thousands of years ago. Now a series of tanks have been built to gradually cool off the steaming water.

Bubbling in the center tank.

According to popular belief, a number of illnesses are said to be cured simply by bathing here. Hence it has always been a sanctuary among the villagers. However, with the development done around here by the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau, this is becoming a tourist hot-spot drawing crowds from all over the country. So, be prepared for a crowded environment, specially if visiting during weekends or holidays!

According to scientific sources:
   speed of the water flow = 643 mL/s
   acidity of water = pH 7.0
   temperature = 44.0 °C

Getting There…

1. If you are coming from Embilipitiya on A18 road, turn left at the Padalangala Junction. There is a display board at the junction about the Hot Water Springs. So it is quite hard to miss the junction.
2. Travel about 7.5 km along the Padalangala-Sooriyawewa B563 road, until you meet an IOC Petrol Shed on the left side of the road. (Condition of this stretch of the road is really good.)
3. Just few meters passing the Petrol Shed, turn to the right. It is a tarred road of average condition.
4. Travel about 3.5 km along the track. When you are nearing the 3.5 km stretch you will notice the building complex of the Hot Water Springs, to the left of the road beyond a paddy field. (About 500 m away).
5. You will come to an almost T-junction where one fork would go leftwards. Turn to the left there and travel about 500 m.
6. The entrance to Hot Water Spring will be on the right and the vehicle park will be on the left.

The paved way leading to the Hot Water Springs.

Opening Hours

7.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m.

Facilities and Charges

• A vehicle park is there with ample space. A parking fee will be charged.
• To enter the Hot Water Springs premises, Rs. 5.00 is charged per person.
• There is an enclosed changing room for ladies (just an empty room without any furniture), which was in a quite unusable state!

Places to Stay

• Madunagala Holiday Bungalow (0.6 km)

Attractions Nearby

• Madunagala Eco Agro-Tourism Village (0.3 km)
• Karambagala Hermitage (3.8 km)
• Madunagala Hermitage (10.5 km)
• Ridiyagama Safari Park (1.3 km) (still under construction)