Mahaoya hot springs
Located about 2 Km away from Mahaoya town, this is known to be the hottest spring of all the hot springs on Srilanka. Ordinarily, hot water springs are associated with volcanic terrains. Even though Srilanka doesn't have any active volcanoes, these hot springs formed with either massive rocks which get heated, or the chemical compounds percolate water.
There are seven continuously steaming well maintained natural hot water springs in Maha Oya. One of them is recorded as the hottest springs in the island with 56°c, and the lowest one is about 38°c. Not all the springs here are of bathing temperature. The continuous evaporation of the water from these springs can be visualized with naked eyes, which is slightly scary and exciting at the same time. There's a belief among locals that the water of these springs has healing powers. These springs are well maintained since these are less crowded. If we wish to take a bath in the spring, the springs' guards may provide us buckets to pull water out.
A local government body takes the hot springs care, and a small levy is charged from the visitors; the caretakers of the wells who also issue parking tickets will provide pails that can be used to fetch water from these springs. Of course, it's fun having a hot water bath from nature heated hot spring. Also, there are little boutiques to buy essentials and some exciting goodies from the regional inhabitants.
