SIX HOT WATER SPRINGS ARE DISCOVERED IN POLONNARUW
Sri Lanka government reports said about ten natural hot water springs have been discovered in a scenic area close to the foothills of Dimbulagala hills in Plonnaruwa district.
Dr. S.D.Dharmagunawardena, a geologist who conducted experiments at the hot springs said, “the hottest spring in the area has water heated to about 61 degrees Celsius.” He said the heat is a remarkable one for a hot water spring.
The spring also close to Nelum Wewa irrigation tank, is surrounded by a scenic view in its back drop, making it a suitable place to develop as a tourist attraction, he said.
A hot spring is the emergence of hot water from the interior of earth. The hot water derives from the crust of the earth when ground water is heated geo-thermally, heat from the interior of the earth.
“The rate of temperature increase with depth is known as the geothermal gradient. If water percolates deeply enough into the crust, it will be heated as it comes into contact with hot rocks. The water from hot springs in non-volcanic areas is heated in this manner.”
Hot water springs are also believed to contain medicinal qualities, according to some believers, as the water contains certain minerals from the interior of the earth.
The researchers on the Polonnaruwa hot water springs said that these springs could be developed for public consumption, as bathing facilities.
Such springs also have been developed elsewhere for power generation. Around the hot water spring close to to Nelum Wewa, six other springs also have been discovered, sources said.
Year and Month : December, 2009
Number of Days : 1/2 Day from Polonnaruwa
Crew : 4 (between 25-45 years of age)
Accommodation : Polonnaruwa.
Transport : By ordinary vehicle. Public transport is also available from Polonnaruwa (Kaduruwela bus stand)
Activities : Photography, Hot water bathing, Scenic view of Nelumwewa, Birds watching
Weather : Sunny, clear sky
Route: Colombo - Kurunegala - Polonnaruwa - Sevanapitiya - Nelumwewa.
Relevant maps : 1:50000 maps of Aralaganvila (44) and Vakaneri (38)
The Nelumwewa hot spring has the highest recorded temperature among the hot springs in Sri Lanka. The temperature is 62 C and the main difference from the other hot springs is that it is located inside a “wewa”. The place can be approached within one hour from Polonnaruwa town. There is no point of going from Colombo just only to see the hot springs, but it can be included in your trip to Polonnaruwa sacred city or in a trip to the eastern coast (Pasikuda) through Polonnaruwa.
Both Nelumwewa and Galwewa are two joined small tanks used to store water for the paddy fields. We traveled about 1.5 kms around Galwewa on the bunt and crossed a bridge which separates 2 tanks. (Left side Nelumwewa and right side Galwewa). After going about 300 meters from the bridge we took the left hand turn to a gravel road and went for another 200 meters until we reach the Galwewa. Sorowwa of Galwewa was also seen before the bridge.
