Hummanaya

“the hoarse gurgling roar gathers in volume, then suddenly a pillar of water churned into a dazzling whiteness gushes out somewhere up the cliff and for the moment you stand aghast”
– R.L. Brohier, Seeing Ceylon 1965

The Hummanaya blowhole found in the Hambantota district is one of Sri Lanka’s best natural attractions. Spotted along coastal regions, a blowhole is a rare and exciting geological phenomenon that occurs when the tide fills underwater caverns with sea water. Once two powerful waves from different directions clash together, the sea water rushes through the submerged cavern and is pushed upwards, shooting the water several meters high.

The Hummanaya blowhole is the only known blowhole in Sri Lanka. Named after the “hoo” sound it makes when the water gushes up, the Hummanaya blowhole can shoot up to a height between 25-30 meters and is believed to be the second largest blowhole in the world.

Located near the small fishing town of Kudawella in the Southern Province, the Hummanaya site has been developed as a tourist attraction, adding to it a viewing platform and a minor information center on marine life. Visitors can reach the spot after a roughly 20 minute trek along the newly built shallow steps and enjoy some delicious seafood and cold drinks available for purchase at the stalls along the way.

It is an exhilarating experience for many, to see the rushing water spring up through the jagged rocks. However, capturing the moment on camera is quite hard as it takes about 10-15 minute interval for a new shoot up.



Written By: Kavisha Perera