Quick answer
The Hummanaya blowhole is a natural blowhole at Kudawella, about 6 kilometres west of Tangalle and 10 kilometres east of Dikwella, where waves forced into a rock fissure shoot spray up to roughly 25 to 30 metres in big swell. It is often described as one of the largest blowholes in the world. The blowhole is most powerful in the May to September south-west monsoon and at high tide. A short walk with steps leads from the car park to a viewing area, and a small entry fee applies.
Key takeaways
- The Hummanaya blowhole lies at Kudawella, roughly 6 kilometres west of Tangalle and 10 kilometres east of Dikwella.
- In big swell, spray can rise roughly 25 to 30 metres, with a deep boom audible from the path.
- The blowhole is most active from roughly May to September, during the south-west monsoon, and at high tide.
- From December to April, when the sea is calm, eruptions are smaller and less frequent.
- The walk from the car park to the viewing area takes 10 to 15 minutes, with steps and a small entry fee.
What the Hummanaya blowhole is
The Hummanaya blowhole is a fissure in the rocky headland at Kudawella, where incoming waves are funnelled into an underwater cavity and forced upwards through a narrow opening. The result is a sudden column of spray, often with a loud boom, and a mist that drifts over the rocks.
The name Hummanaya comes from the Sinhala for the sound the blowhole makes, a low "hoo" as the air and water burst out. It is often described as one of the largest blowholes in the world, and on the right day it lives up to the claim.
The headland around it is part of Kudawella, a working fishing village. Boats, nets and racks of drying fish line the route, and the walk to the viewpoint passes through village life as well as rock and sea.
When the blowhole performs
The Hummanaya blowhole depends entirely on the sea. It is most powerful during the south-west monsoon, roughly May to September, when big swell drives water into the cavity and eruptions can reach 25 to 30 metres. High tide strengthens the effect further.
From December to April, the south coast's calm season, the blowhole is quieter, with smaller and less frequent spouts. It is still worth a visit if you are nearby, but expect to wait between eruptions and check the tide times before going.
- →Best season: roughly May to September.
- →Best tide: around high tide.
- →Calm season: smaller spouts, longer waits, still worth a short stop.
Getting there and the walk
The Hummanaya blowhole is at Kudawella, about 1.5 kilometres off the main coast road between Dikwella and Tangalle. From Tangalle it takes about 15 minutes by car or tuk-tuk, and from Mirissa about 45 minutes. A small car park sits at the top of the headland.
From the car park, a path and steps lead down through the village to the viewing area, taking 10 to 15 minutes. The return is uphill and hot, so carry water. A small entry fee applies for foreign visitors.
- →From Tangalle: about 15 minutes.
- →From Dikwella or Hiriketiya: about 15 minutes.
- →From Mirissa: about 45 minutes.
- →Walk: 10 to 15 minutes down, a little longer back up.
Staying safe on the rocks
The rocks around the Hummanaya blowhole are wet, slippery and exposed to waves, and the spray can hit with real force. Stay in the marked viewing area, behind any railings, and do not climb down towards the opening for a better photograph.
In the monsoon months, rogue waves can wash over lower rocks without warning. Keep children close, wear shoes with grip, and protect cameras and phones from the spray. The mist can carry far, so expect to get damp.
- →Stay behind railings and in the viewing area.
- →Wear shoes with grip, not flip-flops.
- →Keep cameras in a waterproof bag between shots.
Fitting the blowhole into a south coast day
The Hummanaya blowhole pairs naturally with Wewurukannala Vihara at Dikwella, about 15 minutes west, and with a swim or lunch at Hiriketiya or Tangalle. Mulkirigala rock temple, north of Tangalle, makes a fuller day of it.
Lankan Stays & Trails often times a blowhole stop for high tide on drives between Mirissa and Tangalle. In the monsoon months it becomes one of the highlights of the coast, at a time when the beaches are less inviting.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Hummanaya blowhole?
The Hummanaya blowhole is at Kudawella, a fishing village on Sri Lanka's south coast about 6 kilometres west of Tangalle and 10 kilometres east of Dikwella. It is roughly 1.5 kilometres off the main coast road, with a car park on the headland.
When is the best time to see the Hummanaya blowhole?
The blowhole is most impressive from roughly May to September, during the south-west monsoon, when big swell drives eruptions up to 25 to 30 metres. High tide strengthens it further. From December to April, spouts are smaller and less frequent.
How high does the Hummanaya blowhole go?
In strong swell, spray can rise roughly 25 to 30 metres, with a booming sound. On calm days in the December to April season, eruptions may be only a few metres and come at longer intervals.
Is there an entrance fee for the Hummanaya blowhole?
Yes, there is usually a small fee for foreign visitors, a few US dollars, paid near the top of the path. Fees change, so confirm locally. Parking is close to the start of the walk.
Is the Hummanaya blowhole safe to visit?
Yes, if you stay in the viewing area and behind railings. The rocks are slippery and exposed to waves, especially in the monsoon. Do not climb towards the opening, keep children close and wear shoes with grip.
How long do you need at the Hummanaya blowhole?
Allow 45 minutes to an hour, including the 10 to 15 minute walk each way and time to watch several eruptions. In the calm season you may need to wait longer between spouts.
Is the Hummanaya blowhole worth visiting in the dry season?
It can be, if you are nearby. From December to April the blowhole is quieter, with smaller and less frequent spouts, but the headland and fishing village are still interesting. Check tide times and visit around high tide for the best chance of a good show.