Hummanaya Blowhole

Hummanaya is a natural blowhole formed where the sea has eroded a 27-metre tunnel through a coastal rock shelf near Dickwella, 15km west of Tangalle. When ocean waves drive into the tunnel under pressure, the compressed water and air eject through a vent in the rock surface with a deep booming sound and a jet reaching up to 23m in height — ranked the second largest blowhole in the world by jet height. The blowhole is most active during the south-west monsoon from May to October, when large ocean swells generate the pressure required for dramatic eruptions, though significant activity is possible year-round on windy days. Viewing platforms have been built at a safe distance from the vent, and a small park surrounds the site. Do not approach the vent directly as waves can wash over the rock platform without warning.