At Keerimalai — "mongoose hill" in Tamil — a stone-walled freshwater pool sits hard against the sea, about 25 km north of Jaffna near Kankesanthurai. The spring is fed from underground, and only a wall separates the fresh pool from the salt water beyond.
Its healing reputation is ancient: the sage Nagula Muni is said to have been cured of his mongoose-like face here, and an eighth-century princess, Maruthapura Veeravalli, of her own disfigurement — in gratitude she raised the Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple nearby. There are two bathing areas: a larger open pool for men and a smaller enclosed one for women. On Aadi Amavasai the shore fills with pilgrims performing rites for their ancestors; on ordinary days it is a quiet, restorative place for a swim.
Good to know
- Bring a sarong/towel; the men's pool is open-air, the women's enclosed
- Beside Naguleswaram Kovil — one unhurried stop covers both
- Busiest at Aadi Amavasai (July–August); serene at other times
- The fresh-over-salt water curiosity makes it a favourite with kids