Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka located in the Southern Province, about 17 km (11 mi) north-west of Galle and 98 km (61 mi) south of Colombo.

Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

හික්කඩුව
கிக்கடுவை
The beach at Hikkaduwa, photographed in July 2010
Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Coordinates: 6°8′50″N 80°6′37″E
CountrySri Lanka
ProvinceSouthern Province
DistrictGalle District
Population
 • Total101,342
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (Sri Lanka Standard Time Zone)
Postal Code
80240[1]

Etymology

The name Hikkaduwa is thought to have been derived from the two words Sip Kaduwa, with Sip (සිප්) being the shorter version of Shilpaya which refers to knowledge in Sinhalese and Kaduwa(කඩුව) which means sword. It is believed therefore that the name Hikkaduwa means sword of knowledge. Alternatively it means coral or seashell jungle.[2]

Transport

Hikkaduwa is located on the Coastal or Southern Rail Line (connecting Colombo through to Matara). It is also located on the A2 highway, connecting Colombo to Wellawaya, which runs mostly parallel to the shore, through the town.

Economy

Hikkaduwa's economy was traditionally based on fishing and coconut cultivation. This was replaced by tourism when its golden sandy beaches were discovered. It is a well-known international destination for board-surfing. The town was featured in an episode of Anthony Bourdain's television show No Reservations.

Hikkaduwa was affected by the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake along with nearby villages Telwatta, Paraliya (site of the Queen of the Sea rail disaster), Dodanduwa, Kahawa and Rathgama. In the aftermath of the tsunami, many of the families who had lost everything were given sewing machines as part of the relief operations. As a result, the town has a multitude of tailors who will custom make shirts, pants, and shorts.

Attractions
  • Hikkaduwa beach - reputed as the second best surfing spot in Sri Lanka.
  • Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary - located a few hundred metres offshore. The sanctuary has approximately seventy varieties of multi-coloured corals.

Notable people
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See also

References
  1. "Hikkaduwa Post Office - Sri Lanka Postal Codes". Mohanjith. Archived from the original on 2017-03-21. Retrieved 2015-10-19.
  2. "Jounior Observer | Sunday Observer.lk - Sri Lanka". archives.sundayobserver.lk. Retrieved 2020-06-01.
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