Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

හික්කඩුව
கிக்கடுவை
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 / 6.14722°N 80.11028°E
Country	Sri Lanka
Province	Southern Province
District	Galle District
Population
• Total	101,342
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (Sri Lanka Standard Time Zone)
Postal Code	80240

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.

Etymology

The name Hikkaduwa is thought to have been derived from the two words Ship Kaduwa, with Ship being the shorter version of Shilpaya which refers to knowledge in Sinhalese and Kaduwa which means sword. It is believed therefore that the name Hikkaduwa means sword of knowledge.

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 beach and night life make it a popular tourist destination. 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 (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.