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Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Hikkaduwa is a world famous travel destination & one of the small town in the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is situated 98 km away from Colombo, Sri Lanka (Ceylon). It is surrounded in contact with beautiful beaches and beautiful coral sanctuary. Hikkaduwa also hosts the best view of the evening sunset.

The name Hikkaduwa is thought to have been derived from two Sinhalese language,which are 'Sip & Kaduwa' with Sip being the shorter version of 'Shilpaya (Shell in English)' and 'Kaduwa' which means sword. It is believed that the name Hikkaduwa means 'sword of knowledge'. Alternatively, it means coral or seashell jungle.

Brief information about the Historical & Beautiful around Hikkaduwa:

· Hikkaduwa National Park – It is one of the three marine national parks in Sri Lanka. The national park contains a Fringing coral reef of higher abundance of biodiversity. The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary on May 18, 1979 and then on August 14, 1988: It was upgraded to a nature reserve with an extended land area. Finally, the reef was declared a national park on September 19, 2002. The Hikkaduwa National Park covers 101.6 hectares of the sea surface.

Hikkaduwa coral reef is a typical shallow fringing reef with an average depth of around 5M(16 ft). The coral reef reduces the coastal erosion and forms a natural breakwater. The coast of the national park extends upto 4 km. Generally the coast is narrow, ranging from 5M–50M (16ft - 164ft). In accordance to the climatic conditions of the year; Scuba diving is a popular recreation here.

This national park is situated in the wet zone and receives a 2,000 MM of annual rainfall. The rain is received in both southwestern and northeastern monsoon seasons which is a dry period and is known to be considered as the best season to visit the park. The temperature of the water ranges from 27.0°C - 30.0 °C while the mean annual temperature is 27 °C of the atmosphere.

Foliaceous Montipora species dominate the coral reef. Encrusting and branching species are also present here. Faviidae and Poritidae corals are contained in the inshore areas of the reef in massive colonies. Staghorn, Elkhorn, Cabbage, Brain, table and star corals are all present in the reef. Corals of 60 species belonging to 31 genera are recorded from the reef. The reef also recorded over 170 species of reef fish belonging to 76 genera.

Seagrass & marine algae belonging to genera Halimeda & Caulerpa are common in the seabed depth ranging from 5M–10M (16ft - 32ft). Seagrasses provide habitat to dugongs & Sea turtles. Some species of prawns feed on the seagrass. Eight species of ornamental fishes also inhabit the reef along with many vertebrates & invertebrates including Crabs, Prawns, Shrimps, Oysters & Sea Worms. 'Porites desilveri' is an endemic coral species of Sri Lanka. 'Chlorurus rhakoura' and 'Pomacentrus proteus' are two reef fish species confined to Sri Lanka. Blackip reef shark are found along the outer slope of the reef. Three sea turtles; Though being categorized threatened visit the coral reef that are “The Hawksbill Turtle, Green Turtle & Olive Ridley.”

· Community Tsunami Education Center & Museum – It is the original museum with both educational purpose and lots of photographs of 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami run by the government. Whole wall is dedicated to a train disaster that happened in Peraliya and had cost 1500 lives. Infact, some of the photos are not for sensitive people.

· Seenigama Devalaya (Seenigama Shrine) - The Seenigama Devalaya is dedicated to the Devol Deviyo, or we can say “God Devol” which is a popular destination for people coming from all parts of the country to make offerings at the shrine. The Devol is believed as a Sri Lankan local God.

· Thotagamuwa Ancient Rathpath Rajamaha Viharaya - This temple is situated in the Galle district which has been identified with the ancient Vijeyaba Pirivena at Totagamuva being one of the foremost institutions of learning in the 5th century in Sri Lanka.

Climate:

The Hikkaduwa lies at 03M (10Ft) above sea level. This city has a tropical climate. The rainfall in Hikkaduwa is significant with precipitation even during the driest month. The average annual temperature is 26.7 °C (80.0 °F) in Hikkaduwa. The temperatures are highest on average in April by around 29.°C ( 84.2°F). At 25.0 °C (77°F) on average, January is the coldest month of the year. Precipitation here is about 2862 mm per year.

How To Reach Hikkaduwa:

Ø By Train:

Hikkaduwa train station is situated on the southern railway line and daily few trains are running on both ways.

Colombo to Hikkaduwa Train Time Table ( Daily):

Train No	Train Name	Available Classes	Departure Time	Arrival Time
8050		2nd & 3rd	6.50am	9.00am
8086	Rajarata Rejini Express	2nd & 3rd	10.30am	12.30pm
8056	Galu Kumari Express	2nd & 3rd	2.40pm	4.30pm
8054	Dakshina Intercity Express	1st, 2nd & 3rd	3.10pm	4.45pm
8058	Ruhunu Kumari Express	2nd & 3rd	3.50pm	5.20pm
8775	Night Mail	2nd & 3rd	7.30pm	10.30pm

Hikkaduwa to Colombo Train Time Table:

Train No	Train Name	Available Classes	Departure Time	Arrival Time
8055	Dakshina Intercity Express	1st, 2nd & 3rd	3.45am	5.30am
8059	Ruhunu Kumari Express	2nd & 3rd	7.10am	8.50am
8085	Rajarata Rejini Express	2nd & 3rd	10.40am	12.45pm
8039		2nd & 3rd	3.00pm	5.10pm
8051		2nd & 3rd	3.50pm	6.10pm

*Please note five more trains run on weekdays. Those are not running on weekends & Sri Lankan holidays*

Ø By Road:

To reach Hikkaduwa you can use Two roads;

One is Colombo Galle (A02) Road. This road is going through the seashore. It takes approximately 2 hours & 30 minutes to reach Hikkadu from Colombo using this road.

The second and fastest Road is a Southern Expressway (E01). To reach Hikkaduwa you have to take Baddegama Exit and then take Hikkaduwa - Nihena (B153) road. This road takes approximately 1hour and 30 minutes.

Things To Do In Hikkaduwa:

Ø Snorkeling - Snorkeling is one of the famous activity in Hikkaduwa. If you have good confidence and if you are trained well for diving then precisely Hikkaduwa is one of the best place for diving. You can see the best view of the Hikkaduwa Coral reef while Snorkeling and it will be great experience even for once in your life.

Ø Madu Ganga River Safari - The Madu Ganga is an attraction rich in a variety of mangrove wetlands nearby Balapitiya town. It takes approximately two hours to complete the Madu Ganga river safari including visiting the two islets and having a fish massage therapy during your safari. As you cruise through the mangroves: You can see wildlife, particularly birds, monkeys, and crocodiles. This would be an amazing experience with your tour in journey here.

Ø Sea Water Bath - Hikkaduwa beach is also one of the safest place to take see water bath in Sri Lanka. If you are a beach lover, you can enjoy good quality time in Hikkaduwa beach.

Ø Taste Sea Food - If you are a Seafood lover then Hikkaduwa might be a heaven for you. Seafood is a delicacy here for obvious reasons. Fried cuttlefish, prawns curry & variety of fishes Cuisines can tempt your taste buds.

Ø Beach Party in Hikkaduwa - Hikkaduwa is the best place for beach parties. If you are a party lover Hikkaduwa would be the one best place for that.

Places To See In Hikkaduwa:

· Ambalangoda Beach

· Ariyapala Masks Museum

· Community Tsunami Education Center & Museum

· Hikkaduwa Beach

· Hikkaduwa National Park

· Madu Ganga (Madu River)

· Narigama Beach

· Oruwella Beach

· Sea Turtle Hatchery Center in Hikkaduwa

· Seenigama Devalaya (Seenigama Shrine)

· Sri Vijayarama Purana Viharaya Ambalangoda