Mahawa – A Gateway Town Rich in Heritage and Connectivity
Nestled in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, Mahawa (also spelled Maho) is a peaceful yet strategically important town in the Kurunegala District. Known for its railway junction that connects the Northern and Main Lines, Mahawa has become a vital transit hub for travelers and goods moving across the island. This has not only boosted local commerce but also made Mahawa a central point for exploring nearby cultural and natural attractions. Despite its modest size, the town holds significant economic and historical relevance. Agriculture remains the backbone of Mahawa’s economy, with paddy, coconut, and vegetable cultivation flourishing due to fertile soil and favorable weather. Small-scale industries, retail businesses, and transport services further contribute to its livelihood.
Mahawa also serves as a gateway to several important religious and archaeological sites. Notably, the nearby Yapahuwa Rock Fortress — a 13th-century citadel built on a steep rock outcrop — attracts historians and tourists alike with its ancient staircases, stone carvings, and panoramic views. The town’s population is a harmonious blend of Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities, reflecting Sri Lanka’s multicultural identity. Local life revolves around vibrant weekly markets, schools, religious temples, and public events that bind the community together.
With improving infrastructure, Mahawa is gradually evolving while maintaining its rural charm. The railway station remains one of the busiest junctions in the country, enabling quick access to destinations like Anuradhapura, Colombo, and Kandy. The town’s peaceful atmosphere, coupled with its central location and cultural depth, makes it an ideal resting point for travelers and an attractive spot for future investment and development. Mahawa is more than just a stop on the map—it’s a community rooted in tradition and growing with promise.
総人口
61,031
GNディビジョン
68
🚉 Why is Mahawa – Sri Lanka Special?
Mahawa, also known as Maho, is a key town in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka, celebrated for its railway junction, agricultural roots, and its role as a connector between the Northern and Main Railway Lines. Its strategic location has made it a central hub for travelers and trade across the country.
🌾 文化と歴史の遺産
The town reflects a blend of cultural depth and historical significance, especially with nearby sites like Yapahuwa Rock Fortress that showcase medieval Sri Lankan heritage.
🚂 交通ゲートウェイ
Mahawa serves as a vital railway intersection linking Colombo with Anuradhapura, Jaffna, and beyond. Its accessibility by both road and rail makes it an important transit point.
🌱 農業ライフライン
Surrounded by fertile farmland, Mahawa thrives on paddy, coconut, and vegetable cultivation. Local irrigation systems sustain its economy and support rural livelihoods.
🤝 多様でフレンドリーなコミュニティ
The residents of Mahawa represent a vibrant mix of cultures, united by hospitality and tradition. The town values community cohesion and mutual respect.
🏥 成長するインフラ
With ongoing development in education, healthcare, and digital connectivity, Mahawa is evolving into a balanced town that embraces both progress and its rural character.
📍 GN Code List – Mahawa Divisional Secretariat
| GNコード | 英語名 |
|---|---|
| 005 | Kohombakadawala |
| 010 | イハラガマ |
| 015 | パハラガマ |
| 020 | モラガスウェワ |
| 025 | クーンウェワ |
| 030 | Yaddigama |
| 035 | バムヌガマ |
| 040 | キリメティヤワ |
| 045 | Bakmeegahawatta |
| 050 | Karuwalagahawatta |
| 055 | Makaduwawa |
| 060 | Tumbullegama |
| 065 | Hithokadawala |
| 070 | Tambare |
| 075 | Liyanagama |
| 080 | Uduweriya |
| 085 | マニンガムワ |
| 090 | イパロガマ |
| 095 | タミタガマ |
| 100 | Daladagama |
| 105 | Ullalapola |
| 110 | Atawarala |
| 115 | ディガナ |
| 120 | Moonamalegama |
| 125 | Madurugama |
| 130 | Mahawa West |
| 135 | Mahawa East |
| 140 | Nettipalagama |
| 145 | ディウレワ |
| 150 | Pailigama |
| 155 | Kattambuwawa |
| 160 | Deheneggama |
| 165 | Karambe |
| 170 | Kandubadagama |
| 175 | Embogama |
| 180 | Thalambuwa |
| 185 | クンブクウェワ |
| 190 | Kakunawa |
| 195 | Rekogama |
| 200 | Imbulgodayagama |
| 205 | Vilawa |
| 210 | クンブクウェワ |
| 215 | クーンウェワ |
| 220 | Heenuggala |
| 225 | クンブクウェワ |
| 230 | Balalla |
| 235 | Pahala Balalla |
| 240 | Thisnampalagama |
| 245 | Heenkwewa |
| 250 | ガレワ |
| 255 | Galewewa |
| 260 | Kadambawa |
| 265 | Metiyaggama |
| 270 | メダガマ |
| 275 | Gala Ambagaswewa |
| 280 | ラスメール |
| 285 | Dampitigama |
| 290 | Nagollagama |
| 295 | Thalagalla |
| 300 | パンウェワ |
| 305 | Balagollagama |
| 310 | アンバガスウェワ |
| 315 | Gajaneggama |
| 320 | ポトゥウェワ |
| 325 | Katuwannawa |
| 330 | ワルパルワ |
| 335 | パルガスウェワ |
| 340 | Mirihanpitigama |
Population Growth in Mahawa (2012–2024)
| 年 | 推定人口 |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 57,485 |
| 2013 | 57,772 |
| 2014 | 58,061 |
| 2015 | 58,351 |
| 2016 | 58,643 |
| 2017 | 58,936 |
| 2018 | 59,231 |
| 2019 | 59,527 |
| 2020 | 59,825 |
| 2021 | 60,124 |
| 2022 | 60,425 |
| 2023 | 60,727 |
| 2024 | 61,031 |
📞 Mahawa Emergency Contacts
| サービス | 連絡先番号 |
|---|---|
| 🚓 Mahawa Police Station | 0372 275 222 |
| 🏥 Mahawa Base Hospital | 0372 275 261 |
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Mahawa, Sri Lanka
Mahawa, located in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka, enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year, making it a welcoming destination for agricultural tourism, local festivals, and peaceful countryside experiences.
☀️ 理想的な月
The best time to visit Mahawa is during the 乾季 から 1月から4月 と 7月から9月, when the weather is warm and sunny with minimal rainfall — ideal for exploring rural life, cultural sites, and nearby attractions like Yapahuwa Rock Fortress.
🌧️ 雨季
の 南西モンスーン（5月～6月） と 第2インターモンスーン（10月～11月） bring occasional heavy rain. However, these months also highlight Mahawa’s green landscapes and vibrant paddy fields, perfect for eco-tourism enthusiasts.
🎉 地元のお祭り
訪問者は地元の仏教の祭りを楽しむことができます。 ウェーサク祭（5月） と ポソン（6月）は、町や寺院で提灯や行列、宗教行事などを行います。
🧳 旅行のヒント
– 乾燥した時期には軽い綿の衣類を着用し、日焼け止めを持参してください。
– 5月から11月の間に訪れる場合は、傘またはレインコートをご持参ください。
– 地域を移動するには、地元のバスまたはトゥクトゥクをご利用ください。
– 早朝と夕方遅くは気温が下がるため、観光に最適です。
📌 要約
素晴らしい天気をお探しなら、 1月～4月 また 7月～9月文化に浸り、緑豊かな美しさを満喫するには、モンスーンシーズンの訪問も検討してください。
🚍 How to Reach Mahawa
Mahawa, located in Sri Lanka’s Kurunegala District, is a central town known for its railway junction, agriculture, and historical relevance. Whether you're traveling from Kurunegala, Colombo, or nearby towns like Padeniya or Maho, the road and rail connections are smooth and reliable. Use the route table below to explore distances and directions.
| 市 | 距離 | 推定所要時間 | ルート情報 |
|---|---|---|---|
| クルネーガラ | 47キロ | 1～1.5時間 | |
| コロンボ | 137キロ | 3.5～4時間 | |
| アヌラーダプラ | 65キロ | 1.5～2時間 | |
| パデニヤ | 12キロ | 15～20分 | |
| まほ | 2キロ | 5分 |
📍 インタラクティブルートマップ
📍 Geographical Overview of Mahawa
Mahawa is a key town located in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province. Geographically, it lies at the intersection of the dry and intermediate climatic zones, giving it a diverse environmental character. It is positioned approximately 137 km northeast of Colombo and 47 km from Kurunegala, serving as a crucial junction between the country’s Northern and North Western regions.
🌍 場所とアクセシビリティ
Mahawa is well-connected by both road and rail. The town lies along the A28 highway and is also home to the important Mahawa Railway Junction, which connects the Northern Line and Main Line railway networks. Its coordinates are approximately 7.7775° N latitude and 80.2436° E longitude.
🌦️ 気候
Mahawa experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The average annual temperature ranges from 26°C to 32°C, and the area receives rainfall primarily during the Southwest Monsoon (May–June) and the Second Inter-monsoon period (October–November).
🏞️ 身体的特徴
The landscape is primarily flat with gently rolling terrain and scattered rocky outcrops. It is surrounded by paddy fields, coconut plantations, and small forest patches. The Deduru Oya river basin and irrigation canals provide essential water sources for agriculture.
🌾 土地利用と環境
The land around Mahawa is predominantly used for agriculture — especially paddy, coconut, and vegetables. The region has seen moderate urban growth, but still retains much of its rural charm. Water management is supported by local tanks (wewas), which also serve as small-scale ecosystems for birds and aquatic life.
🏘️ 周辺地域
Nearby towns include Padeniya, Maho, Wariyapola, Galgamuwa, and Thambuttegama. These towns contribute to Mahawa’s connectivity and economic links, making it a vibrant hub in the region.
💼 地域経済と農業 – マハワ
Mahawa’s economy is predominantly driven by agriculture, small-scale trade, and transportation services. Positioned as a rural hub in the Kurunegala District, the town supports a mix of traditional livelihoods and emerging commercial activities. The town's central railway junction further supports trade and mobility of goods across regional markets.
🌾 農業活動
Agriculture is the backbone of Mahawa’s local economy. The region is well known for its extensive paddy cultivation, thanks to the fertile plains and irrigation support from local tanks like Deduru Oya and small village reservoirs (wewas). In addition to paddy, other widely cultivated crops include:
- ココナッツ
- 唐辛子
- 玉ねぎ
- 野菜（ナス、オクラ、カボチャなど）
- バナナやパパイヤなどの果物
🚜 灌漑と水管理
Mahawa benefits from a network of traditional irrigation tanks and canals. These systems have been in use for centuries and support both paddy and upland farming. Community-led irrigation committees help maintain wewas and seasonal water allocation.
🏪 地元の貿易と市場
Weekly markets (pola) are common in Mahawa, attracting farmers and small traders from surrounding villages. These markets offer fresh produce, household goods, and livestock. Small-scale retail shops, hardware stores, and cooperative societies also contribute to local commerce.
🚌 交通機関とサービス
Due to the Mahawa Railway Junction, the town has become a key transit point for both goods and passengers. Transport-related businesses, bus operators, tuk-tuk services, and logistics providers benefit from this accessibility.
👩🌾 雇用と生計
Most of Mahawa’s population is engaged in farming, trading, construction, and public services. Youth employment is gradually shifting toward self-employment, agri-business, and transportation-based jobs.
📈 経済発展の可能性
With its location, transport links, and strong agricultural base, Mahawa has high potential for agro-processing, cooperative farming, and rural tourism initiatives. Support from government schemes and private sector investment could further enhance the town’s economic resilience.
🎓 Education and Public Facilities – Mahawa
Mahawa offers a well-balanced blend of education, healthcare, public services, and civic infrastructure that supports the daily needs and long-term growth of its residents. While rooted in a rural setting, the town is continuously developing its public sector to meet modern standards.
🏫 教育機関
Mahawa is home to several primary and secondary schools that serve children from both the town and surrounding villages. These institutions are supported by the Zonal Education Office and provide education in Sinhala and Tamil mediums.
- Mahawa Central College (National School)
- ヘッティポラ・マハ・ヴィディヤラヤ
- ディウレワ・ヴィディヤラヤ
- タンブッテガマ工科大学 (周辺)
- Tuition centers and preschools in Mahawa town
🏥 医療施設
Mahawa Base Hospital is the primary healthcare institution offering emergency services, inpatient wards, OPD, maternity care, and laboratory facilities. There are also rural hospitals and private dispensaries in nearby areas.
- Mahawa Base Hospital
- MOH Office – Mahawa
- 個人診療所および薬局
🏛️ 政府および市民サービス
Mahawa town provides access to key administrative and public utility services that support civic operations and residents’ needs.
- Mahawa Divisional Secretariat
- グラマ・ニラダリ GN 地区のオフィス
- Mahawa Police Station
- 郵便局とサムルディ銀行
- 農業サービスセンター
📚 図書館と公共スペース
町には、学習スペースとしても機能する公共の読書施設、コミュニティ センター、宗教施設へのアクセスが確保されています。
- Mahawa Public Library
- コミュニティ学習センター（寺院ベース）
- 青少年クラブと読書室
🛣️ インフラストラクチャと接続性
Mahawa is connected by both rail and road, with paved access roads leading to schools, hospitals, and government offices. Electricity, clean water, and telecom services are available in most GN areas.
📈 進行中の開発
Projects are underway to expand digital classrooms, improve hospital equipment, and provide better connectivity in remote areas. Mahawa is steadily becoming a model for rural-urban balance in Sri Lanka.
🚆 Transportation and Accessibility – Mahawa
Mahawa is one of the most accessible rural towns in the Kurunegala District, serving as a key transport hub for both the Northern and North Western regions of Sri Lanka. Its strategic location, combined with strong rail and road infrastructure, makes it an essential connector between major cities and remote communities.
🚉鉄道輸送
Mahawa is home to the vital Mahawa Railway Junction, where the Main Line and Northern Line diverge. The station serves both local and long-distance trains, including popular services like:
- ヤル・デヴィ （コロンボ – ジャフナ）
- ウッタラ・デヴィ （コロンボ – カンケサントゥライ）
- 夜行郵便列車 （アヌラーダプラおよびそれ以降）
- 地域的に貨物を輸送する貨物列車
🚌 道路のアクセシビリティ
Mahawa is connected via the A28高速道路 which links Kurunegala to Anuradhapura, and regional roads like Padeniya–Mahawa Road and Galgamuwa Road. This allows easy vehicle access by:
- 自家用車
- SLTBと民間バス
- 地元旅行用のトゥクトゥクとバイク
📍 近くのジャンクションと交通機関
Mahawa is centrally positioned and well-linked to towns such as:
- クルネーガラ – 47 km (1.5 時間)
- アヌラーダプラ – 65 km (2 時間)
- パデニヤ – 12 km
- ガルガムワ – 22 km
- タンブッテガマ – 28 km
🚦 ローカル交通機関
現地交通機関は以下の方法でご利用いただけます:
- トゥクトゥクと三輪バイクの毎日のサービス
- 個人タクシー事業者
- バイクタクシーと相乗り
📈 今後の改善点
Proposed development plans include the upgrading of bus stands, better road surfacing, and digital boards at Mahawa Railway Station for better scheduling. These efforts aim to enhance the town’s regional transport significance and improve commuter experience.
🌱 Emerging Rural Enterprises – Mahawa
Mahawa is witnessing a steady rise in rural entrepreneurship driven by local talent, agricultural innovation, and support from government and NGO-led development programs. These emerging enterprises contribute to job creation, economic diversification, and community empowerment in the region.
🏡 農村企業の種類
A wide range of small and micro-scale enterprises are gaining traction in and around Mahawa:
- 農業関連事業（有機野菜、精米所、スパイス加工）
- 酪農場と養鶏事業
- 手織りと工芸品の生産
- 植物苗床と花卉栽培
- コイヤー製品製造（マット、ブラシ）
- 食品加工（チリパウダー、ドライフルーツ、スナック菓子）
- オートバイ修理と田舎の機械工場
👩🔧 女性と若者主導の取り組み
Women in Mahawa have launched home-based businesses such as:
- 仕立てと縫製サービス
- ベーカリー製品と食品の配達
- 美容院とブライダルドレス
- ソーシャルメディアを活用したオンライン衣料品再販業者
若者は携帯電話の修理、グラフィックデザイン、フリーランスのITなどの技術サービスにも参入しています。
💼 支援団体・施設
Several institutions are working to empower rural enterprises in Mahawa:
- Divisional Secretariat – Mahawa (Small Enterprise Support Programmes)
- 地域商工会議所および協同組合
- サムルディ銀行と農村マイクロファイナンス提供者
- 職業訓練センターとNVQ認定プログラム
🚀 開発の機会
Mahawa has strong potential for enterprise expansion in:
- アグロツーリズムとエコロッジ
- 輸出向けスパイス・ハーブ製品の包装
- ICTベースの農村フリーランスハブ
- ビジネスインキュベーションセンターとB2Bマーケットプレイス
📈 今後の展望
With improved digital infrastructure, government grants, and rising youth interest, Mahawa is on a promising path to becoming a vibrant hub for rural innovation and entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.
📸 Why Visit or Invest in Mahawa
マハワ, located in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka, is a rising rural town that blends agriculture, transportation access, and enterprise—offering peaceful escapes for visitors and high-potential ventures for investors.
- 🚉 戦略的な立地: Positioned at the Mahawa Railway Junction with direct links to Colombo, Anuradhapura, and Jaffna—perfect for trade, travel, and logistics.
- 🏞️ 自然と文化の美しさ: Surrounded by rice fields, irrigation tanks, and close to historic sites like Yapahuwa Rock Fortress.
- 🌾 農業とアグリビジネス： 米、ココナッツ、野菜、スパイスの拠点であり、農業関連の投資や協同組合に最適です。
- 🛤️ 農村観光の可能性: 毎週開催される市場（ポラ）、環境に優しい農場での滞在、スピリチュアルな寺院、村のツアーなどが、地元や海外からの観光客を惹きつけています。
田舎への旅行を計画している場合でも、成長の機会を探している場合でも、 マハワ 魅力、アクセスの良さ、経済的な将来性が融合したユニークな空間です。