Jaffna
Tamil culture, island causeways and a different Sri Lanka
Jaffna feels like another country: Tamil-speaking, Hindu, flat, hot and dotted with palmyra palms rather than coconut. The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is one of the great temples of South Asia and its August festival is extraordinary.
The Dutch fort by the lagoon is slowly being restored, the public library stands as a symbol of the city's recovery, and the food — crab curry, dosa, palmyra toddy — is unlike anything in the south. Beyond the city, causeways run out to Kayts, Karainagar and Delft, an island of wild ponies, coral walls and a baobab tree.
Highlights of Jaffna
- Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
- Jaffna Fort
- Casuarina Beach
- Nagadeepa Temple & Delft Island
- Keerimalai Hot Springs
Things to do
- One of the most famous Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, known for its golden architecture, spiritual atmosphere, and cultural importance
- A historic fort built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch, offering beautiful views and colonial history
- One of the best beaches in Northern Sri Lanka, famous for calm waters, white sand, and peaceful surroundings
- Popular island destinations offering spiritual sites, unique landscapes, wild horses, and local island culture
- Natural mineral water springs believed to have healing properties and located near the northern coastline
Build a trip around Jaffna
Tell us roughly when you are coming and how long you have. We will put Jaffna into a private itinerary with your own vehicle and chauffeur guide, and send back a firm price.