Discover Jaffna
Jaffna, in Sri Lanka’s far north, has a distinct character shaped by its Tamil heritage, its long history and the flat, palmyra-dotted landscapes of the peninsula. The golden façade of the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil dominates the city, and its daily rituals, with drums, bells and oil lamps, are unforgettable for respectful visitors.
A day in Jaffna is full of colour and flavour. You might begin at Nallur for a morning puja, then explore the star-shaped Dutch fort, the rebuilt Jaffna Public Library and the busy central market, piled high with mangoes, chillies and palmyra sweets. Lunch is a chance to taste the north’s famously spicy cuisine, from crab curry to string hoppers, often finished with ice cream from a local favourite.
Causeways and short ferry rides lead to quiet islands. Nainativu is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, with the Nagapooshani Amman Kovil and the Nagadeepa Vihara, while remote Delft is known for its wild ponies, coral-stone walls and ancient baobab. On the mainland, the sea-fed springs of Keerimalai, the lighthouse at Point Pedro and the shallow water of Casuarina Beach all make lovely excursions.
Jaffna rewards those who travel beyond the usual circuit. It fits well after Anuradhapura, or as a cultural extension for guests returning to Sri Lanka who wish to see a different side of the island.
Highlights
- Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
- Jaffna Fort and colonial heritage
- Island excursions to Nainativu and Delft
- Distinctive northern Tamil cuisine
- Keerimalai springs and Casuarina Beach
Planning your visit
Best time to visit
The north is generally driest from around January to September, though it can be very hot from April to August. The north-east monsoon brings most of the rain from around October to December, and the Nallur festival usually falls around July or August.
How to get there
Jaffna is roughly six to seven hours by road from Colombo and around three hours from Anuradhapura. Trains run from Colombo in roughly six to seven hours, and domestic flights operate at times; we check current options when planning.
Suggested duration
2 nights
Who it suits
Culture lovers, food enthusiasts and returning visitors who want to see a different Sri Lanka will find Jaffna fascinating and warmly hospitable.
