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Jan 1, 2024 · Culturally diverse, a little offbeat, and full of intrigue, Jaffna is a must-see on any Sri Lankan itinerary. From its troubled history to current safety advice, how to visit respectfully and where to eat, these are the things to know before you visit Jaffna. UPDATED - JANUARY 2024.
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- EXPLORE THE ANCIENT JAFFNA FORT. If we’re being honest, we’ll admit that we didn’t find Jaffna Fort as beautiful as its insta-famous southern counterpart, Galle Fort.
- ADMIRE THE COLOURFUL AND ANCIENT NALLUR KANDISWAMY HINDU TEMPLE. Absolutely stunning; that's the only way we can describe the incredible Nallur Kandiswamy, a Hindu temple dedicated to Skanda/Murugan – the god of love, war and beauty.
- EMBRACE LOCAL LIFE AT JAFFNA MARKETS. Visiting the local market of Thirunelveli was hands down our favourite thing to do in Jaffna. We arrived at 7am to find the markets already thriving; a swirling cacophony of smells, colours and shouting that can only be found in a truly authentic local market.
- EXPLORE JAFFNA’S OUTER ISLAND, INCLUDING DELFT ISLAND. Long, arduous, yet definitely satisfying - our day-trip to Delft Island (Neduntheevu in Tamil, or Neduntivu in Sinhala) was certainly unique, and one of our favourite things to do in Jaffna.
- Jaffna: Overview
- Jaffna and The Civil War
- Best Time to Visit Jaffna
- Places to Visit in Jaffna
- Things to Do in Jaffna
- The Best Restaurants in Jaffna
- How to Get Around Jaffna
Jaffna is distinctly different from the rest of Sri Lanka. Geographically closer to India than to Colombo, the Southern Indian influence in the north is strong. Culturally, North Sri Lanka has long been home to Sri Lanka’s Tamil population – contrasted with the strong Sinhalese presence in the rest of the country. These differences are easily seen ...
Jaffna was the epicentre of Sri Lanka’s long and brutal civil war.From 1983 to 2009, the entire north of Sri Lanka was engulfed in the civil war between the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan army – the ending of which was nothing short of apocalyptic and devastating for the northern inhabitants. You’ll see the scars of this terrible conflict all thro...
Be prepared: it’s hot in north Sri Lanka. Seriously hot. The best time to visit Jaffna is between December and March.This is when temperatures will be at their mildest. Outside of this window, you’ll be facing 30C +, plus humidity. We visited in April, and hot damn, was it warm. We lived in the Australian Outbackfor 2.5 years and we still found Jaf...
Besides just hanging out and enjoying the wonderful, laid-back vibes of north Sri Lanka, there are a wealth of places to visit in Jaffna that could keep you busy for days. Read: 14 Awesome Things to Do in Sri Lanka
In addition to all the wonderful places to visit in Jaffna, there are a ton of fun things to do in Jaffa. Trust us, you will not be bored in Jaffna!
The food in Jaffna is hands down, the best in the entire country. Think Indian-influenced flavours and lots of delicious treats like dosas, uttapam and lassis. Eating all the delicious food is one of the best things to do in Jaffna and you could easily spend a week here eating your heart out!
While Jaffna is not a large city, it is somewhat spread out and having your own set of wheels (either in the form of a scooter or bicycle), will make it much more pleasant to get around. Considering all the things to do in Jaffna and where they’re located, your own transportation will make things much easier. When you factor in tuk-tuk costs, it’ll...
- Jaffna Fort: Exploring History. Jaffna Fort is one of the city’s most important historical sites. It’s located on the shores of Jaffna Lagoon, next to Pannai Bridge – one of the main gateways to the islands.
- Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil: A Spiritual Journey. Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is the most important Hindu temple in Jaffna and one of the most sacred in all of Sri Lanka.
- Jaffna Public Library: A Literary Haven. Jaffna Public Library is another must-see destination in Jaffna. It’s an emblem of the city’s intellectual heritage and the literary tradition of Sri Lanka’s Tamil people.
- Casuarina Beach: Serene Coastal Beauty. Casuarina Beach is one of Jaffna’s hidden gems and possibly the best beach near Jaffna. It’s a tranquil retreat with soft white sand and clear waters, framed by the whispering casuarina trees that give the beach its name.
Jan 17, 2019 · Northern Sri Lanka: 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Jaffna. For almost 30-years, Jaffna had been cut off from outside world due to one of the longest running civil war in Asia. Some people might question the sanity of visiting a former war zone that is still hard at work rebuilding itself.
Oct 18, 2023 · Still, for those curious enough to explore off the beaten track in Sri Lanka, I highly recommend a visit to Jaffna. It might seem quite a long trip north, but you’ll be surprised to find warm and welcoming people, some of the best food in the country and stunning, untouched beaches.
Jul 24, 2024 · 11. Keerimalai Hot Springs. 12. Naguleswaram Temple. 13. Dambakola Patuna. 14. Delft Island. FAQs: Best Places to Visit in Jaffna. 1. Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. This Hindu temple is a spiritual centerpiece of Jaffna and one of the famous landmarks of Sri Lanka.