Things to do in Jaffna

How to get to Jaffna

The train, which goes through the heart of Sri Lanka via Anuradhapura, is unquestionably the shortest and most scenic route to get from Colombo to Jaffna.

The Colombo Fort to Jaffna train runs five times a day, with the first train leaving at 05:45 a.m. and the last train leaving at 20:30 p.m. The busiest portion is between Anuradhapura and Colombo, and it takes around 7- 8 hours. Second class would cost 600 rupees per person, while third class will cost 350 rupees per person. This may change depending on the country’s economic position. 0545, 0635, 0940, 1150, and 2030 are the departure times from Colombo Fort. The best time to visit is between January and March, when there is little rain and temperatures are moderate. If at all possible, avoid April, when the average temperature is nearly 34 degrees.

Jaffna is located on the island’s northernmost tip, on a flat, dry peninsula. It is connected to the rest of the country by road and railway, and serves as a trading centre for agricultural products from the peninsula and adjacent islands. Although Jaffna is no longer a major port, it still trades with southern India. The economy relies heavily on fishing. The land area is around 20 square kilometers in total. The elevation is greater than 3 meters above sea level. So, Lets have some idea about the things to do in Jaffna.

Visit Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

Despite its remote location from other tourist attractions, Jaffna offers a variety of exciting things to do for at least a day or two. Many people of Indian heritage live in the northern region of Sri Lanka, where you may see amazing ancient culture and marvels. The Nallur Kandaswamy temple was erected in 948 AD and is known for its architecture. If you want to see all of the best things to do in Jaffna, you must pay a visit to this famous temple, which opens at 5 a.m.

Visit to Jaffna Fort

This renowned fort in Sri Lanka’s lively town was built by the Portuguese and is a must-see for anybody interested in learning about the history of this amazing construction. The Dutch eventually took control this fort and turned Jaffna town into a commerce center. This historic fort has seen numerous wars throughout the years and has now been rebuilt as an archeological site. This fort can be visited by those who desire to relive the town’s past.

Visit to Churches in beach side

Even though Jaffna is known for its many temples, the beachfront has few Catholic churches. Make a note of the churches you want to see, such as St. Johns and Our Lady of Refuge and St. Mary’s and John the Baptist. Jaffna’s Catholic cemetery serves as a reminder of the conflict that was fought in order to bring peace to the valley. This is off the main beach road.

Visit to Jaffna library

The Jaffna Library, was opened in 1933, has long been an emblem of northern history. The library, which is now known for its restored ancient architecture, was burned down in 1981, when it housed almost 100,000 books and manuscripts, making it one of Asia’s largest libraries. The Jaffna Library was a treasure trove of information on the history and culture of the northern peninsula, including ancient literature and records from renowned professors and other experts. The Library still commands the timeless dignity it sustains for the people of Jaffna and beyond, despite having a collection that is nowhere like its original. This is only a few minutes from Jaffna town and will provide for a wonderful early evening retreat.

Visit to Delft Island

Despite being known locally as Neduntivu, Delft Island is still known by the name it received from the Dutch in colonial Jaffna. Wild horses wander the coastal plains of Delft Island, which is vast yet entirely deserted. Delft Island, which is best explored by tuk-tuk, also has remains of a bygone era, such as an ancient Baobab tree and a derelict colonial fort made mostly of coral, which matches the rest of the island’s architecture.

Delft Island, located halfway between Sri Lanka and India, is accessible via a daily boat that departs from Kurikkaduwan Jetty, one hour from Jaffna. The Sri Lanka Navy runs one round-trip service per day, departing from Kurikkaduwan at 9 a.m. and returning at 2:30 p.m. Although these ships have a maximum capacity of 100 passengers, Delft residents will be given priority.

Visit to Nainativu

Nainativu, or Nagadeepa as it is known in Sinhala, is arguably one of Jaffna’s most frequented islands. It has a significant Buddhist and Hindu history. The Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya is revered as one of Sri Lanka’s holiest Buddhist sanctuaries for the former. Travelers to Nainativu from Jaffna, must first travel across two islands to the Kurikkaduwan Jetty, which is about an hour distant.

Visit to Gamini Kularatne Memorial at Elephant Pass

At the Elephant Pass, the most vital route between the Jaffna Peninsula and mainland Sri Lanka, there are two war memorials. The memorial near the causeway’s southern end honors Sri Lanka’s most famous war hero in recent decades, who died after effectively stopping an armoured bulldozer attack by approaching it and throwing grenades into it. Hasalaka Gamini is another name for Gamini Kularatne, who was named after his hometown. His death played a key role in preventing the Sri Lanka army garrison from being overrun during the enormous onslaught by over 5000 separatist guerrilla fighters on the garrison of around 600 army personnel on the night of 10 July 1991.The First Battle of Elephant Pass lasted 18 days and claimed over 2000 fatalities, making it one of the most brutal battles in Sri Lanka’s civil war.

Visit to the Local Market

If you are visiting this location for the first time, you will undoubtedly appreciate the people as well as the local market. There are numerous well-known eateries that you should visit. Their cuisine is similar to Indian cuisine, yet they have their own unique and interesting dishes to taste. In Jaffna, Sri Lanka, this is a must-see attraction.

Visit to Dambakolapatuna

Sanghamitta, who arrived in Sri Lanka over 2000 years ago with a precious seedling from the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, landed at the historic harbor of Dambakola Patuna. This seedling was later utilized by Sri Lankan King Devanampiyatissa to plant the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, which is now the world’s oldest surviving human-planted tree. To honor the arrival of the sapling, a temple was built here, although no traces of it can be found now. The Sri Lankan Navy, on the other hand, has since constructed the Sri Sangamitta Viharaya, which is one of the most important Buddhist landmarks in the northern peninsula. Dambakola Patuna is 45 minutes away by road from Jaffna. The Sri Sangamitta Viharaya is located on a seashore that runs along Sri Lanka’s northern border.

Visit to Casuarina Beach

Casuarina Beach, which stretches over the northern outskirts of Karaitivu, attracts both local and foreign visitors with its large area, shallow waves, and distinctive trees that give the beach its name. The distinctive shrubbery forms a small coastal forest, providing the perfect area for some cover from the northern sun. The Karainagar Lighthouse is also located on the beach’s eastern end, making it one of the most beautiful in the region.

The journey to Casuarina Beach, which is roughly an hour’s drive from Jaffna, may be made by bus or private vehicle through northern areas surrounded with palmyrah trees and buildings with dried tobacco leaves resting on their outer walls. The Karainagar Causeway can be used to bridge the Palk Strait and access Casuarina Beach on the peninsular island of Casuarina.

Visit to see Kadurugoda Temple & Ruins

One of the few remaining Buddhist legacies in the northern province is the Temple and Ruins. When Jaffna Magistrate Paul E. Peiris discovered the ruins at the turn of the century, he documented almost 60 gray coral-stone stupas. Only about 20 stupas survive today, scattered across less than an acre of open space shaded by palmyrah trees. The Kadurugoda Temple and Ruins are located on the outskirts of the city near Kantarodai, about a half-hour drive from Jaffna.

Road Trip to Keeramalai

In the Tamil regional language, Keerimalai means “mongoose hill.” This alludes to a local mythology of a sage who was cursed with a mongoose-like visage but was restored after bathing in the therapeutic waters of the Keerimalai Sacred Water Spring. The spring is still popular among local men and boys who splash around in a gorgeous historic pond that overlooks the sea. The women’s bathing section is separate and located behind the main pond building.Next door is the Keerimalai Naguleswaram Kovil, a well-known Hindu temple in Sri Lanka.

Keerimalai is located 30 minutes north of Jaffna city and can easily be combined with a trip to Dambakola Patuna in a single journey. The sacred water spring and Naguleswaram Kovil are also within walking distance of one other, allowing you to fully appreciate both sites.

Visit to Point Pedro (Sakkotai Cape)

Sakkotai Cape, at the very top of our teardrop isle, is Sri Lanka’s northernmost point, located near Point Pedro. As you drive towards the shore from the village of Point Pedro, you’ll see a directional marker displaying distances to other countries. The Point Pedro Lighthouse stands in the shadow of a telecommunications tower to the west, while a concrete Sri Lankan flag sits on the edge of the beach to the east, signaling your arrival at Sakkotai Cape.

Sakkotai Cape, an hour’s drive from Jaffna, is located on the rocky shore of Point Pedro’s boundary. While your phone picks up cellular signals from India, a drive down the narrow beach will allow you to skirt the northern edge of Sri Lanka. You might even catch a glimpse of India’s southern coastline in the distance on a clear day.

Eat Indian Influenced Foods

Jaffna is located near India. In Jaffna, you can get a taste of India through its cuisine. While in Jaffna, there are a few restaurants that you must visit. Visit Mangos to sample their Thali. When you order a totally local experience, you will receive approximately 10 tiny bowls with various tastes Plus rice. Near the market, go to Malayan Cafe. This Indian bakery sells a variety of breads on banana leaves. There are 99 percent locals here, and the place is packed all day. Do you want something sweet? Rio Ice Cream is a 5-minute walk from Mangos. They have a wide variety of flavors, however this is not your typical Italian gelato.

Sunset Drinks at Jetwing Jaffna

The foggy sky turn vivid orange as the sun sets over Jaffna, before the city’s scattered lights brighten. It’s all quite attractive, and it’s ideal for a couple of cocktails. That’s exactly what most of the visitors do!

Jetwing Jaffna has the greatest views in town, with a panoramic rooftop bar that overlooks the city and lagoon. Not only that, but during golden hour, there’s a happy hour with (slightly) cheaper beverages.

Speak with the Jaffna Locals

Why did you need to speak with them?

Because nearly everyone you see has lived through the 25-year civil war that raged in this portion of Sri Lanka. These people have seen a lot and have a lot of stories to tell. Sure, people may not be honest about their experiences right away (and we don’t encourage probing too far into a horrific battle! but if they do, it may lead to a lot of interesting, informative, and sometimes frightening discourse. They are eager to impart information about the Tamil way of life, culture, and upbringing in the north. They’re also generally happy to inform you about all the wonderful things to do in Jaffna, such as places to dine and so on.

I think you were be able to have some brief idea about Jaffna, How to reach and the things you can do if you visit. Definitely Jaffna will be a joyful and a memorable journey in your life.