Skip to content
The golden gateway and red tower of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna

North

Jaffna

The Tamil cultural capital of the north, with the golden Nallur temple, a Dutch star fort, island ferries and a cuisine all its own.

Plan a trip with Jaffna
Time to spend
2 nights
Best months
February to September. October to December brings the north-east monsoon rains.
Getting around
Tuk-tuks and buses in the city; a driver for the islands and the peninsula.
Good to know
At Nallur, men must remove their shirts before entering, and everyone removes shoes. Allow a long travel day: Jaffna is about six to seven hours by road or train from Colombo.

Jaffna has a character quite different from the south: Hindu temples with towering gopurams, palmyra palms, red earth and a strong Tamil culture. The city reopened to travellers after the end of the civil war in 2009 and remains far less visited than the south.

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is the great temple of the city, especially during its long summer festival. The 17th-century Dutch fort, the rebuilt Public Library and the market are all close to the centre.

Day trips go out over causeways to the islands: ferries from Kurikadduwan reach Nainativu, home to both a Hindu temple and the Buddhist shrine of Nagadeepa. To the north are the Keerimalai springs and Casuarina Beach.

What to see and do

  • Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Must see

    Open in Maps

    The great golden-towered Hindu temple of Jaffna, dedicated to Murugan. Visit for one of the daily pujas, with drums and the ringing of bells.

    1 hr · EveningFree entryCover shoulders and knees

  • Jaffna Fort

    Open in Maps

    A star-shaped fort, first built by the Portuguese and rebuilt by the Dutch in the 17th century, with a moat and ramparts over the lagoon.

    1 hr · SunsetFee chargedto confirm

    The Central Cultural Fund lists a US$5 foreign ticket for its Jaffna site, but entry to the fort itself has often been free; confirm on the day.

  • Nainativu island

    Open in Maps

    A boat trip to Nainativu, home to the Nagapooshani Amman temple and the Buddhist shrine of Nagadeepa. The ferry leaves from Kurikadduwan jetty, about an hour's drive from the city.

    4 hr · MorningLKR 200 to LKR 600estimateCover shoulders and knees

    Ferry fare per person each way; the temples are free.

  • Jaffna Public Library

    Open in Maps

    The white library, burned in 1981 with tens of thousands of books and rebuilt in its original style, a powerful symbol for the city.

    30 min · MorningFee chargedto confirm

    Visitors are usually allowed in outside busy hours; confirm at the door.

  • Casuarina Beach

    Open in Maps

    A long, shallow beach shaded by casuarina trees on Karainagar island, reached by causeway. Calm water for wading in the dry season.

    2 hr · AfternoonFree entry

  • Keerimalai springs

    Open in Maps

    Freshwater springs by the sea on the north coast, with separate bathing pools, next to the ancient Naguleswaram Shiva temple.

    1 hr · MorningFree entry

Also consider

Worth the trip if you have time. The planner leaves these out unless you add them.

  • Point Pedro and Sakkotai Cape

    The northernmost point of the island, with a lighthouse and fishing harbour. A quiet drive through palmyra country.

    1 hrAdd to a tripMaps

Photos

The front entrance of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
The front entrance of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
The stone gateway and bridge into Jaffna Fort
The stone gateway and bridge into Jaffna Fort
The moat and ramparts of the Dutch fort at Jaffna
The moat and ramparts of the Dutch fort at Jaffna
Shallow water and white sand at Casuarina Beach, Karainagar
Shallow water and white sand at Casuarina Beach, Karainagar
Boats moored at the jetty on Nainativu island
Boats moored at the jetty on Nainativu island
The decorated gateway of Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Kovil
The decorated gateway of Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Kovil

Ready-made trips that include Jaffna

Use one as it is or open it in the planner and make it yours.