18 x Things To Do in Jaffna
Last Updated On June 18, 2023
Jaffna, a massively significant region steeped in ancient Hindu-Tamil history and culture, is brimming with tradition and color. Jaffna is the capital of the Jaffna District, located in Sri Lanka's Northern Province. Multicolored temples, lush green trees, and pleasant Tamil people welcome visitors and tourists with positivity and interest. Colombo and Jaffna are 363.2 kilometers apart.
Arriving in Jaffna can be a cultural shock for the uninitiated. It is impossible to ignore the significant Indian influence visible in the gradual shift from Sinhala's intoned accents to Tamil's quick-fire tones. Nonetheless, the town has its distinct and complicated identity, molded by a diverse range of nationalities such as Muslim, Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Sinhalese, with colorful temples nestled beside massive churches and avenues lined with ancient Dutch and British mansions.
The Jaffna Dutch Fort in Sri Lanka's second-largest fort. Some of the best locations to visit include the Nallur Kovil, Jaffna Fort, Jaffna Library, Archaeological Museum, Point Pedro, Keerimalai Hot Springs, and Casuarina Beach. Sail out to Delft Island to witness the wild horses left by the Portuguese in the 16th century and other small islands with historical significance.
1. Elephant Pass
2. Royal Palace Jaffna
3. Nallur Kandasamy Kovil
Expanses of shimmering gold greet visitors at one of Sri Lanka's most important Hindu temples and complexes, built in the 15th century. The current version of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil dates from 1734, with buildings adorned with paintings, elaborate brasswork, and ornate carvings. Visit around midsummer for the holy Nallur Festival, Sri Lanka's longest at 25 days, during which thousands participate in processions, drumming, and chanting.
4. Jaffna Fort
The Jaffna Fort bears its name and is the country's second-largest fort, measuring 55 acres. The magnificent architectural marvel had been reduced to rubble during the Sri Lankan Civil War; fortunately, some rehabilitation has occurred. Jaffna Fort survives today as a reminder that war spares no one, not even a monument of national significance.
5. Jaffna Archaeological Museum
6. Jaffna Library
The Jaffna Public Library is another notable historical structure in Jaffna. It was once one of Asia's most extensive libraries but was destroyed by fire in 1981. The library has subsequently been renovated. However, it no longer houses nearly as large a collection as it once did. The entrance cost is 10 LKR ($0.05), which is inexpensive.
7. Point Pedro
8. Nainativu Island
If you're looking for a day excursion outside of Jaffna, one of the most popular activities for locals to do is visit Nainativu Island. Buddhists and Hindus consider the island one of the holiest places in Sri Lanka. Nagadipa Purana Vihara (Naga Vihare) is the Buddhist temple, while Sri Naga Pooshani Amman Kovil is the Hindu temple.
9. Keerimalai Springs
10. Casuarina Beach
The Casuarina beach, with its smooth golden sand grains and lovely blue seas, is about 20 kilometers from Jaffna and gets its name from the abundance of casuarina trees found along the beach's shore. One thing that draws people to the beach is the crystal-clean water that is devoid of pollution.
The Casuarina beach is located on the Karativu islands, one of the peninsula's largest islands. One of the reasons the beach is a must-see is its peaceful waves and soft sand, as well as its seclusion from cities, which create a calming impact that leaves one invigorated, which is difficult to obtain in the city's hustle and bustle.
11. Nilavarai Bottomless Well
12. Dambakola Patuna Sanghamitta Temple
13. Kandarodai Viharaya
14. Visit Delft Island (Nedunvitu)
A three-hour boat voyage from Jaffna, a semi-arid tropical island with gigantic baobab trees and historic structures in various states of deterioration, awaits. This place welcomes you to relax with its warm shallow waters, coral reefs, and white-sand beaches. But do go exploring: you'll come upon the ruins of a 1,000-year-old temple and a Dutch fort. If you're fortunate, you could see wild horses prancing in dry meadows - amiable beasts brought here in the 16th century and now free to wander.