Jaffna & the North
Tamil culture, Hindu temples, island-hopping and a cuisine of its own.
The Jaffna peninsula feels like a different country: palmyra palms, colourful Hindu kovils, Dutch forts and a distinctly Tamil food culture built on crab curry, odiyal kool and spicy Jaffna mutton. Since the end of the civil war in 2009 the north has reopened with a restored railway and the A9 highway. Few tourists make it this far, which is exactly the appeal — island-hop to Nainativu and Delft, watch the Nallur festival, and stand at Point Pedro, the northernmost tip of the island.
Highlights
- Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
- Ferry to Nainativu and Delft
- Jaffna crab curry
- Point Pedro and Casuarina Beach
Places to visit in Jaffna & the North
cityJaffna & the North
Jaffna
The capital of Tamil culture in Sri Lanka, with grand Hindu kovils, a Dutch fort, a rebuilt public library and a distinctive spicy cuisine. Reachable by train or the A9 highway from Colombo.
Best: January to September
natureJaffna & the North
Point Pedro
The northernmost point of Sri Lanka, with a lighthouse, fishing harbour and the nearby Manalkadu sand dunes. Combine with Casuarina Beach and the Vallipuram temple on a Jaffna day trip.
Best: January to September
islandJaffna & the North
Mannar Island
An arid island known for flamingos and migratory birds, a giant baobab tree and the Portuguese/Dutch fort. A remote stop between Wilpattu and Jaffna.
Best: January to April (migratory birds)
islandJaffna & the North
Nainativu (Nagadeepa Island)
A small island sacred to both Buddhists (Nagadeepa Vihara) and Hindus (Nagapooshani Amman Kovil), reached by a short ferry ride. A meaningful half-day trip from Jaffna.
Best: January to September
islandJaffna & the North
Delft Island
A flat, windswept island reached by ferry from Kurikadduwan, with wild ponies, coral-stone walls, a giant baobab and Dutch ruins. Check ferry times the day before.
Best: January to September
religiousJaffna & the North
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple
Jaffna's most important Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, with a golden gopuram. Men remove shirts to enter; the 25-day festival in August–September is spectacular.
Best: August–September (festival)