Jaffna, the jewel of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, is an ancient city where heritages blend magnificently .Memories of civil war are still fresh in this city but it has made leaps and bounds towards becoming the center of town culture, historical places, and coastal splendor which is breathtaking. Jaffna is unspoiled when compared to the heavily marketed vacation spots in the south . One can find ancient Hindu shrines, colonial temples built by the Dutch, spectacular islands, and the mouth watering Northern Sri Lankan food. Exploration of history, cultural immersion, or just lounging around the deserted beaches, Jaffna is on a new level.
Jaffna stands unique and beautiful to any visitor as it represents a side of Sri Lanka holiday where Tamil culture and Hinduism is widely practiced and celebrated. The town consists of lavish markets, colorful kovils, and colonial structures that make an interesting tale of its long and complex history. These serene beaches along with old forts and fishing villages creates a perfect blend of picturesque beauty. The climate of Jaffna is warm throughout the year making it the perfect travel spot to escape to lesser known parts of Sri Lanka and experience the vibrant culture along with its amazing nature.
If you're traveling by road, Jaffna is reachable from Colombo, which is connected by a modern highway. The A9 highway is the busiest, with small towns, beautiful scenery, and ancient sites along the way. With a private vehicle, it can take anywhere between 7 to 8 hours. The entire route is a journey by itself as it dives into the core of Sri Lanka, revealing stunning rural landscapes. The strategically placed rest stops promote digestion of local delicacies and allow tourists to appreciate the remarkable sights. Additionally, people can also stretch their legs and sightsee.
If you’re looking for a more affordable solution, long-distance buses travel from Colombo to Jaffna every single day. Because of the distance and the relatively cheaper price, it’s very popular among careful spenders and tourist backpackers. It’s also worth mentioning that the overall travel experience can take somewhere between 9 to 10 hours. As for people looking for higher comfort, air-conditioned buses allow for a better level of comfort, which contrasts with the public buses. The public buses might be more affordable, but they are also slower and more basic.
A train ride to Jaffna is very scenic. The capital city in the north is easily reachable with the Yal Devi Express, which operates daily from the Colombo Fort and reaches Jaffna in 6 to 7 hours. The Yal Devi Express offers first-class cabins with air conditioning, so passengers can enjoy a comfortable trip, as well as both urban and rural landscapes. Sri Lanka's train travel is well-known for its breathtaking sights, and the route to Jaffna never disappoints. Travelers can witness stunning countryside, idyllic little villages and even some historical ruins during their trip.
Travelers using the train as a means of transport cite its affordability and unique experience as great perks. Local merchants frequently board the train at several stops, offering authentic Sri Lankan food including, but not limited to, vadai, samosas, and fresh fruits. As a result, the trip is enjoyable not only because of the ride, but because of the food as well.
More Info: Sri Lanka Railways.
If you are in a hurry to travel, then you can use domestic flights from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport to Jaffna International Airport. The one hour flight offers a breathtaking view of the northern coast from above. Although flights to Jaffna do not operate as frequently as trains or bus services, they are suitable for people who have a shortage of time and do not wish to undertake a lengthy road trip Jaffna International Airport
Jaffna International Airport was previously a military base, but has since been changed to a commercial airport which makes airline travel to Jaffna extremely easy. Travelers can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk in order to reach the city center which is quite close to Jaffna International Airport. Flying is definitely the most time efficient transport option to reach Jaffna, however, it is more costly compared to other options.
Cinnamon Air: Scheduled and private charter flights.
Senok Aviation: Helicopter transfers for a scenic and quick transfer.
05 March 2025 | 13 Min Read
Built in the 17th century by the Portuguese and later developed by the Dutch, Jaffna Fort is a colonial relic which still stands to this day. The fort is a reflection of Jaffna's significance in trade as well as the colonial history of Sri Lanka. There is so much to learn about the Jaffna Fort, its history comes alive as you walk through the restored sections of the walls and the majestic views during sunset over the Jaffna lagoon is awe inspiring. It is a historical landmark where people fascinated with Sri Lanka’s history are drawn to the colonial remnants that exist in this region.
The fort has endured many battles throughout the years, including some damage during the civil war. It is now undergoing restorations which will provide further access to the magnificent views of the lagoon. People who visit the historic Jaffna Fort can stroll along the walls, ramble about the old ruins and admire the creole architecture of the region. There are ample information boards provided all throughout the fort which give the visitors a chance to learn about the colonial history of Sri Lanka while examining the ruins.
Kovil is idolized by the Hindus in Jaffna and is one of the most visited sites. The temple is regarded as an amazing example of Dravidian architecture on account of its splendid golden gopuram (entrance tower), passionate and colorful religious events, as well as elaborate carvings. Tourists should particularly try to be present at the temple during the Nallur Festival in August to enjoy the exhilarating environment of the temple.
What catches the eye of the tourists the most is strict adherence to customs in the temple. Men have the custom of removing their shirts to enter and for modesty, everyone is expected to dress respectfully. The inner sanctum is that part of the temple where devotees come to pray, offer oil lamps, light lamps, and do other rituals. The play of drums, sweet fragrance of incense and richly clad priests carrying out the ceremonies are a sight to behold.
The festival takes place for 25 days in August and is said to be one of the grandest for Hindus in Sri Lanka, The temple is vibrant with all the processions, religious music, dance, and thousands of devotees and tourists coming to watch the performances. Partaking in this festival and spending time in Jaffna helps the people to appreciate their culture and tradition.
Casuarina Beach is situated on Karainagar Island, and it is one of the great and untouched beaches which Jaffna has to offer. For relaxation purposes, it features clear blue waters along with smooth golden sand.\During the warm seasons and long holidays like summer, the soft sand together with shallow water pacifies many tourists. Casuarina Beach as opposed to southern beaches of Sri Lanka is very deserted and quiet, giving the tourists an opportunity to relax and refresh.
Casuarina Beach’s name comes from the Casuarina trees growing on its shore, which naturally provide shade to the tourists. The beach is also great to see a beautiful sunset from the northern side of Cairns. It also has calm and tranquil shallow waters which are offered for swimming as well as light and soft shores which makes it suitable for picnickers.
This beach is beautiful in its own way. Even though this beach is located further away from the main areas, it is still beautiful and stunning. For travelers to get to the beach, they need to cross the Pannai Causeway along with driving through picturesque villages. Not to forget, despite the high levels of peace and tranquility this beach offers, there are some vendors who set up shop and sell different snacks along with drinks, which makes the secluded beach more appealing.
Having once been one of the largest libraries in Asia, the Jaffna Public Library is a remarkable symbol of learning and resilience. The library was established in 1933, containing thousands of rare manuscripts, books, and historical documents until it was burned down during ethnic struggles in 1981. Though the destruction of the library was a significant loss to Tamil literature and culture, it has since been restored and continues to stand as an important center of learning and research.
With its white neoclassical façade, the library dominates the heart of Jaffna which makes it an iconic sight. Visitors can find an extensive collection of books in Tamil, Sinhala, and English languages. Its serene and quiet reading halls offer visitors a place to relax while immersing themselves in literature.
Jaffna Public Library is a must visit when in Sri Lanka for anyone interested in the country’s history and culture. The library not only stands as a monument of knowledge but also serves as a reminder for people of the Jaffna community to rebuild and preserve their heritage.
Keerimalai Pond is important for spiritual activities as well as for bathing due to its medicinal significance. This sacred place which is believed to cure and is visited by pilgrims and travelers is located close to keerimalai Naguleswaram Kovil. As per a local tale, the sage was plagued with deformities and the pond's waters cured him which is why it holds significance for Hindus.
An astonishing bathing experience is offered by Keerimalai Pond, which is separated from the ocean by a stone wall. The pond is exquisite in beauty and is separated into two parts which enable men and women to take a bath comfortably. During the dry season, several locals and travelers flock here to escape the heat of Jaffna as well.
A trip to Keerimalai Pond is not complete without a visit to Naguleswaram Kovil. It’s one Jaffna’s oldest Hindu temple. Whatever the reason behind it, Keerimalai Pond does not fail to deliver its fascinating charm to everyone who visits it.
Delft Island or Neduntheevu is an isolated island of Jaffna, located to the north of the Indian subcontinent. It takes around an hour of boat ride from the Kurikadduwan Jetty to access the island. Delft Island is renowned for its breathtaking landscape, eccentric constructional ruins, and its wild horses that gallop freely across the terrain. The horses, which were brought to the island by the Portuguese and Dutch colonizers, are now among the major attractions of the island.
The island is also home to an old fort and a pigeon house which, along with the coral stone walls, showcase the Dutch colonial architecture. Other places of interest include the old Baobab tree, which was planted on the island a few centuries ago by Arab traders. The corollary of the island's natural beauty coupled with a sedentary lifestyle makes it a perfect getaway from the mainland.
The journey to Delft Island is an adventure of its own due to the bumpy but captivating boat ride that one needs to take in order to reach the island. Its rural surroundings combined with the historical structures further adds to its natural beauty, making it a wonderful site for day trips for adventurers and historical enthusiasts.
The most important place in Jaffna is Jaffna Market, which is the center of the city. It dazzles with a variety of charming sights, sounds, and fragrances. Whereas the markets in Colombo are more commercialized, Jaffna Market offers fresh food and spices that are specific to the Northern Province. Tourists can purchase a variety of delicacies like Jaffna mango chutney and palmyra jaggery, in addition to vegetables, fruits, and dried sea food that are grown in the region.
A stroll in the market reflects the interaction aspect of life in Jaffna. Because of its lively people, aesthetic vendors, and bright colors, a visit to the market is far from boring to say the least. Though it is not an ideal location for shopping for souvenir items, foodies on the search for genuine Jaffna flavors are bound to be happy with this destination.
The Jaffna cuisine is greatly famous as the food lovers will enjoy the most being influenced by Tamils with seafood, spices, and coconut dishes. Blended with chili, bold flavors and rich curries set the region’s food apart from other Sri Lankan culinary dishes. They all narrate a blend of traditions and cultures along with the basic ingredients available in the northern province.
Jaffna Crab Curry is one of the highly recommended dishes for anyone visiting Sri Lanka for the first time. The combination of freshly captured crabs, spices, curry leaves, pandan, and a certain combination of grounded spices, makes the dish both delicious and hot. Gordon Blue and Sailors eateries are renowned for their superb versions of string hoppers or rice, which are frequently served next to the dish. The hot color red reflects the heat of the dish, with spice balanced by the richness of coconut milk yielding an indulgent and flavorful meal.
Odiyal Kool is a kind of Jaffna seafood soup that is made with a combination of seafood, tamarind, palm tree root flour, and spices. It is a customary dish for Tamils and a good option for those wanting to try northern cuisine. The dish is made with prawns, fish, cuttlefish, and crab, which are slowly cooked with drumstick leaves, long beans, and manioc. What makes Odiyal Kool special is palmyra root flour, which thickens and gives the soup a smooth earthy flavor. It is often served as a sharing dish and reflects unity and joy in Jaffna.
The specialty of Jaffna is a crispy dosa accompanied by spicy chutneys and sambar, something that other parts of the country do not serve. Jaffna dosas can be found in roadside stalls and smaller restaurants where it is freshly made and served hot, making it all the more appetizing. The batter is fermented overnight giving it bubbles on the inside and crispiness on the outside. Jaffna’s dosa is served with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, and lentil sambar which makes it a perfect combination of spice and texture.
The region of Jaffna is famous for its sweets including palm jaggery sweet panangai laddu and palmyra toddy, a mild alcoholic drink. These exotic delicacies will surely give one a taste of Jaffna’s culinary history. Tamil dishes are often sweetened using palmyra jaggery, which comes from the sap of the palmyra palm. These northern dishes are represented by the soft, fudge-like panangai laddu and the sweet syrupy odiyal pittu.
The variety of accommodation ranges from guest houses to boutique hotels. With the growth of the tourism industry in the north, the hospitality sector has thrived, resulting in increased comfortable stays over the years. Jaffna does not run out of options for luxurious hotels, cultural immersion homestays, budget guest houses, or anything and everything a traveler is looking for.
Comfortable rooms, breathtaking views of the city, and modern day amenities are what makes Jetwing Jaffna one of the best luxury hotels in the city. In addition to this, the hotel also has a rooftop restaurant at the top of the building that offers mouthwatering local and international dishes. Jetwing is located right in the middle of Jaffna city, making it easily accessible to major attractions like Kandaswamy Temple and the Jaffna Library. For those seeking comfort and convenience on their travels, this hotel is well known for its hospitality, well furnished rooms and sustainability.
The Thinnai Hotel is perfect for those in search of hotels that blend modern and traditional architecture. This boutique hotel eco-friendly design and beautiful gardens makes it stand out from the rest. The hotel’s spacious suites combined with their excellent customer service will guarantee that you have a peaceful stay throughout your visit. These amenities make this hotel the perfect retreat for those looking for relaxation along with cultural immersion.
The midrange Jaffna Heritage Hotel is a wonderful option for all visitors, being located close to Nallur Kovil. This hotel does forget to maintain the traditional feel which lies within the architecture itself offering a relaxing ambience. The colonial building also provides modern facilities such as air conditioned rooms accompanied with a restaurant serving Jafni Tamil delicacies, giving it an edge while simultaneously maintaining the culture.
Known for its central location, this budget Green Grass hotel is said to offer the best customer service and local hospitality. It is the perfect choice for tourists looking for economical lodging without compromising on comfort. These amenities along with easy access to many local attractions makes it perfect for many travelers. For those wanting to experience the numerous flavors Jaffna has to offer without having to travel far, will be pleased with the local food served at the restaurants in the hotel.
This restaurant is one of the best in Jaffna. It is a heritage restaurant serving South Indian and Sri Lankan vegetarian dishes for over 100 years. The café’s decor is simple, with communal square wooden tables and little to no other decorations, capturing the essence of the traditional South Indian dining experience. Famed for their dosas, idlis, and vadas paired with chutney and sambar, the café also does simplicity best. Each dish is uncomplicated yet so rich in flavors, it’s a culinary experience bound to be etched in one’s mind forever.
This restaurant is one of the best in Jaffna. It is a heritage restaurant serving South Indian and Sri Lankan vegetarian dishes for over 100 years. The café’s decor is simple, with communal square wooden tables and little to no other decorations, capturing the essence of the traditional South Indian dining experience. Famed for their dosas, idlis, and vadas paired with chutney and sambar, the café also does simplicity best. Each dish is uncomplicated yet so rich in flavors, it’s a culinary experience bound to be etched in one’s mind forever.
Mangos is an amazing restaurant you can visit while in Jaffna.This famous vegetarian restaurant is conveniently situated beside the renowned Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. It offers an amazing selection of dosas, parottas, and thalis, alongside a combination of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. It is an ideal place for families and large groups because of its pleasant atmosphere and spacious indoor and outdoor seating. In addition, the restaurant serves a range of dishes such as paneer butter masala, vegetable biryani, and fresh juices that are sure to quench your thirst.
Mangos blends a high commitment to quality and authenticity in cuisine with exceptional customer service. The spices include the best possible flavors, and the service is attentive and prices are surprisingly low. This makes it a favorite amongst tourists and locals. If you are in the mood for a traditional South Indian meal or a quick bite, Mangos is the place to head to if you want to indulge in the magnificent culinary diversity of Jaffna.
Akshathai is one of Jaffna’s top rated restaurants that offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian options along with Sri Lankan delicacies. There is no doubt that Akshathai is a go-to place for Indian and Sri Lankan food lovers.Its elegant decor and comfortable seating further enhances the delightful dining experience. Popular items from the menu include mutton biryani, Jaffna crab curry, and a variety of tandoori dishes which reflect the restaurant’s exceptional Indian culinary skills.
The warmth of the staff makes the guest feel at home. The prompt service provided alongside the no hassle dining experience offers an assurance that all your expectations will be exceeded. If you are seeking for a light snack or a heavy meal, Akshathai serves as a great dining option in Jaffna.What makes Akshathai different is their focus on quality and flavor. Each dish is served balanced with the perfect amount of spices representing South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine blend.
Green Grass is a highly recommended place for lovers of local and international dishes.Green Grass Hotel & Restaurant is one of the favorite eating places in Jaffna where you can get Sri Lankan food as well as foreign cuisines. The hotel’s restaurant enables travelers seeking comfort in such an eatery to enjoy delicious meals in the hotel. It has a cooling atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating areas for those who wish to relax following a busy day of scenic viewing.
Green Grass serves a mix of Sri Lankan rice and curry with grilled meats, pasta, and seafood. A must try is the Jaffna style crab curry, along with the Western steaks and pasta. The service is great and the staff are friendly. You will feel welcomed. If you crave for a Sri Lankan dish or a foreign recipe, you will not go wrong with Green Grass Hotel & Restaurant.