North
Jaffna
The heart of Tamil Sri Lanka
Overview
AboutJaffna
In the far north, Jaffna is a proud, culturally distinct city — the heartland of Sri Lankan Tamil life, with its own cuisine, dress, music and temples. Only recently reopened to travel, it remains one of the island's most genuinely unexplored regions.
Jaffna combines a colourful old town, colonial fort, a great Nallur Kandaswamy temple and a hinterland of palmyra plantations and offshore islands reached across shallow lagoons. It rewards travelers seeking something unfamiliar, unhurried and deeply Sri Lankan.
Once the seat of an independent Tamil kingdom, Jaffna was later ruled by Portuguese, Dutch and British powers. The long civil conflict of the late 20th century left deep scars; today the region has entered a period of renewal.
Top Attractions
What to see
- Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
- Jaffna Fort
- Casuarina Beach on Karainagar Island
- Nagadeepa Temple
- Point Pedro and the palmyra north
Things to do
Ways to experience Jaffna
- Attend evening puja at Nallur Kovil
- Take a private day trip through the northern islands
- Sample Jaffna's distinct crab curries and palmyra sweets
Best time to visit
May to September is the driest season in the north.
Nearby
Delft Island • Kilinochchi • Anuradhapura (en route)
Photography
Nallur temple lit at night • Palmyra plantations • Island roads and lagoons
Travel tips
- Modest dress is important for temple visits.
- Consider flying in from Colombo to save time.
Suggested Journeys
Private toursfeaturing Jaffna
Questions
About visiting Jaffna
Is Jaffna safe to visit?
Yes — Jaffna has been fully open to travelers for many years and is very welcoming.
Ready when you are
Include Jaffna in your journey
Our team will design a private itinerary shaped around your travel style, dates and party.