East Coast
Trincomalee
A deep natural harbour with clifftop temples and the beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli nearby.
Northern Province
Jaffna
Jaffna is the main city of Sri Lanka's far north and the heart of its Tamil culture. Its temples, markets, islands and food give a very different picture of the country from the south.
Jaffna at a glance
- Where
- Northern Province, Sri Lanka
- Best for
- Culture & history, Food
- Time needed
- Two or three nights to see the city and visit an island.
- Best time
- The north is usually driest for much of the year outside the north-east monsoon, which brings rain from roughly October to December.
- Nearby
- Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, Wilpattu National Park, Nilaveli Beach
- Visit with us
- Private tour with your own vehicle and driver
Why visit Jaffna?
The colourful Hindu temples, palmyra-lined landscapes and island ferries feel distinct from the rest of the island.
Jaffna's cuisine, especially its crab curry and spice blends, is reason enough for many travellers to make the journey.
Top attractions and things to do
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
The north's most important Hindu temple, especially vibrant at festival time.
Jaffna Fort
A large star-shaped fort on the lagoon.
Jaffna Public Library
A rebuilt landmark of the city's cultural life.
The islands
Ferries reach islands such as Nainativu, with Hindu and Buddhist shrines.
Northern cuisine
Seafood curries, palmyra products and local sweets.
About Jaffna
Jaffna, at the northern tip of Sri Lanka, is the heart of the island's Tamil culture. Its Hindu temples, distinctive food, palmyra palms and island landscapes feel very different from the south. After the end of the civil war in 2009, travel to the north reopened, and Jaffna now welcomes visitors who want to see another side of the country.
Things to see
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is the city's most important Hindu temple, with a golden gopuram. Its annual festival, usually in July or August, draws huge crowds. Men remove their shirts to enter the inner temple.
The star-shaped Dutch fort, the rebuilt Jaffna Public Library, the market and the old colonial streets are all worth seeing. Further out are Keerimalai's sea-water springs, the beach at Casuarina, and Point Pedro, the island's northernmost point.
The islands
Causeways and ferries link Jaffna to the islands of the lagoon. Nainativu (Nagadeepa) has both a revered Buddhist temple and the Nagapooshani Amman Hindu temple. Ferry times depend on the weather and season, so plan the trip with your driver.
Food and how to get there
Jaffna's cuisine is spicy and full of flavour: crab curry, Jaffna-style dosas and vadai, and odiyal kool, a seafood soup thickened with palmyra flour. Palmyra palm products such as jaggery and toddy are local specialities.
Jaffna is a long drive from the Cultural Triangle along the A9 or from Trincomalee along the coast. Spending at least two nights makes the journey worthwhile.
Planning your visit
- Suggested time
- Two or three nights to see the city and visit an island. (Guidance only.)
- Best time to visit
- The north is usually driest for much of the year outside the north-east monsoon, which brings rain from roughly October to December. It can be very hot in the middle of the year.
- Getting there
- Jaffna is reached by road or rail from Anuradhapura and the north-central region; it is a long journey from the south, so plan it into a longer trip.
Check current details before travelling: prices, opening hours, access and seasonal conditions change.
Visitor tips
- At Nallur, men are usually asked to remove shirts before entering; everyone removes shoes.
- Dress conservatively throughout the north.
- Island ferry times are weather-dependent; check locally.
Experiences around Jaffna
Plan with our guides
Jaffna: frequently asked questions
Is Jaffna worth visiting?
Yes, if you have time. It offers a distinct culture, cuisine and landscape not found elsewhere in Sri Lanka.
How many days should I spend in Jaffna?
Two or three nights is a good minimum because of the travel time to reach it.
What should I eat in Jaffna?
Try Jaffna crab curry, seafood dishes and local sweets made with palmyra.
When is the best time to visit Jaffna?
The north is usually driest for much of the year outside the north-east monsoon, which brings rain from roughly October to December. It can be very hot in the middle of the year.
How do I get to Jaffna?
Jaffna is reached by road or rail from Anuradhapura and the north-central region; it is a long journey from the south, so plan it into a longer trip.
Can you include Jaffna in a private tour?
Yes. We can add Jaffna to a private route planned around your dates, and drive you there in our own vehicle. Tell us what else you'd like to see and we'll suggest how it fits.
Nearby destinations
Cultural Triangle
Anuradhapura
The first great capital, with giant white stupas and a sacred Bodhi tree still at its heart.
North West
Wilpattu National Park
Sri Lanka's largest national park, a quieter forest of natural lakes, leopards and sloth bears.
East Coast
Nilaveli Beach
A long, quiet white-sand beach with boat trips to the reefs of Pigeon Island.
Plan a trip that includes Jaffna
Tell us when you'd like to travel and what you love, and we'll suggest a route that fits. There's no obligation.