Jaffna · Northern Province
Jaffna
The Tamil cultural heartland of the north.
In the far north, Jaffna feels like a different island — Tamil culture, Hindu temples, palmyra palms and a cuisine all its own.
Visit the golden Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, explore the Dutch fort, and take a ferry to islands like Nainativu. Don't leave without trying a spicy Jaffna crab curry.
Don't miss in Jaffna
- Nallur Kandaswamy Temple
- Jaffna Fort
- Nainativu island temples
- Jaffna crab curry
Places & Sites to Visit in Jaffna
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple
A golden gateway, bells ringing at puja time and devotees in vibrant silks — the heart of northern Tamil culture.
Jaffna Fort
A large Dutch star fort by the Jaffna lagoon.
Nainativu Island
Nearby excursion · ferry from Kurikadduwan
A short boat ride to an island with important Hindu and Buddhist shrines.
Casuarina Beach
Nearby excursion · about 20 km from Jaffna
A shallow, quiet beach on Karainagar island.
Point Pedro
Nearby excursion · about 35 km from Jaffna
The northernmost town of Sri Lanka.
Jaffna Public Library
The rebuilt city library, a symbol of Jaffna.
Keerimalai Springs
Nearby excursion · about 20 km from Jaffna
Freshwater springs by the sea, used for bathing.
Dambakola Patuna
Nearby excursion · about 20 km from Jaffna
The site where Sangamitta Theri is said to have landed with the Bo sapling.
Kantharodai
Nearby excursion · about 10 km from Jaffna
A cluster of small ancient stupas.
Delft Island
Nearby excursion · ferry from Kurikadduwan
A remote island with wild ponies and coral walls, reached by ferry.
Activities & Experiences in Jaffna
Hoppers & String Hoppers
Crisp-edged bowl pancakes with a soft centre — order one with an egg — and delicate nests of steamed rice noodles.
Jaffna Cuisine Tasting
Try northern dishes such as crab curry, odiyal kool and Jaffna-style curries.
Include Jaffna in a private tour
Add Jaffna to your route, choose nights or a day visit, and our team will prepare a personalised itinerary and quotation for you.
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