How to Explore Jaffna - Best Things to See and Do during a Getaway in Jaffna
As an area that was off-limits until the end of the civil war, Jaffna has blossomed into one of Sri Lanka's most vibrant and dynamic holiday hotspots. Lined with kovils and the ancient remnants of temples, Jaffna's cultural heritage is no less impressive than the island's historic capitals in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. From uncovering the main town area to beaching it in some of the gorgeous seaside resort hubs in Jaffna, here's your guide to exploring the island's northernmost city.
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil | Amila Tennakoon via Flickr
1. Hit the Beaches
Jaffna is perhaps the most underrated beach hub in Sri Lanka as most of its beaches remain unexplored by tourists who head to nearby Pasikudah and Arugam Bay instead. Tranquil and turquoise, Jaffna's best beaches include Casuarina Beach while Kankasanthurai Beach is equally breathtaking with its dark waters and its towering lighthouse. Offering views of the naval port in the vicinity, Kankasanthurai Beach is not only ideal for long walks and catching the sunset but also for families. Other beaches that are worth exploring during a trip to Jaffna are Charty Beach, Akkarai Beach and Karainagar Beach.
2. Pay Homage to the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
No trip to the Northern Province, let alone Jaffna, would be complete without visiting the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, which is one of the main reasons that Hindu pilgrims visit Jaffna in the first place. A hotbed of activity during the annual Nallur Festival, the kovil dates back centuries although it was almost entirely destroyed by colonisers from Portugal. What's remaining today is the Dutch reconstruction of the Hindu shrine and it is just as awe-inspiring as its predecessor. The best time to visit the kovil is during the pooja times in the early morning or the late evenings and don't forget to dress modestly when visiting this place of worship.
3. Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya
As one of the oldest Buddhist temples on the island, the Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya was inaccessible to tourists and Buddhist devotees during the decades-long civil war in Sri Lanka. Located on Nainativu Island, this ancient temple marks the location that Lord Buddha visited on his second visit to Sri Lanka. Legend states that his lordship settled a quarrel between two Naga monarchs and thus a temple and stupa was built to commemorate this event. Today the compound contains a monastery, an image house and a holy Bodhi tree while there's also a new museum on the temple grounds.
4. Jaffna Fort
Regarded as one of the most iconic colonial remnants in Jaffna, the Jaffna Fort is a Dutch construction and ingenious in its design and how it differs from other forts around Sri Lanka. Pentagonal in shape, Jaffna Fort was erected by Portuguese forces although it was refurbished and expanded by the Dutch who invaded Sri Lanka in later years. While it may not be as large as the Galle Fort, it is no less breathtaking and is one of Jaffna's most popular sunset viewing platforms.
5. Sample Local Cuisine
Considered a culinary epicentre in its own right, a trip to Jaffna offers travellers the chance to experience regional Sri Lankan cuisine like never before. Tamil cuisine in Jaffna is not only authentic but also varies from the curries and dishes that are cooked on the rest of the island. The Jaffna crab or prawn curry is a staple in most local eateries while other local delicacies include brinjal and drumstick curry and Modakam.
6. Go Island Hopping
Truly Sri Lanka and other online travel resources on Jaffna, Sri Lanka, list island hopping among the best things to do in the area. With so many fascinating islands surrounding its periphery, a tour of Jaffna allows visitors to spend time on Delft Island, Kayts, Mandaitivu and many more.
