Getting thereAbout 400 km from Colombo, 7–8 hours by road or train; also domestic flights
Recommended stay2–3 days
Welcome to Jaffna
Discover Jaffna
Jaffna is the heart of Sri Lankan Tamil culture, a flat, palm-studded peninsula of temples, colourful markets, lagoons and quiet islands. It feels distinctly different from the south, with its own cuisine, architecture and festivals.
Visit the golden Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, explore the star-shaped Dutch fort, and take a ferry to Nainativu (Nagadeepa), sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. Try Jaffna crab curry, odiyal kool and palmyrah sweets before you leave.
Kura's tip
Men remove shirts to enter Nallur Kovil, and everyone should dress modestly. Go for the evening puja.
Top attractions
Things to see in Jaffna
12 highlights, from must-see landmarks to local favourites. Tap any photo to view it larger.
Island temple
Nagadeepa Temple
An island temple on Nainativu, believed to be visited by the Buddha, reached by a short ferry ride.
Ancient site
Kantarodai (Kadurugoda) Ruins
A cluster of small, ancient stupas, a rare and mysterious archaeological site.
Colonial fort
Jaffna Fort
A star-shaped fort built by the Portuguese and enlarged by the Dutch, with ramparts overlooking the lagoon.
Island fort
Hammenhiel Fort
A small Dutch sea fort on a rocky islet, guarding the channel to the islands.
Beach
Casuarina Beach
A long, shallow beach on Karainagar island lined with casuarina trees. The water is calm and clear.
Viewpoint
Arali Point
A quiet coastal spot with sweeping lagoon views and birdlife, especially at sunset.
Memorial
Elephant Pass Monument
A memorial at the narrow causeway that links the Jaffna peninsula to the mainland.
Hot springs
Keerimalai Springs
Sacred freshwater springs beside the sea, believed to have healing powers, next to an ancient Hindu temple.
Market
Jaffna Market
A busy market full of tropical fruit, spices, palmyrah products and fresh fish.
Hindu temple
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
Jaffna's most important Hindu temple, with a golden gopuram and a spectacular annual festival in July and August.
Legend
Nilavarai Bottomless Well
A deep natural well with clear water, said to have no bottom and linked to the Ramayana legend.
Coastline
Point Pedro
The northernmost point of Sri Lanka, with a lighthouse, fishing boats and a sense of reaching the end of the island.
Kura's suggested plan
A perfect day in Jaffna
A relaxed route that mixes the highlights with local life. Every Kura tour is private, so you can change the pace, add stops or skip anything.
Kantarodai (Kadurugoda) Ruins
1
Morning
Nallur Kovil
Visit the golden Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil for the morning puja and the vibrant temple atmosphere.
2
Late morning
Jaffna Fort & market
Explore the star-shaped Dutch fort, then the bustling market for palmyrah sweets and fruit.
3
Afternoon
Island hopping
Take the ferry to Nainativu for the Nagadeepa and Nagapooshani Amman temples.
4
Evening
Jaffna cuisine
End with a Jaffna crab curry or a fiery kottu, followed by an ice cream at a famous local parlour.
Good to know
Jaffna questions, answered
Quick answers to what travellers ask us most. Still wondering about something? Kura replies personally, usually within the hour.
Kura’s Ramayana Trail. Chilaw, Anuradhapura, Mannar, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwaraeliya, Ella, Katharagama, Hambantota, Galle & Colombo
Kura’s All Ceylon. Negombo, Kalpitiya, Anuradhapura, Mannar, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Riverstone, Kandy, Mahiyanganaya, Batticaloa, Arugambay, Ella, Nuwaraeliya, Haputale, Udawalawa, Yala, Tangalle, Mirissa, Sinharaja, Galle & Bentota
