A Day At Hammenhiel Fort

 If you’r planning for a trip to Jaffna. Is not a well-known to tourists. Yet, those who do make the effort to visit this hidden gem are rewarded with a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The Hammenheil Fort is one of the most beautiful and intriguing historical sites in the Jaffna peninsula. The fort was built and hidden away around a small town between the islands of Kayts and Karaitivu of Jaffna Peninsula and it lies on a small rocky island at the entrance to the Jaffna Lagoon. This fort is octagonal in shape and the base of the ramparts is washed by the surf. It would appear that the walls were originally raised and the place was fortified on the orders of the Portuguese Governor of Jaffna, Antonio do Amaralde Menezes, a few years before the arrival of the Dutch.

------Meaning of Hammenhiel Fort ------

When the Dutch saw the form of Ceylon, they recognized a likeness to a smoked ham. After a 3 month siege, the  Dutch captured the fort in 1658 and renamed it as Hammenhiel means “the heel of the ham,”.

 If your a person who could like to learn about about history, then Hammenhiel Fort is the ideal place for you.

------HISTORY of Fort HAMMENHIEL------

The Hammenhiel Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1618 and named by  Fortaleza Real (Fort Royal). It was designed to be a self-sufficient fortress, with its water supply and defenses. In 1680 Dutch rebuilt and the charming small water fort is located at the spot where the shank bone protrudes . Hammenhiel Fort was held as strategic importance for the Portuguese as a defense against rival colonial powers and control of the region's lucrative trade routes.The fort was only occupied for a short time and today it stands as a proud symbol of the past and  has well-preserved as a testament. Visitors can still see the remains of the water system and the defensive walls.

This place was located in an island full of coral, by 1658 the Dutch  constructed the fort using coral lime- stones after realizing that the wood fort had disintegrated owing to sea erosion and North-East Monsoon storms. Additionally, Dutch built two quarters with 9 gun depots beneath them and 19 cannons positioned above and also stored rain water on wooden tanks to drink. Once the British took control of the Fort a disease of leprosy started to spread across Jaffna.British had to put those  leprosy patients into a storage rooms till they passed away. After the independence in 1948, fort got  belonged to the Sri Lankan government. So, the government rented out two quarters for two powerful Dutch families from 1960 to 1969.

                                                ------Eco tourism and sustainability------

Hammenhiel Fort not only offers historical significance but is also a prime example of eco-tourism and sustainability. The fort has been beautifully restored and maintained, blending harmoniously with its natural surroundings. The local authorities have implemented sustainable practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact while preserving the fort's authenticity and historical value.

   ------What makes Hammenhiel Significant ?------

The Hammenhiel Fort lies in its historical importance as a defense fort during the colonial period. It is a testament to the rich and diverse history of Sri Lanka and showcases the influence of various colonial powers in shaping the region's past.

                                                                      

                                                                              --

------ Traveling Directions to Hammenhiel Fort in Jaffna------

        Jaffna can be reached through 2 directions:

 1.       Over the Elephant Pass which is the normal route to Jaffna.

 2.     From Pooneryn over  (Sangupiddi Bridge- which is newly built). This road connects to Mannar.

Route 01 from Colombo to Jaffna ( Through Kurunegala )	Route 02 from Colombo to Jaffna ( Through Puttalam )
Through : Kurunegala – Dambulla – Anuradhapura – Vavuniya Distance : 400 km Travel Time : 7-8 hours Driving Directions : Prefer Google map	Through : Puttalam – Anuradhapura – Vavuniya Distance : 400 km Travel Time : 7-8 hours Driving Directions : Prefer on Google maps

 

Route from Jaffna -  Hammenhiel Fort

Distance :24 km Travel time : 30-40 mins Driving directions : Prefer  google map

 HOW TO VISIT HAMMENHIEL FORT -  FROM JAFFNA TOWN.

Jaffna Town => Karainagar => Karainagar Jetty => Fort Hammenhiel Resort

Route 01 - From  Jaffna - Ponnaly - Ponnalay Bridge - Karainagar	Route 02- From Vaddukodai Junction- Ponnaly- Vaddukoda –Moolai- Karainagar
3.5km Undeveloped road near Vadukoddai junction	Come to Vaddukodai Junction and drive 1km on B437, take a left turn on B436 road towards Ponnaly. It will take you through the two beautiful villages of Vaddukodai and Moolai

  TIP  ⮞ Its better to chose Route 02 as an alternative route that is worth taking! Beacause , yet there are still few un mainted broken roads – but these are nothing compared to the stretch close to Vadukoddai Junction. ⮞If you're unable to communicate in Tamil, use English words and hand gestures. 

Where to stay?

------Fort Hammenhiel Resort------

The Fort Hammenhiel Resort is located at the beach. After the defeat of the LTTE in September 2015 the Sri Lanka Navy made great efforts to fully restore and convert this fort in to a boutique hotel. It’s a beautiful resort with awe-inspiring views of the sea and a nearby island’s fort. The service was of European caliber and was extremely quick and friendly.In 2012, Hammenhiel fort was converted into a vibrant and luxurious holiday resort. Now, with its renovated quarters inside, it has become an even more remarkable  hidden destination for visitors.

So don’t wait any longer – let’s get going!

 To reach the restaurant you can travel by bus or get a tuk -tuk

Stone steps led to the upper floor with yet another square with large trees. Four large rooms to one side have been converted to luxury accommodation and the view out to sea from the square and a terrace with tables and chairs for alfresco dinning was impressive. Now its Open for visitors to explore history through its walls.

 HOW TO GET THERE You must get the bus for Karainagar from  Jaffna bus terminal

Cost ⮞ (Bus Fair) LKR 140 Per Person , Tuk -Tuk for LKR 500

By bus This is a relatively inexpensive method to get there, but the Fort Hammenhiel Resort is located at the beach, about 1km from the main road. So you have to walk there or take a bus or tuk-tuk 

TIP- ⮞ Request the conductor to drop you off at Hammenhiel fort. ⮞If you are unable to communicate in Tamil, try using English words and hand gestures. Some conductors know Sinhala.

 Hire a Motor Bike You can use the local rental motorbikes or International scooter rental services in Jaffna .These are the few  cheap travelling options I suggest, but yet I bear no responsibility for the services they offer.

 Cost ⮞ LKR1500-2500     Tip ⮞Use google Maps or refer to the mentioned road above.

 

The navy boat will guide and take you far out into the Jaffna channel before returning to the mainland. 

Booking  for Hammenhiel Fort

 Booking is easy – head to the website and reserve your spot or call- their website contains the contact numbers as well.

Gain  prisoners' experience on a hotel stay in Hammenhiiel Resort

Most funniest experienced is the resort will make you to   gain a prisoners' experience for a greater price.Where you will get a  prisoner’s costume as wear, a trunk box  and food on an aluminum plate and cup like in the picture below.

Cost -⮞ Get a bed for LKR 2200  , with food for LKR 6600. ⮞ one of the quarters for LKR 11,500 (room only) or With food for 02pax is LKR22,000 

------ Explore the Cells of Hammenhiel Fort------

A navy guide showed us around. Where i had to walk through the tunnel like entrance to a shady courtyard surrounded by numbered cells where prisoners were held in the past. Some of them have been converted to tourist accommodation offering a taste of prison life in years gone by. Cell number 3 was where Rohana Wijeweera, the leader of JVP was held during the 1971 left-wing insurrection. In his there you will be able to see a verse written by him about gathering around to lessen the misuse of private property. 

------ Boat Riding------

------ Where to EAT?------

We drove along a winding dirt track lined with Palmyra trees to the big iron gate. The board said Fort Hammenhiel Compound. The blue clad navy security man opened the gate for us to drive up to the new waterfront restaurant with Fort Hammenhiel in the distance.The restaurant served us a buffet lunch of traditional Sri Lankan rice & curry. We relaxed for a while in the spacious, open lounge and walked to the end of the long pier to board a navy speed boat to travel the short distance to the fort. 

Cost - The price of the food is a bit pricy - But the taste is good.

 ------What food & drink options are available at Fort Hammenhiel Resort?------

 Various types of food and drink options are available. Click for more information.

Twins Tip - The weather in jaffna is super hot. So it is best to check the weather before optiing for the prison cell stay as there are no fans or modern facilties.

------Explore the close by attractions:------

1.  Jaffna Archaeological Museum:Located within the fort, this museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the cultural heritage of the Jaffna region. It's a great place to learn about the history and artifacts of the area.Read More

2. Explore Nallur Kovil:

Located in close proximity to Hammenial Fort, Nallur Kovil is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is known for its intricate architecture and vibrant festivals. Take some time to visit this spiritual site and admire its beauty. Read More

3.Kovilian point ( Karaitive island) Light House: 

Its 5.83 KM away from Hammenhiel fort. Located on Karaitive Island, also known as Kovilian Island, in the Indian Ocean. It is situated at the Kovilian Point, which is the southernmost tip of the island. Read More

4. Kayts isalnd  

Its 1.3KM away from Hammenhiel fort located in the Jaffna District of Sri Lanka. It is the largest island in the Jaffna Peninsula and is situated in the Palk Strait, which separates Sri Lanka from India. Read More

5. Ruins of the dutuch church at st. Anthony's church kayts 

Its is 2.06km away from Hammenhiel fort and it has been a historical site located in Kayts, a small island off the northern coast of Sri Lanka. The church was originally built by the Dutch during their colonial rule in the 17th century .Read More

6.  Delft Island

Delft Island, also known as Neduntheevu, is a small island located off the coast of Jaffna. It is known for its unique geological formations, wild ponies, and colonial ruins. Take a boat ride from Hammenial Fort to explore this picturesque island.Read More   Click here to explore around Delft island on my previous blog

Conclusion

Overall, the combination of the historical significance of the fort and the implementation of eco-tourism practices makes Hammenhiel Fort in Jaffna a must-visit destination for tourists looking for an immersive and sustainable travel experience.

References

Dam, J.L., & van Leiden, J.A. (2019). Forts in Sri Lanka, a glance back at colonial times. Accessed from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337278261_Forts_in_Sri_Lanka_a_glance_back_at_colonial_times

TheCultural Significance of Hammenhiel Fort (2021). Accessed from:https://exploresrilanka.lk/cultural-significance-hammenhiel-fort/

 Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism Development in Sri Lanka (2018). Accessed from: http://www.srilanka.travel/contentFile/1_upfiles/downloads/Premium-Higher-Guest-Houses.pdf