JAFFNA : THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO DISCOVER THE HIDDEN GEMS ON NORTH SRI LANKA

  Jaffna is, located in the northern part of Sri Lanka and remains relatively untouched by tourism. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Jaffna is the perfect destination to explore its rich culture, history, and natural beauty.Their unique cultural heritage is celebrated throughout the city.  If you’ve spent any time at all in the country, you’ll soon notice that it’s a different world up on north -Sri Lanka. Because there density population is  lower with rich culture and super relaxed. While most tourists flock to the popular beaches on the North coasts. Yet, there are few hidden gems waiting to be discovered by intrepid travelers.

   If you are a history enthusiast, a food lover, or simply seeking a unique experience,, the north Sri Lanka is one reign you don't want to miss 😉

Multifaceted History of JAFFNA

Jaffna boasts a fascinating long history that dates back over 2,000 years. Its is also home to lesser-known heritage sites that hold great cultural and historical significance. Archaeological evidence suggest that this region was inhabited since 1000 BC and influenced by various cultural eras, including in ancient times the Naga tribe lived in Jaffna Peninsula. Then they came for Aryachakravarti Kingdom which had strong ties with the Pandyas of Madurai in India. Remains of their kingdom are mostly around the Nallur neighborhood.  After this  colonialism by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British left their footprints at the fort, the public library, and the clock tower. Between 1983 – 2009, Jaffna plunged into the horrific Sri Lankan Civil War that took the city back more than a 100 Years and now the city now showcases an exceptional blend of Tamil, Sinhalese, and European architectural styles. .      

Ways to Travel and Explore Jaffna

Interactive map for Jaffna

The best and the easiest way to get to Jaffna from Colombo is by train. The journey takes  6-7 hours and is pretty scenic. There is also a dining car in the train which offers rolls, tea, and coffee. You can find time and booking details here.

To truly experience Jaffna and its hidden gems, it is best to travel by road. The district has a well-connected road network, making it easily accessible from major cities like Colombo and Trincomalee. Renting a car or hiring a driver is a convenient option, as it allows you to explore at your own pace and venture into lesser-known areas. Alternatively, you can also take a public trasportain - bus to get around and experience the local way of life. Bus journey can take anywhere between 10 – 12 hours and your back will be sore by the time you arrive. However, it does make sense to ride the bus if you are stopping in places like Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, or Polonnaruwa. That way, you can split the journey into two halves.

Sri Lankan Air Taxi (operated by Cinnamon Air) has also started services between Colombo - Jaffna. However, are no scheduled flights between the two cities as of now. You will need to charter a flight if needed (makes sense for a big group). Some tour operators also do this.    

Best time to visit Jaffna.

Jaffna experiences a tropical climate with two main seasons - the dry season from April to August its really hot, so dress accordingly to it. Be prepared : North Sri Lanka is too hot, The mildest weather will occur at this time, You will be confronting 30°C or higher outside this window, along with humidity and the wet season from October to January. The dry season is ideal, as rainfall is minimal. January - March is the ideal time of year to travel The temperatures are low and rainfall is non-existent. It was really warm when we went in April. We Lived in Saudi Arabia outback for 10Years yet,  Jaffna remained to be so hot for  us and its really wet between October – December.Read More

Where to Stay in Jaffna?

While Jaffna may not have a wide range of luxury resorts, yet offers numerous accommodation options such as cozy guesthouses and homestays that provide an authentic experience. Staying in a local accommodation allows you to connect with the community, learn about their traditions, and indulge in traditional Jaffna cuisine. These accommodations are often family-run, ensuring a warm and personal touch to your stay. Because in north is slightly more expensive than the south due to the region's ongoing tourism growth. It's worth considering this when planning a trip. The difference isn’t huge, but it’s definitely worth factoring into your budgeting/planning if you intend to make the trip up.

Tip If you land expecting to see your traditional lively, dorm-room, rooftop-bar, communal-breakfast-area type hostels common to most of Southeast Asia on every corner, you may be left a little disappointed. Because we found there was actually a surprising lack of ‘hostel culture’ throughout the country, mostly because the accommodation centers around the family-run guesthouses listed below.

                                                                              High-End 

Fox Resort  | A  luxury boutique hotel in Jaffna with acres of lush green gardens seclude you from the hustle and bustle of the town, when you’re not exploring . Prices and availability click here

The Thinnai All-Suites Boutique Hotel | A casual, modern hotel with incredible pool and garden area Click here

                                                                           Budget Hotels 

D' Villa Garden House | This guesthouse is quiet clean with basic  A/ C rooms .The manager Raj, is very helpful and can  organize anything as you want to do in the area and he's a good tour guide to provide excellent tips on exploring things to do in Jaffna. Prices and availability Click here

Tony’s Garden House Inn | We haven’t stayed here, but it was recommended by others. It has  a communal, hostel vibe, so if you’re looking to meet people then this is  and only the  drawback here is  shared bathrooms. Prices and availability Click here

                                                              Mid-Range

Nallur Holidays Inn | Prices and availability Click here

 Savory Flavors of Jaffna:

Jaffna is a food lover's paradise , So, if you're a foodie don’t miss this out. Because their distinct cuisine is a little different with its own unique tastes and strong influenced flavors which is  closer to Tamil food from South India which sets it apart from the rest of Sri Lanka. Indulge in mouthwatering seafood dishes, such as Jaffna crab curry , prawn masala and kool (a seafood curry thickened with palmyra) which showcase the freshest catch from the nearby waters. Vegetarians will love the array of spicy and flavorful vegetarian dishes, including the popular Jaffna-style dosai and sambar and their mutton, pittu and yoghurt with treacle.

I think eating all the delicious food is one of the best things to do in Jaffna and you could easily spend a week here eating your heart out  😆😋 !

 If you are feeling more enthusiastic, learn to cook Jaffna Mutton Curry and the pittu in this  2-hour local cooking class       

Where to  try some authentic foods in Jaffna?

 Mangos  |  It's located on Nallur Temple Road, Jaffna. It's a famous pure-veg restaurant among tourists and locals for its delicious food, including Dosas, uttapam, kotthu, and kotthu parotta. It's popularity rightfully gets a shout-out in every travel guide and blog.  I have heard their dosas are good and i do agree that their lassis is fantastic. Although prices are reasonable, it’s not the cheapest place in town. Their service may be underwhelming, but the food is worth the price. Read More 

Cost | Masala Dosa - 200Rs , Lasi / Fresh juice - 250rs

Malayan Cafe  |  This is an amazing little spot in the center of town. Its specially good for breakfast or brunch. I recommend to try the thick dosas with potato masala . The prices aren’t advertised but we’ve eaten here a few times. Click here                                                                                

Cost | I had lots of food and tea and it’s always been between 300 – 800 LKR .

Nallur Bhavan Vegetarian Restaurant  | It’s not much to look at, but serves up the best chili kotthu parotta in Jaffna. The dosa is okay, but you can’t beat the prices. Read More                                     Cost | A main will set you back 250 – 300 LKR. 

Lavin’s Vegetarian Family Restaurant  |  It's another favorite in Jaffna with delicious food. Expect the standard fare and similar prices to Mangos Click Here  

Cost | 500 – 700 LKR for a dosa-based main, 1000+ for curries

 If you are craving for some ice cream in Jaffna?  I'd suggest Rio’s a short walk away.

Rio Ice Cream      

Try Rio ice-cream is located very close to Nallur Kovil, Rio has a large swathe of ice cream varieties to choose from Rio's is absolutely not your usual Italian gelato style ice cream (so don’t go there expecting it!)It’s ice cream with a sweet south Indian twist, full of condiments and flavors to blow your mind. Their milk shakes, sundaes, and lava ice creams are especially popular. This sprawling ice cream palace is Over the last few years, Rio has assumed a cult status in the city. It is a favorite place and most busiest place to hang out for tourists and locals alike. So, you know where to head to if you wish to feel the pulse of Jaffna.  Read more 

Cost | You’ll pay 150 – 350 LKR, depending on the extravagance of your choice. 

Lingan Ice Cream Just around the corner from its famous neighbour. ice cream is  good and  less croweded.

Activates to do

In addition to exploring the cultural and historical sites, Jaffna also offers a range of activities to keep adventure seekers engaged. One popular activity are:

1. Cycling |around the district, allowing you to explore the countryside, visit remote villages, and interact with locals along the way.

2. Photography / bird watching Nature lovers can also enjoy birdwatching at the Jaffna Lagoon or in chandikulam bird sanctuary which is home to a variety of migratory birds. Additionally, a visit to the Casuarina Beach, known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, is a must for beach lovers.

3. Discover hidden places:

Jaffna is dotted with hidden gems that offer a unique and immersive experience. One such place Casurina beach, Deflt island , Chandikulam national park , Sangeliyan kingdom and Hemmanenial fort This secluded islands remnants of colonial forts, providing a glimpse into a different era.

In upcoming blogs, we will uncover some hidden destinations  in Jaffna that are worth exploring.    😉  

References

de Silva, K.M. (2005). A History of Sri Lanka. Colombo: Vijitha Yapa. p. 782. ISBN 955-8095-92-3.

Abeysinghe, Tikiri (2005). Jaffna under the Portuguese. Colombo: Stamford Lake. p. 66. ISBN 955-1131-70-1.

Kunarasa, K. (2003). The Jaffna Dynasty. Johor Bahru: Dynasty of Jaffna King's Historical Society. p. 122. ISBN 955-8455-00-8.

Gnanaprakasar, Swamy (2003). A Critical History of Jaffna. New Delhi: Asian Educational Services. p. 122. ISBN 81-206-1686-3.

Pathmanathan, Sivasubramaniam (1974). The Kingdom of Jaffna: Origins and early affiliations. Colombo: Ceylon Institute of Tamil Studies. p. 27.

Spence, Jonathan (1990). Sri Lanka: History and the Roots of Conflict. US: Routledge. p. 253. ISBN 0-415-04461-8.

Holt, John Clifford (1991). Buddha in the Crown: Avalokitesvara in the Buddhist Traditions of Sri Lanka. US: Oxford University Press. p. 304. ISBN 0-19-506418-6.

Raghavan, M. D. (1971). Tamil culture in Ceylon: a general introduction. Kalai Nilayam. p. 78.

^ Kōvintacāmi, Mu (1977). A Survey of the Sources for the History of Tamil Literature. Annamalai University. p. 93. Archived from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2018.

^ Raghavan, M. D. (1 January 1971). Tamil culture in Ceylon: a general introduction. Kalai Nilayam.

Rasanayagam, C.; Rasanayagam, Mudaliyar C. (1 January 1993). Ancient Jaffna: Being a Research into the History of Jaffna from Very Early Times to the Portuguese Period. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 9788120602106.