Jaffna is the capital city of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. It is the administrative headquarters of the Jaffna district located on a peninsula of the same name. With a population of 88,138, Jaffna is Sri Lanka’s 12th largest city.

Jaffna is approximately six miles away from Kandarodai which served as a famous emporium in the Jaffna peninsula from classical antiquity. Jaffna’s suburb, Nallur served as the capital of the four centuries-long medieval Jaffna kingdom. Jaffna has been a contested city. It was made into a colonial port town during the Portuguese occupation of the Jaffna peninsula in 1619. The Dutch, took it from the Portuguese, only to lose it to the British in 1796.

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

  • The most sacred Hindu temple in Sri Lanka, dedicated to Lord Murugan.
  • Famous for its golden gopuram (tower), intricate carvings, and annual festival (August-September).
  • A spiritual experience with traditional Hindu rituals.

Jaffna Fort

  • Built by the Portuguese (1618 CE) and later expanded by the Dutch.
  • Offers stunning views of the Jaffna Lagoon.
  • A key site during the Sri Lankan Civil War, now a place of history and reflection.

Jaffna Public Library

  • Once one of Asia’s largest libraries, it was destroyed in 1981 and later rebuilt.
  • A symbol of knowledge, resilience, and cultural heritage.
  • Features rare Tamil manuscripts and historical texts.

Keerimalai Natural Springs

  • A sacred freshwater spring believed to have healing properties.
  • Separate bathing areas for men and women.
  • Located near the Naguleswaram Temple, one of the oldest Hindu shrines in Sri Lanka.

Casuarina Beach

  • The best beach in Jaffna, known for calm, shallow waters and soft white sand.
  • A great spot for relaxing and swimming.

Nagadeepa Island & Temple

  • A Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage site, accessible by boat.
  • The Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya is believed to be a place where Buddha visited Sri Lanka.
  • Also home to the Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Kovil, a sacred Hindu temple.

Delft Island (Neduntivu)

  • A remote island known for its wild ponies, Dutch fort ruins, and coral walls.
  • Accessible by a scenic ferry ride from Jaffna.

Point Pedro – Sri Lanka’s Northernmost Point

  • A quiet coastal town with stunning ocean views.
  • Home to Lighthouse Beach, a peaceful, untouched shoreline.

Sangiliyan Statue & Ruins

  • A monument dedicated to King Sangiliyan, the last ruler of Jaffna.
  • A reminder of the Tamil kingdom’s history before colonial rule.