Jaffna
Jaffna is Sri Lanka’s northernmost peninsula city that had restricted travel for decades due to the civil war. Today, it is a major cultural attraction and has given rise to some of the most vibrant monuments, temples, and historic sites.
Feast your eyes on one of the main attractions of nothern Sri Lanka – the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna. The kovil’s structure dates back to 1734 and with its larger than life murals and brass structures radiates a magnificent, yet serene ambiance around the place. Thousands of Hindu worshippers hail from around the island as well as internationally to celebrate, venerate and bask in the blessing of the Hindu gods during the spectacular Nallur Festival for 25 days in the month of July or August. Vibrant chariot processions, drumming, dancing and acts of self mortification, held in honour of the war god Skanda is seen at this festival.
Top Attractions in Jaffna
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, one of the most important kovils in Sri Lanka, is located about 3 km from Jaffna town. Grand arches and vivid colors are part of this kovil, which is devoted to Lord Murugan, the god of war, love, and beauty.
Nainatheevu / Nagadeepaya
Off the coast of Jaffna lies a notable little island known as Nainatheevu. Spanning just about 4km, the island was once home to the Naga people, who, according to folklore, were an ancient tribe that inhabited Sri Lanka, and are the ancestors of many modern-day Sri Lankan Tamil.
Jaffna Public Library
The Jaffna Public Library once functioned as one of South Asia’s most famous libraries containing research worthy, authentic and ancient Tamil books which bore witness to the fascinating history of the Tamils and their culture. It was considered as the intellectual property by the Tamil people.
Jaffna Fort
The vast Jaffna fort, which looks out over the Jaffna lagoon and was once the city’s gatehouse, has been fought over for centuries. In 1619, Portuguese colonists invaded the Jaffna Kingdom and established a fort there, which remained in place for nearly 40 years.
Dambakola Patuna
Dambakola Patuna or Jambukola Patuna is an ancient port in the north of Jaffna which was used during pre christian times. After Arahath Mahinda brought Bhuddhism to Sri Lanka in 250BC, his sister, Theri Sanghamitta arrived in Sri Lanka with a Sacred Bo Sapling one year later to this port.
Jaffna Lagoon
Jaffna Lagoon is a large lagoon surrounded by the densely populated Jaffna Peninsula containing palmyra palms, coconut plantations, and rice paddies. It attracts a wide variety of water birds including American flamingoes, ducks, gulls, terns and other shorebirds.
Keerimalai
Located in Jaffna, the Keerimalai springs is a renowned mineral water spring that is believed to have healing properties. Unlike other natural springs in the island, this spring forms two swimming pools with separate entrances for women and men.