Jaffna is the place where my dad was born and we visited for quite some days. In this article, I will share everything about the places you should visit in this quite unknown area of Sri Lanka! All tips come from the locals of Jaffna.
What to expect in this article:
- About Jaffna & Why it is so different than the rest of Sri Lanka
- My connection with Jaffna
- 1. Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam / Temple
- 2. Jaffna Fort
- 3. Old Town of Jaffna
- 4. Rio Ice Cream in Jaffna
- 5. Nainativu - island near Jaffna
- 6. Delft - island near Jaffna
- 7. Jaffna Clock Tower
- 8. Casuarina Beach in Jaffna
- 9. Karaitivu Fort
- 10. Local House
- Is Jaffna worth visiting?
About Jaffna & Why it is so different than the rest of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is a region located in the north of Sri Lanka and it is where my dad was born and a lot of my family still lives. Even though I have only visited it once, in my heart I visit it frequently ♥
For me and for many others, Jaffna feels very different from the rest of the country. Why is this? Because it has a strong Tamil culture, which is not as common in other parts of Sri Lanka.
If you have never heard of the civil war of Sri Lanka, you have to check it out, as it is the reason many Tamils fled and the Tamil region became significantly smaller.
Don’t forget to read the 2.5-week itinerary to not miss a spot!
Unlike the south of Sri Lanka, where most people are Buddhist, Jaffna is famous for its colorful Hindu temples, known as kovils. Next to that, the language is also different than in the rest of Sri Lanka. Lastly, I could also sense the remains of the war, the impact, which is different than in the rest of Sri Lanka. Maybe it is because I know about the impact on my family, but otherwise you should look up more information.
And let’s not forget about the food which is different, spicy curries, seafood, and dishes you won’t find elsewhere in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan cuisine is amazing, but the Tamil food from my family is the best.
Life in Jaffna is slower and quieter. The people are friendly and proud of their traditions, which include music, dance, and art that tell the story of Tamil culture. Visitors to Jaffna often feel like they are in a completely different part of the country. It might not be as beautiful as Ella, Nuwara Eliya, but the north is definitely worth a try as it is authentic.
My connection with Jaffna
Like I already said, my dad was born in Jaffna and many of my relatives still live there. In 2023, when I finally had the chance to visit Sri Lanka with my family (and which was a lifelong dream), we spent around 5 days in Jaffna. Hopping from 1 house to another house with family and everyone we got offered food and had to take group photos. Those days were amazing.
Next to family visits, we also tried to see a little of Jaffna, with my family. So here is my list of 10 amazing places that you can see in Jaffna. These are all tips from me, or my family (the locals).
Read one more article about Sri Lanka
1. Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam/ Temple
One thing you can do in Jaffna is visit the Nallur Kandaswamy temple. My dad was born in Nallur, so we had to visit, as he often went here as a kid. Every family member we visited kept saying we should visit this temple.
The temple is devoted to Lord Murugan and you can witness daily prayers. Next to that, the architecture with gold, and red + white walls is different and nice to see, you can’t take any photos inside the temple.
Inside the temple, you can feel the quiet atmosphere. The devotion of the worshippers is moving. Whether or not you’re religious, the energy and devotion here are awe-inspiring and offer a deeper understanding of Jaffna’s culture.
I found it interesting to visit this temple and it was a place I could calm down for a little bit, after receiving bad news.
2. Jaffna Fort
Jaffna Fort is probably the most famous spot in Jaffna. It is one of the best-preserved colonial-era forts in Sri Lanka. Again there is a connection, as it was built by the Portuguese but later expanded by the Dutch. You might know I am Sri Lankan Dutch, so I had to see this fort.
You can still walk through the remains and see the sea which is closeby. Next to that, it is a nice spot for a sunset. It’s a serene place if you ask me and you can’t miss it while in Jaffna.
3. Old Town of Jaffna
Old Town. If you want to experience a lot of life, Old Town is the place to be. This is where you can find stores to buy sarees, fruits, spices, crafts, and much more. I do have to say that buying a saree costs much less than in the Netherlands, but it’s more pricey than in India.
This area in Jaffna is a special place full of history and culture. It is quieter than the busy cities in Sri Lanka and has a peaceful, old-style charm. The streets are filled with colorful Hindu temples, old buildings, and lively markets. Look closely where you walk, as there is also a lot of traffic.
After enjoying the peace and quiet of Jaffna, I did have to get used to all the life in Jaffna Old Town again. Especially the beggars. They kept following my dad and were so persistent that I even got angry (which rarely happens!). Still, that is life in Sri Lanka, especially since they are building after some years again.
The Old Town is also home to many religious places, like Hindu temples and churches, showing Jaffna’s culture.The Old Town is a must-see for anyone exploring Jaffna!
4. Rio Ice Cream in Jaffna
Rio Ice Cream, why would I go to an ice cream store in Jaffna?
Well, Rio Ice Cream in Jaffna is the perfect place to relax and have fun! It’s one of the most famous ice cream shops in Sri Lanka, and both locals and visitors love it. The bright, colorful shop is always full of happy people enjoying their favorite ice cream flavours.
Rio has so many ice cream flavors to choose from—fruity, chocolatey, or even rainbow-colored!
The best part? It’s not just about the ice cream—it’s about the lively atmosphere. You can sit and watch local families, kids, and friends enjoying their time together. So it is another way to understand the culture.
If you’re feeling tired from exploring Jaffna or want to forget about the city’s serious history for a while, Rio is the perfect escape. It’s a place to smile, eat, and feel the joy of Jaffna’s vibrant local life.
5. Nainativu - island near Jaffna
Nainativu is a small, special island near Jaffna, and it’s a place my dad loved when he lived there. He always says it’s one of the best spots to visit! (Next to family 😉
To get there, you take a fun boat ride, which is an adventure by itself. The island is peaceful and full of beauty, with clear blue water all around. Nainativu is also home to two important religious sites: Nagadeepa Vihara, a beautiful Buddhist temple, and Nagapooshani Amman Temple, a colorful Hindu temple. Both are amazing to see, even if you’re not religious.
What makes Nainativu extra special is the calm and relaxing feeling you get when you’re there. It’s a great place to escape the busy city and enjoy quiet moments. My dad always says this island will make you feel happy and peaceful, and I think he’s right!
6. Delft - island near Jaffna
Delft Island is a must-visit spot near Jaffna, and it’s full of surprises! One local family member told me about this place, saying it’s one of the most special islands in Sri Lanka. To get there, you have to take a boat ride of course.
I got to know about Delft, as we also have a place called Delft in the Netherlands. There must be a Dutch influence on this island then. Unfortunately, I did not have the time to visit this place, as we were running around to visit all my family members in Jaffna. But next time, I definitely will!
Delft Island is famous for its wild horses, which roam freely across the island. It’s such a cool sight to see them running around! The island also has an old Dutch Fort, made from coral stones, and it feels like a step back in time.
A local tip? Don’t miss the Giant Baobab Tree, a massive tree that’s hundreds of years old and has an interesting history.
The island is quiet and peaceful. You can walk around, and enjoy the sea views.
7. Jaffna Clock Tower
The next site might not be big, but it is a special one. The Jaffna Clock Tower is in the heart of Jaffna.
The clock tower stands tall and proud, reminding of Jaffna’s history. It was built in the early 1900s, to honor the visit of a British royal. Not it is a symbol of the city. It is easy to spot, and locals often use it as a meeting point.
It is funny, as the same clock tower is also in Pondicherry (India) and I often refer to my boyfriend where we would go to. Are we going right of the clock tower or left as it is a famous landmark there as well.
The area around the clock tower is busy and lively, with shops, cafes, and markets nearby. Visiting the Jaffna Clock Tower is quick, and I would only visit it if you were closeby. Still, it says a lot about the history of Jaffna.
Read one more article about Sri Lanka
8. Casuarina Beach in Jaffna
Here is another tip from my father: Casuarina Beach.
He remembers visiting it often and says it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the calm sea. The sea can be rough in other spots, but not here.
This beach is known for its soft sand and gentle waves. It’s not crowded, as most tourists do not know about it. The water is so calm that it’s perfect for a safe swim or just dipping your toes. Locals love coming here with their families, and you’ll often see kids playing in the water while adults sit under the shade of the casuarina trees.
Even though I didn’t get to visit, unfortunately, my dad says it’s a hidden gem in Jaffna, and I can see why! If you’re looking for a peaceful beach day and want to enjoy the simple beauty of the sea, Casuarina Beach is the place to go.
Find your activity with GetYourGuide
9. Karaitivu Fort
Karaitivu Fort is a hidden gem near Jaffna, and it’s a tip from my family. If you have time, it must be nice to visit.
The fort was built by the Dutch and is small but full of history. It’s surrounded by beautiful scenery, with the sea on one side and peaceful nature on the other. Even though the fort is partly in ruins, you can still see the old walls.
It’s not crowded like other tourist spots (like almost everywhere in Jaffna), so you can take your time exploring. I did not have time to visit, but the pictures online look nice. If you have a drone, you should probably take this with you. Enjoy!
10. Local House
The last tip might be difficult if you can’t find one, but I really recommend staying at a local. It’s such a different experience than staying in a hotel.
While Jaffna might not have as many homestay options as larger places in Sri Lanka, there are still some local families and small guesthouses where you can stay. Check out Booking.com or Airbnb, or you can ask locals for recommendations once you arrive. It will definitely be a wonderful experience and they can let you try the local food, like idli, putu, idiyapam or curries. Yumm!!
Is Jaffna worth visiting?
I can say 100% yes! It is not the typical tourist spot and you can’t find many Instagrammable spots. But if you want to explore the Tamil culture and have an authentic experience of Sri Lanka, you definitely have to visit.
Jaffna has an exciting history, cool places to see, and lots of friendly people who keep their Tamil traditions alive.
I will definitely visit Sri Lanka and my family in Jaffna more often in the future.
I hope you liked reading the article and I can’t wait to hear about your experience in Jaffna!
Would you like to read more?
