Jaffna is the capital city of the northern province of Sri Lanka. It is Sri Lanka’s 12th most populous city and was affected by the civil war of Sri Lanka for almost three decades. There are many important attractions to visit in the Jaffna peninsula which include the Jaffna Fort, King Sangiliyan’s Minister’s House, Jaffna Public Library, Elephant Pass War Memorial, Keerimalai Hot Springs, Nilavarai Bottomless Well, Casuarina Beach, Chaddy Beach and Mannar Bird Sanctuary etc.
Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya
Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple which is situated in the Jaffna district. It stands among the sixteen holiest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, known as the “Solosmasthana”, in Sinhala. The temple area is known to be the where Lord Buddha visited five years after attaining enlightenment during his second visit to the country. The purpose of this visit was to settle a dispute between two Naga kings, Chulodara and Mahodara. The dispute was over the possession of a gem-studded throne at Nagadeepa.
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, also known as Nallur Kovil, is one of the most significant Hindu temples situated in northern Sri Lanka. Its deity is Lord Shiva also known as Katharagama Deviyo. The original temple was built in 948 AD at the same site by a Minister to the king of Kotte. The present temple was rebuilt during the Dutch colonial era in 1734 AD by ‘Don Juan’ Ragunatha Maapaana Mudaliyar. It is a socially important religious institution for Sri Lankan Tamils and many religious festivities are conducted in this temple annually.
Dambakola Patuna
Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple is an ancient and historically significant Buddhist temple which is situated in Dambakolapatuna in the Jaffna district. It is a spiritually important Buddhist temple due to its location. It is where Arhat Sangamitta landed with a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi which was planted in Anurahapura. This was during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa of the Anuradhapura era. The area of the temple is known as the Port of Jambukola. The temple was restricted from access during the civil war in Sri Lanka and is now reopened for the public.
Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple
Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple is an ancient and historic Hindu temple which is situated in Nainativu Island. The temple is dedicated to Sri Nagapooshani Amman or Parvati and her consort Sri Nayinaar Swami who is also known as Shiva. The temple has a total of four colorful and decorative gopurams, several mandapams or halls and a few tanks. The temple conducts many Hindu festivities all year long.
Vallipuram Alvar Vishnu Kovil
Vallipuram Alvar Vishnu Kovil is an ancient Hindu temple which is situated in Vallipuram, Point Pedro in the Jaffna peninsula. It is considered as one of the oldest Hindu temples in Jaffna and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The entire temple including the entrance, depicts many stories related to the divine powers of Lord Vishnu who is known to be the preserver and protector of the universe, in Hinduism. The temple conducts a festival annually during the months of September/ October which is determined as per the lunar calendar.
Jaffna Archeological Museum
Jaffna Archeological Museum is situated in Nallur, Jaffna. The museum was established in 1978 and the land for the museum was given by the Arumuga Navalar Foundation. The museum houses a large collection of Buddhist and Hindu exhibits made of metal, stone and wood. The museum which houses a rare collection of antiques have exhibits that belong to the time period of ancient Sri Lanka up to the colonial era.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church which is situated in Old Park Road, Jaffna. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jaffna and is also known as “Periye Kovil” by the local Tamils. Legend says that the son of Jaffna king Cankili, who converted to Catholicism was killed by the king himself on this spot and it is where the prince’s ashes were buried. Construction of the church began in 1789 and was completed in 1794.
St. Lourdes church of Thumpalai
St. Lourdes church of Thumpalai is a Catholic church which is situated in Thumpalai in the Jaffna district. The church consists of a vibrant architecture and is admired by most of its visitors, both catholic devotees and people of other faiths. The church conducts services which are attended by the locals of the surrounding area.
Sri Bala Kathirkamam Temple
Sri Bala Kathirkamam Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple which is situated in Nallur, Jaffna. It is located close to the popular Nallur Kovil. The temple attracts visitors from all over the country due to its close proximity to Nallur Kovil. Devotees who come for religious activities at the Nallur Kovil ensure to pay a visit to the nearby Sri Bala Kathirkamam Temple as well.
Potpathy Vinayagar
Potpathy Vinayagar is a popular Hindu temple which is situated in Kokuvil East in Jaffna. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vinayagar and is attended by many Hindu devotees both from the surrounding area and other areas across the Jaffna peninsula. This colorful temple is one of the most prominent Hindu temples situated in Kokuvil.
Lady of Refuge Church
Our Lady of Refuge Church is a Catholic church which is situated in 4th Cross Street in Jaffna. It is a relatively old church which was built during the Portuguese rule of Sri Lanka. It is situated several meters away from the Jaffna Bus Stand and Jaffna Railway Station making it a very convenient location to access. The church conducts services which are attended by Catholics of the area.
Nallur Sivan Temple
Nallur Sivan Temple is an ancient and popular Hindu temple which is situated in Nallur, Jaffna. It is located close to the popular Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. Also known as the “Ancient Siva Temple”, it conducts popular religious festivities which are attended by a large number of Hindu devotees from all over Sri Lanka.
Naguleswaram Temple
Naguleswaram Temple is a Hindu temple which is situated in Kankesanturai in the Jaffna peninsula. The temple is considered to be one of the oldest shrines located in the region and is located close to the Keerimalai Hot Springs which is believed to carry miraculous powers and curative properties. The temple was destroyed many times in history during the Portuguese reign and the civil war of Sri Lanka. It was majorly expanded and reopened in 2012. Naguleswaram Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is popular for the religious activities carried out on the “Aadi Amaavaasai day” which falls on the Tamil month of “Aadi”.
Iyappan Temple
Iyappan Temple Urumpirai is a Hindu temple which is situated in Jaffna. It is a relatively small temple which is dedicated to Iyappan. The temple celebrates a number of religious festivities annually. It is usually attended by locals of the area but does see a few outsiders occasionally.
Muthu Vinayagar Kovil
Muthu Vinayagar Kovil is an ancient Hindu temple which is situated in the Jaffna peninsula. In fact, it is one of the oldest temples of the area and conducts religious worships three times on a daily basis. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is visited by many devotees from the surrounding areas. The building follows Dravidian architecture and is believed to have been completed in the 18th century.
Maruthanamadam Anjaneyar Kovil
Maruthanamadam Anjaneyar Kovil is a popular Hindu temple which is situated in Jaffna. A unique feature of the temple is a 22 m high statue of Hanuman. It is a beautiful temple with great architecture and prominent features. The temple attracts a lot of devotees from near and far as it is a prominent Hindu temple situated in the Jaffna peninsula.
Karainagar Sivan Temple
Karainagar Sivan Temple is a popular Hindu temple which is situated in Karainagar in the Jaffna peninsula. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Karainagar is famous for its shallow water beaches along with this ancient Shiva temple. Karainagar Sivan Temple is also known as Eezhathu Chidambaram in Tamil. It is visited by Lord Shiva worshipers from the surrounding area and across the island.
Kannaki Amman Temple
Kannaki Amman Temple is a prominent Hindu temple which is situated in Urelu, Jaffna. The temple is devoted to the Hindu Goddess Kannaki and attracts many Hindu devotees. Kannaki Amman Temple hosts religious festivities all year round for which a large number devotees come different parts of the country.
Kaladdy Amman Kovil
Kaladdy Amman Kovil is a popular Hindu temple which is situated along the Kaladdy Amman Kovil Road in Jaffna. The temple has a beautiful architecture and conducts many religious festivities all year round. Kaladdy Amman Kovil attracts Hindu devotees from Jaffna and the surrounding cities and villages.
Kadurugoda Viharaya
Kadurugoda Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple which is situated in Chunnakam in the Jaffna district. The temple is one of the very few Buddhist temples remaining in Jaffna among the large number of Hindu temples of the district. It is maintained by the Sri Lanka Army and has been declared as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka. It is believed that Sangamitta Theri visited this temple on the way to Anuradhapura from Dambakolapatuna when she arrived to Dambakolapatuna Lanka with a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi. This was during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa of the Anuradhapura era
Kadduthurai Pillayar Kovil
Kadduthurai Pillayar Kovil is a Hindu temple which is situated in Odai Lane, Jaffna. It is dedicated to the Hindu God Ganesh. The temple conducts many religious festivities all year round. It is visited by a large number of devotees from near and far.
Yogarswami Mahasamadhi Temple
Yogarswami Mahasamadhi Temple is a Hindu temple which is situated along the Chundikuli-Columbuthurai Road in Jaffna. It is known to be the place where a popular local saint named Guru Yogarswami lived. The temple has been dedicated to the Guru by his devotees and is mainly visited by the devotees of Guru Yogarswami. One of Guru’s main devotees was the son of Lord Soulbery, the Governor of Ceylon during the British rule.
Jaffna Yacht Club
Jaffna Yacht Club is situated along the Jaffna-Pannai-Kayts Road in the Jaffna peninsula. It provides sailing tours in yachts along the pristine blue seas of Jaffna. The tour takes people to view many highlighted features of the Jaffna peninsula. Private yacht tours are also available to various islands located in the northern tip of Sri Lanka.
Wild Horse Sanctuary
Wild Horse Sanctuary is situated in Delft Island in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. It is the only wild horse sanctuary in Sri Lanka and is home to about 1000 horse. These wild horses are believed to descend from the horses which inhabited Delft Island when the Portuguese were ruling. It is a truly natural and wildlife paradise with wild horses and coral reefs.
Puthukkudiyiruppu War Museum
Puthukkudiyiruppu War Museum is situated along the Parantan-Mullaitivu Highway in Puthukkudiyiruppu, close to Mullaitivu in the northern part of Sri Lanka. Puthukkudiyiruppu is situated near the Nanthikadal lagoon where the Sri Lankan troops defeated the LTTE in 2009. The war museum displays many weapons and assault vehicles which were used by the LTTE and remnants of a ship that was captured by the rebels during the civil war.
Durayappah Stadium
Durayappah Stadium is a stadium which is situated in Jaffna, southwest of Nallur and close to the Jaffna Fort. It is approximately 0.6 km in length and is located in an estimated terrain elevation of 9999 m above sea level. It is a prominent stadium in Jaffna named after the slain Jaffna Mayor, Alfred Durayappah. The stadium hosts many special events in Jaffna.
Jaffna Eco Park
Jaffna Eco Park is an ecological park which is situated in the Jaffna peninsula. The park consists of a rich diversity of migrant birds in the midst of a mangrove forest. It is a popular place of hangout for bird lovers and photographers. The variety of birds found in Jaffna Eco Park includes flamingos and whistling ducks.
Delft Island
Delft Island is an island situated in the northern part of Sri Lanka in the Palk Strait. It is also known in the names of Neduntheevu or Neduntivu in Tamil and Sinhala respectively. Delft is the Dutch name of the island. The island is 50 square km in area with a length of 8 km and a maximum width of approximately 6 km. It belongs to the Jaffna district and consists of beaches with shallow water and corals.
Eluvaitivu
Eluvaitivu is an island which is situated off the coast of the Jaffna peninsula. It is a small island with an area of 1.4 square km and a population of about 500. Eluvaitivu is not connected to the mainland of Jaffna or any other island via land and can only be reached by a ferry. It is an isolated island where people have difficulty in leading their daily lives.
Keerimalai Hot Springs
Keerimalai Hot Springs is a natural spring which is located in northern Sri Lanka close to Palaly. A bathing tank, which is separated from the springs only by a wall, is built in this location. Though the tank is located close to the springs, its water comes from an underground freshwater spring. It is believed that this underground source of water is connected to the Nilavarai Bottomless Well which is located about 10 km away from here. The location and the spring is popular among Hindus as it is believed to carry miraculous powers.
Mandaitivu
Mandaitivu is an island which is situated in the northern part of Sri Lanka, South of Jaffna city. The island is spread out on an area of 7.56 square km with a population of about 1524 (at 2012 census). The island is divided in to three divisions which are namely Mandaitivu South, Mandaitivu East and Mandaitivu West. Mandaitivu is located close to Chirutivu Island which is another island in the northern tip of Sri Lanka.
Casuarina Beach
Casuarina Beach is a beautiful beach which is situated in Karainagar in the Jaffna district. It is one of the most popular beaches of the area and of the Jaffna district. It is also known in the names of “Casoorina” and “Cashoorina”. This beach with amazing white and is considered as one of the best beaches in the Jaffna peninsula. It is named as “Casuarina” because there are many Casuarina trees along the beach.
Chaddy Beach
Chaddy Beach or Charty Beach is situated in Velanai Island in the Jaffna district. It is a sandy shore beach with a sunny weather all year round where people come to relax due to its close proximity to Jaffna. The beach provides enough shade and is popular among the locals.
Cankilian Thoppu
Cankilian Thoppu is an ancient facade and one of the remnants of the Jaffna kingdom. The triumphal arch is located on the Jaffna-Point Pedro Road, near Nallur and was declared as an archaeologically protected monument by the Sri Lanka Government on the 23rd of February 2007. It is also known in the names of Cankilian Thoppu Facade and Poothathamby arch. The Cankilian Thoppu is believed to be part of the facade of the king’s palace.
Jaffna Market
Jaffna Market is a market with a mix of local specialties located at the heart of Jaffna City. It is a unique kind of market where people can find exotic souvenirs, eclectic clothes ornaments, fruits, vegetables, grocery items etc. It is a very colorful and vibrant market situated to the west of the bus stand. Visitors can spend hours browsing through the market stalls selling local products for affordable prices.
Pooneryn Fort
Pooneryn Fort is a defense fort built by the Portuguese which is situated in Pooneryn, adjacent to the Jaffna Peninsula. The Portuguese built it to protect their possessions in Jaffna. Thereafter it was captured by the Dutch and the British in 1658 and 1796 respectively. The condition of this fort, which is made using granite stones and bricks, is damaged.
Point Pedro Lighthouse
Point Pedro Lighthouse is a lighthouse which is situated in Point Pedro in the Jaffna peninsula. It is 32 m high with a cylindrical tower consisting of a balcony and lantern. The white hued lighthouse was built in 1916. It is overshadowed by a communication tower of the Sri Lanka Navy.
Kilinochchi War Memorial
Kilinochchi War Memorial is a historical monument which is situated in Kilinochchi in the northern province of Sri Lanka. It used to be cemetery where the bodies of LTTE cadres were buried during the civil war in Sri Lanka. At present it serves as a memorabilia of the war which was won by the Sri Lankan troops in 2009. The monument is a commemoration for the Sri Lankan military forces for the sacrifices made by them during the war.
Jaffna International Airport
Jaffna International Airport is an international airport which is situated in Palaly in the Jaffna peninsula. It is also known as Palaly Airport and Jaffna Airport. It is also a military airbase which is known in the name of Sri Lanka Air Force Palaly (SLAF Palaly). The airport was originally built during the World War II by the Royal Air Force. It was later taken over by the Sri Lanka Air Force during the civil war of the country. In 2019 it became the country’s third international airport.
Jaffna Public Library
Jaffna Public Library is one of the most notable landmarks of Jaffna which is situated along the Jaffna-Point Pedro Road. The library was built in the year 1933 and burnt in 1981 while being completely rehabilitated by 2001. Run by the Jaffna Municipal Council, it was one of the biggest libraries in Asia with more than 97,000 books and manuscripts in total. It is Sri Lanka’s second main public library, only coming behind the Public Library of Colombo. The library is built in a picturesque setting surrounded by gardens and lush greenery.
Destroyed Water Tower
Destroyed Water Tower is a memorial of the civil war in Sri Lanka which is situated along the Kandy – Jaffna Highway in Kilinochchi. Kilinochchi was an area controlled by the LTTE during the war and has been destroyed much during this period. In 2008, the LTTE destroyed the water tower which supplied water to the entire city of Kilinochchi. The tower was entirely destroyed and its remnants can be seen fallen on the ground as a reminder of how brutal the civil war was in Sri Lanka.
Jaffna Fort
Jaffna Fort is a fort which was built by the Portuguese in 1618 following the invasion of Jaffna by the Portuguese. Built using granite stones, the Jaffna Fort was renovated by the Dutch in 1680. It is located near Gurunagar which is a coastal village of the North. The fort was named as Fortress of Our Lady of Miracles of Jafanapatão due to many miracles attributed to the statue of Virgin Mary in the church nearby. Jaffna Fort is popular as a location for amazing views of sunset.
Jaffna Clock Tower
Jaffna Clock Tower is a clock tower and an important landmark of the city of Jaffna. It was built to commemorate the visit of Prince of Wales, Albert Edward to Ceylon in the year 1875. The clock tower was very much damaged during the decades old civil war in the country. However, then Prince Charles visited the country in 1998, he offered British assistance in rebuilding the tower which resulted in the British Government donating Rs. 1 million for this purpose. The renovated tower was re-opened on 19th of June 2002 by the British High Commissioner Linda Duffield.
Jaffna Art Gallery
Jaffna Art Gallery, also known as Kalaithuthu Kala Mutram, is a popular art gallery which is situated in Jaffna. It is Jaffna’s first art gallery located in a large building amidst a beautiful setting. It consists of 3 large galleries which includes contemporary art work as well. The gallery has sculptures and paintings done by skilled sculptors and artists.
Fort Hammenhiel
Fort Hammenhiel is a defense fort which is built around a small island located between the islands of Karaitivu and Kayts in the Jaffna Peninsula. It was built in 1618 by the Portuguese and later captured by the Dutch. The fort is built using granite Stones and coral. It still stands in good condition and is controlled by the Sri Lanka Navy at present. It is now a tourist hotel run by the Sri Lanka Navy.
Farah III Shipwreck
The site of the Farah III Shipwreck is located at Mullaitivu in the northern part of Sri Lanka. The Jordanian owned ship, Farah III was robbed by the LTTE on the 19th of December 2006. The ship carried 14,000 metric tonnes of rice and had anchored at the coast due to mechanical failure. After the defeat of LTTE, the site has been declared open to the public to remind about the cruelty of the civil war in Sri Lanka.
Elephant Pass War Memorial
Elephant Pass War Memorial is situated at Elephant Pass in the Jaffna peninsula. It was built as a tribute to the Sri Lankan military forces who defeated the LTTE and won the civil war in 2009. The memorial consists of large bronze hands hold aloft a model of the island of Sri Lanka while being surrounded by a bandoleer-wearing lion. Elephant Pass used to be a regular battle site during the civil war.
Elephant Pass
Elephant Pass is a military base which is situated in the gateway of Jaffna Peninsula in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. It was controlled by the LTTE during the civil war of Sri Lanka. At present it is controlled by the Sri Lanka Army. Apart from being an important military base, it used to be the largest salt field in Sri Lanka. Elephant Pass is also known as the “Gateway to Jaffna” because it controls access to Jaffna Peninsula. Hence, it used to be a regular battle site during the civil war. Elephant connects Chavakachcheri in the Jaffna peninsula to the mainland of Sri Lanka.
Dutch Kachcheri Building
Dutch Kachcheri Building is a historical landmark which is situated along the Kandy Road in Jaffna. What remains of it today are the ruins of a building constructed during the Dutch rule of Sri Lanka. The Kachcheri, which is the principal government department that administrates a district in Sri Lanka, was in operation until 1990 which is when the LTTE terrorists captured it to make it the LTTE Police Head Quarters. The building dates back to the mid-18th century, but due to the effects of the brutal war with the LTTE, the building has lost its original details. The huge wall with arched entrances remain as ruins today and has been named as an archaeological monument by the government of Sri Lanka.
