Stay at Jetwing Jaffna and Discover the Most Beautiful Places in the Region

Inaccessible to visitors for the most part of the last 40 years due to the ethnic conflict, the city has transformed gradually into a thriving and bustling area. Travellers can choose to stay in one of the first luxury hotels in the city, Jetwing Jaffna, which offers easy access to many well-known attractions. There are also plenty of restaurants and eateries available if you want to try out the local food.

The most famous attractions in the region, however, are its religious and historical sites, as well as some picturesque beaches. Here are the most beautiful places in Jaffna to begin your adventure:

One of the biggest landmarks in Jaffna is the famous Nallur Kandasamy Kovil, dedicated to god Murugan. The original temple which was built in about 945 CE was destroyed by the invading Portuguese. However, today’s Nallur Temple is the fourth of its name and was built in the mid 18th century. It is probably the most important place of Hindu worship in the island, attracting thousands of devotees, especially during the festival month of August. Daily ‘poojas’ or services are conducted and visitors can participate. Also view the traditional South Indian-style architecture of the temple, which makes it one of the best places in Jaffna to visit.

There is a dress code for entry into the temple building proper. Males must remove their upper garments and females must have knee-length coverings, and upper coverings need to be modest.

The Dutch plan to conquer the coastal regions of Sri Lanka brought them to Jaffna in 1658. To consolidate their control, they built the star shaped Jaffna Fort in the 1790s on the foundations of an earlier fortification. It faces the scenic Jaffna lagoon to its west and the sea to the south. A protective moat surrounds the inner area. At one point, the residence of the Dutch, and later British governors and Sri Lankan Presidents, was inside the Fort. Visitors can also see the Groote Kerk, the Dutch Church, on the premises.

Years of neglect and damages caused during the war, when it was a major Army base, have left these buildings in ruins. However, the imposing granite and limestone ramparts of the Dutch Fort in Jaffna remain intact, and an afternoon stroll within the fort when the sun is setting is still worthwhile.

Although surrounded by the lagoon and the sea on all four sides, Jaffna has only a few well-known beaches. Casuarina beach, Jaffna – near the town of Gurunagar – is one of the most popular. Beaches here are quite different from the coconut palm fringed beaches of the South. However, this beach is not crowded, and has shallow waters that are generally safe for swimming. It’s best to avoid going during the North-East monsoon season that occurs from November to February. The beach is also a peaceful spot that is perfect for relaxation and is pristine, with hardly any pollution.

Often called the ‘longest beach’ on the island, Thalaiyadi Beach is situated on the east coast of the peninsula. There are miles of virtually deserted beach with white sand, on a thin strip of land between the lagoon and the ocean. You will find almost no development on the beach, making it a tranquil location. Visitors can access the clear waters of the beach from Jaffna on the Point Pedro-Maruthankerny Road.

Manalkadu is another beach close by. Situated near Point Pedro (the northernmost point of Sri Lanka), it is located near the Vallipura Aalvar Kovil and is a great place to head to if you want to go swimming.

Jaffna is a unique and fascinating destination, inviting travellers to explore its historical sites, religious monuments, and untouched beaches.