{"id":2907,"date":"2022-12-08T09:32:32","date_gmt":"2022-12-08T04:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.experientialjourneys.com.au\/sri-lanka\/?post_type=destination&p=2907"},"modified":"2025-08-06T06:05:09","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T00:35:09","slug":"jaffna","status":"publish","type":"destination","link":"https:\/\/www.experientialjourneys.com.au\/sri-lanka\/destination\/jaffna\/","title":{"rendered":"Jaffna"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/i> Jaffna<\/h6>\r\n

The Northern Capital<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n
The Northern peninsula of Jaffna is a land of rich history, culture, a tumultuous past and a very unique personality.<\/span><\/h5>\r\n

From Indian invasions in mediaeval times to colonial occupations by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, to the very recent civil war, Jaffna\u2019s past has always been conflict laden. However, none of it has diminished the natural beauty nor hospitable nature of the people of Jaffna and it is a great place to visit.<\/span><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”100″ class=”image-conetent-block”][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”right-image”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]\r\n

The Jaffna Fort is a spectacular structure<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
Many structures from the colonial era still stand today, despite the ravages of war, and are popular sites for travellers to visit.<\/span><\/h5>\r\nJaffna is full of historical and religious sites, and visiting these alone can take up quite a lot of a traveller’s time. Until recent times, the peninsula was connected to the rest of the country only via a thin strip of land, but a newly built causeway has increased its accessibility. There are quite a few islands around Jaffna, some are connected by causeways and the rest by ferry services.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”9304″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_meta_color=”false” padding_top=”100″ padding_bottom=”0″][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1677667700971{margin-bottom: 50px !important;padding-right: 10% !important;padding-left: 10% !important;}”]\r\n

Things to Explore<\/h2>\r\n

Sri Lanka has a plethora of amazing destinations, and you have the freedom to pick the ones you want during your tour.<\/h5>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row_fullwidth_content” row_meta_color=”false” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”100″][vc_column]
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Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is a significant temple in Jaffna that has a rich history. The original temple constructed in 948 CE was destroyed and has since been rebuilt three times. The present temple, built in 1734 CE, is quite a grand structure thanks to constant additions and renovations.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

This is an ancient and historic Hindu temple, which is considered a significant pilgrimage destination in Hinduism. Located on the island of Nainativu, the temple is dedicated to Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. The present structure was built between 1720 - 1790 CE after the Portuguese destroyed the original temple.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Located on the island of Nainativu, this temple is one of the sixteen holiest Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka. It is believed that Lord Buddha visited the location to settle a dispute between two Naga kings over a gem studded throne. The temple welcomes thousands of pilgrims each year.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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Jaffna Fort<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Built by the Portuguese over 400 years ago, the fort has seen plenty of action over the years, most recently during Sri Lanka\u2019s civil war. Restoration work has progressed splendidly since the end of the war, and the vast fort is a definite \u201cmust-see\u201d attraction in Jaffna.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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Jaffna Library<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The original library was built in 1933 and was renowned as one of Asia's largest libraries with an invaluable collection of books and manuscripts. It was unfortunately burned down in an arson attack in 1981. The library was restored to its former glory when it was rebuilt in 2001.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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Jaffna Market<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The Jaffna Market is a busy, noisy and colourful place spread out over several streets. Vendors sell goods ranging from gorgeous traditional clothing to fruits, vegetables, delectable treats and various odds and ends. The sprawling market has many hidden gems and is best explored leisurely on foot.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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Point Pedro<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Point Pedro, also known as Sakkottai Cape, is the northernmost point of Sri Lanka. The location was named by the Portuguese as Ponta das Pedras due to the rocky coastline, which eventually morphed into Point Pedro. During pre-colonial and colonial times it was known to be a successful trading post.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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Delft Island<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Neduntheevu, named Delft by the Dutch colonisers in the 17th century, has a long history. The ruins of a 1,000 year-old Chola Dynasty temple as well as ruins from the Dutch occupation can still be found here. The island is also famous for its population of feral ponies.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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Keerimalai<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The rumours about the Keerimalai Springs having curative powers are mostly fueled by a local myth, where a sage cursed to have a face like a mongoose was cured by bathing in these waters. The Keerimalai Naguleswaram Kovil, a sacred temple for Hindus, is also located close by.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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Dambakola Patuna<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The ancient \u201cPort of Jambukola\u201d gained religious significance when Theri Sanghamitta arrived here from India with the Sacred Bo Sapling. Although the temple built around 251 BCE to commemorate this momentous occasion does not exist anymore, a new temple stands in its place and functions as a significant Buddhist monument.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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Kadurugoda Temple and Ruins<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Located in the village of Chunnakam, the Kadurugoda Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in Jaffna. Although only 20 Stupas survive to this day, they are quite unique as the Stupas are made of grey coral and patterned with small holes all over them.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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Elephant Pass War Memorial<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

A regular battleground during the civil war, Elephant Pass was fought over many times before the war came to an end. The 42-foot high memorial, in the shape of two hands holding aloft Sri Lanka and flanked by lions, pays tribute to the Sri Lankan military forces.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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Chundikulam Bird Sanctuary<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Chundikulam Lagoon and a large part of the surrounding area were declared as a National Park in 2015. The Park is home to a plethora of birds as well as crocodiles, deer, sloth bears and more. The Park also features many diverse ecosystems, such as mangroves, wetlands, beaches and salt marshes.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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Casuarina Beach<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Arguably the most famous beach in Jaffna, the Casuarina tree fringed beach is located on the island of Karaitivu. The beach is sought after by locals and travellers due to its wide beaches, shallow waters, and pleasant surroundings. The Karainagar Lighthouse can be found at the eastern end of the shore.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div> \r\n\t\t\t\t

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Visit here in this tours<\/h2>\r\n

Indulge in a great mix of experiences, adventures and relaxing downtimes created especially for you.<\/h5>\r\n[\/vc_column_text]
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14 days \/ 13 nights<\/h6>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The Sri Lankan Food Safari<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

During this 2 week culinary adventure you will discover history, mysteries and a riot of flavours in regional specialities and street food universally loved...<\/p><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div> <\/div>

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21 days \/ 20 nights<\/h6>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

21 Days – Sri Lanka in Depth<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

With this amazing holiday experience in Sri Lanka, you will discover the island fully; North to South, explore at a relatively slow phase yet...<\/p><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div> <\/div>

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14 days \/ 13 nights<\/h6>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

All Aboard the Grand Sri Lankan Tour!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

This train tour of Sri Lanka will take you on a wonderfully scenic journey to discover Sri Lanka\u2019s beauty, and along the way you...<\/p><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div> <\/div>

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14 days \/ 13 nights<\/h6>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Cultural Highlights of Sri Lanka – 14 days<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

This holiday will take you on a journey of discovery of Sri Lanka\u2019s cultural highlights, and along the way you will have exciting encounters...<\/p><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div> <\/div><\/div> <\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_meta_color=”false” padding_top=”100″ padding_bottom=”100″][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1675406260081{margin-bottom: 50px !important;padding-right: 10% !important;padding-left: 10% !important;}”]\r\n

Possible experience from here<\/h2>\r\n

Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.<\/h5>\r\n[\/vc_column_text]
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6 Hours<\/h6>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Jaffna Food & Community Experience with a Local Host<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Experience \u201cYalpanam\u201d : Northern Capital of Sri Lanka & Dive into the Rich Flavours, Culture and History.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

<\/i><\/span> Jaffna<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div> <\/div>
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Full day<\/h6>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Jaffna Peninsula Discovery<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

A Full Day Historical and Cultural Adventure Beyond the City Limits.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

<\/i><\/span> Jaffna<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div> <\/div><\/div> <\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row padding_top=”100″ padding_bottom=”0″][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1677667759497{margin-bottom: 50px !important;padding-right: 10% !important;padding-left: 10% !important;}”]\r\n

Hotels around this location<\/h2>\r\n

Whether it\u2019s a Rustic & Eco-friendly Homestay, a Mid-range Villa or a High-end Boutique Villa, every property that we recommend to you has been thoroughly checked by our team to ensure it meets the high standards we hold them to.<\/h5>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row_fullwidth_content” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″][vc_column]\r\n\t\t
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