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. Its Hindu tradition and Jaffna history and culture have given rise to some of the most vibrant monuments, temples, and historic sites. It is still catching on as a tourist destination, and due to this reason, Jaffna is a less crowded place. You are in for absolute amazement at how different it is to the rest of the country. Southern Indian traditions have placed a strong influence on its predominantly Tamil population. It is one of the most authentic places which has managed to preserve its identity despite the war that ravaged.

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Tailor-make a Tour

Hidden Gems

Jaffna library is a classic example of Jaffna architecture style.
Casuarina Beach is the best Jaffna beach with its white sand and casuarina trees.
Jaffna Market is a colourful congregation of northern produce, especially palmyra products.
Point Pedro is the northernmost point in Sri Lanka and the closest place to India.
Delft Island has wild horses, an ancient Baobab tree, and a colonial fort made form coral.

Best Times to Visit

Bentota is a year-round destination.

Weather

JAFFNA WEATHER

Top Attractions

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

It is the most famous Hindu Kovil in Jaffna. The current temple, which is the fourth, was built in 1734 A.D. It hosts the longest festival in Sri Lanka.

Nainativu or Nagadeepa

It is one of the most sacred Jaffna islands with a Buddhist legacy. It is said to be the site where Buddha called upon Naga Kings to resolve a dispute.

Jaffna Fort

Built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, it used to be one of the best Dutch Forts in Asia. Scale its walls for stunning views across the Jaffna Lagoon.

Dambakola Patuna

This ancient port is where Sangamitta, the daughter of Emperor Asoka, landed in Sri Lanka with the sapling of the Sacred Fig Tree over 2000 years ago.
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Kadurugoda Temple and ruins

The complex contains 20 gray coral stone stupas and foundations of several others. Sangamitta said to have visited this place on her way to Anuradhapura.

Keerimalai

This mineral water spring overlooking the sea is said to have healing properties. Legend has it that it once cured a cursed sage. There is a Hindu shrine nearby.

Where to Shop in Jaffna

There are no stylish shops, but the street vendors and markets sell juicy Jaffna mangoes, sweets, palmyra products, and fresh produce.

Where to Eat in Jaffna

Mangos, Malayan Café, Cosy Restaurant, Green Grass, Jaffna Heritage hotel, and Hotel Rolex, are favourites among Jaffna food lovers.

Top Accommodations

Explore where you enjoy a comfortable stay during your explorations.

Fox Resort Jaffna

In Kokuvil, just ten minutes outside Jaffna town, is Fox Jaffna. This historic house was once the home of an illustrious Northern family but hides a tumultuous past. The property was once used as a treasury by insurgents before being claimed by the government as an office space. Since reclaiming the property, the owners have remodeled their ancestral home into a luxury boutique hotel, incorporating modern conveniences while preserving its colorful past.

Jetwing Jaffna

Perched at the very top of our teardrop-shaped isle, Jetwing Jaffna welcomes you to the eponymous capital of the dignified northern province of Sri Lanka. Rich in vibrant culture and history, the heritage of the north has inspired our contemporary homes of Sri Lankan hospitality, which rises above other hotels in Jaffna offering luxury accommodation of its kind with modern features such as a purpose-built conference hall and a rooftop bar that overlooks the city and the horizon beyond.

The Thinnai

Thinnai Hotel is ideal for visitors who want to unwind amidst warm, authentic Northern hospitality. As a member of the Thinnai Group, we place an emphasis on sustainability and upliftment of the neighbourhood while focusing on offering guests an immersive experience of Jaffna’s cultural and natural legacy. We cordially invite you to visit our home in Jaffna, a dynamic region whose culture has been meticulously conserved for decades and is now available for your exploration.