Places to visit in Jaffna

The Tamil north: Nallur temple, a Dutch fort, palmyra palms and quiet islands.

Main town JaffnaPlaces in this guide 8
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Places to see

Spiritual

Nallur Kandaswamy Temple

Nallur

The great Murugan temple of Jaffna, centre of the Nallur festival.

Best time: Jan–Sep

Heritage

Jaffna Fort

Jaffna

A Dutch star fort by the Jaffna lagoon.

Best time: Jan–Sep

Culture

Jaffna Public Library

Jaffna

The rebuilt public library of Jaffna, a symbol of the city’s learning.

Best time: Jan–Sep

Spiritual

Nagapooshani Amman Temple

Islands South (Velanai)

A Hindu temple on the island of Nainativu, reached by boat.

Best time: Jan–Sep

Beach

Casuarina Beach

Karainagar

A long, shallow beach of white sand on Karainagar island.

Best time: Jan–Sep

City

Point Pedro

Vadamaradchi North (Point Pedro)

Sri Lanka’s northernmost town, with a lighthouse and fishing harbour.

Best time: Jan–Sep

Spiritual

Keerimalai Springs

Valikamam North (Thllippalai)

Freshwater springs by the sea, believed to have healing powers, near Naguleswaram temple.

Best time: Jan–Sep

Nature

Delft Island

Delft

A remote island of coral walls, wild ponies and baobab trees.

Best time: Jan–Sep

Food to try in Jaffna

Jaffna crab curry, Odiyal kool, Karuthakolomban mango.

Crafts and products

Palmyrah crafts.

Festivals

  • Thai Pongal, Tamil homes across the north and east: Usually 14–15 Jan. Tamil harvest festival: pongal rice boiled over at sunrise, kolam drawings and thanks to the sun.
  • Nallur festival, Nallur Kandaswamy Temple: 25 days, usually Aug–Sep. Jaffna’s largest festival, with daily processions and the great chariot festival at Nallur.
  • Deepavali, Hindu homes and temples: Usually Oct or Nov. Festival of lights: oil lamps, new clothes and sweets in Hindu homes across the island.

Timings, permits and prices change. Check official sources before you travel.