How to spend 48 hours in Jaffna
Bursting with history, culture and colour, Jaffna is a place where you’ll find rainbow coloured petite houses glimmering under the blazing sun, colossal temples reaching up to the sky, sari-clad women on bicycles and deserted palm-fringed beaches longing for company. The North is a different world compared to the rest of the island and it was not so long ago that the region was closed to outsiders due to a devastating 30-year long civil war.
Less than 8 months after the civil war has ended, the island made it to The New York Times as one of the top 31 places to go in 2010. Although there were still quite a bit of military checkpoints remaining, both local and foreign travellers could finally visit a part of the island that was completely out of reach between 1983 and 2009.
Today, Jaffna strikes as one of the highlights and safest places to travel in Sri Lanka. With scheduled flights operating three times a week, visiting Jaffna now comes at a more affordable price and long travel hours are cut down to just a 50-minute flight from Colombo.
Day 1 morning
Catch the domestic flight from Ratmalana Airport ( Colombo) to Palali (Jaffna)
Head to Ratmalana airport (half an hour south of central Colombo) for the 8.30am flight to Jaffna. Close to an hour-long flight will take you across the lovely landscapes of the north and give you a magnificent birds-eye view of the region.
Day 1 afternoon
Visit the iconic Nallur Kovil
A must visit place in Jaffna is the historic Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, one of the most important Hindu temples not only in the north but in all of Sri Lanka. The colourful striped walls and towering kovil are as iconic as far as images of Jaffna go. A beautiful expression of Dravidian architecture, the kovil boasts five-storied golden gopuram that reigns high. After enduring the heat at the colourful temple, drop by the famous Rio Ice Cream parlour and enjoy a scoop or two of Jaffna’s finest.
Immerse yourself in the colourful culture of Jaffna
Take a tour around the vibrant city of Jaffna where the lull of village life and emerging traces of urbanisation create a unique and complex identity.
The once majestic Manthri Manai (Minister’s Palace) is thought to have belonged to a minister of the kingdom of Jaffna. The building shows a blend of Dravidian architecture with Dutch as well as British influences.
Restored after the civil war destruction, the famed Jaffna Library stands tall as a significant symbol of the north. The initial collection included archival material on Sri Lankan history written in palm leaf manuscripts.
Finish your first day in Jaffna to the backdrop of a blazing sunset at the ancient Jaffna Fort. The fort had housed a Governor’s place, armouries and barracks, Queen’s House of Jaffna and several other structures.
Day 2 morning
Explore lesser known Jaffna’s
The bustling Chunnakam market is a one-stop-shop for local produce. Most noticeable are the handicraft items made from different parts of the palmyra and coconut trees.
The ancient Naguleswaram Temple in Keerimalai is believed to have been built in the 7th century and this is one of the five ancient Shiva temples in the country.
The Keerimalai pool of spring water is also located on the premises of the temple. Wrap up your temple exploration by witnessing this natural pond, which is believed to contain medicinal properties in its water.
Day 2 evening
Craving some authentic Jaffna food?
Settle down for dinner at a traditional Jaffna home with the opportunity to exchange cultural values along with understanding the lifestyle of an ordinary family. Accompanied by a local guide this is a chance to explore the nuance of Jaffna cuisine (yes, that means you get to taste that famous Jaffna crab curry!) and true Northern hospitality.
Tips...
Don't forget to try Ammachi restaurant (vegetarian) for some amazing cuisine, unique to Jaffna. We recommend the milk hoppers and the vadai.
If you are feeling a little adventurous, there’s something a little stronger - Palmyrah toddy is a type of fermented palm wine only available in Jaffna.
Where will you go next…
Want to enjoy the tropical seas in the East? Trincomalee is a 4.5-hour drive away.
Visit ancient cities and immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s remarkable history? Jaffna to Anuradhapura is a 4 – 4.5 hours drive
Wild & beautiful: Jaffna to Wilpattu National Park in 3.5 hours
Learn more of our heritage and birdlife: Jaffna to Mannar in 2.5 hours