Things to Do in Jaffna
Often considered the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, Jaffna is a vibrant city that offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and traditions of the island. Known for its blend of cultural landmarks and natural beauty, the city invites you to explore its many attractions. Whether you are interested in historical forts, bustling markets, or serene temples, there are plenty of things to do in Jaffna to suit every taste.
One of the best activities that you can do in Jaffna is visit the historic Jaffna Fort. You can explore the local market, where you can enjoy shopping and sample authentic Jaffna cuisine. If you are looking for a tranquil experience, you can check out the beautiful beaches or explore the local temples and churches that line the landscape.
With so many engaging activities, Jaffna is a key highlight in Sri Lanka tour packages that offer a memorable journey for all travellers.
Top Things to Do in Jaffna
1. Relax at the Jaffna Beaches
One of the top things to do in Jaffna is to relax along its peaceful coastal stretch. Beaches, like Kankesanthurai Beach and Karainagar Beach, with their crystal-clear waters and soft sand create a perfect setting for relaxation. Casuarina Beach is among the most scenic beaches and lets you swim and explore the prawn fields in the sea. You can also take a serene walk around the coconut trees at Charty Beach or enjoy a peaceful time at Akkarai Beach.
2. Explore Nainativu Island
Another wonderful activity that you can do is pay a visit to Nainativu Island. This island offers a serene escape and a chance to explore its rich religious heritage. A 45-minute boat ride takes you to this peaceful spot, which is home to two important religious sites: Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya and Nagapooshani Amman Kovil. The former temple is believed to have been visited by Lord Buddha, while the latter is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Parvathi.
Location: Jaffna Peninsula, Northern Province, Sri Lanka.
3. Discover the Local Market
Shopping at the local market is among the best things to do in Jaffna as it offers a vibrant ambiance. Local vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices here, which are all grown in the northern region. Exploring the market is a great way to experience the local way of life and taste traditional dishes like fried fish, palmyra, and spiced banana fritters. You should also not forget to buy the popular Jaffna Curry Powder, Odiyal, and Nelli fruit cordial.
4. Pay a visit to the Public Library and Clock Tower
Visiting the Public Library and Clock Tower is a must when you are in Jaffna. The library is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture. You can wander through the lovely garden or sip a cup of coffee in the cafe at the library. On the other hand, you can admire the Moorish architectural design at the Clock Tower which was built by the British in 1875.
Location (Public Library)- M266+VP2) Clock Tower Road, South, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Location (Clock Tower)- Jaffna, Northern Sri Lanka.
Timings (Public Library): 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday)
Timings (Clock Tower): Open 24*7
5. Admire the Dutch Fort
If you are a history lover, admiring the Dutch Fort is one of the fantastic things to do in Jaffna. Built in 1618 by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch, this fort is a historical gem. It consists of the Governor’s house, the Queen’s house, and several other old buildings. Today, you can explore its ruins and learn about its past. The star shape and walls of the fort make it a great spot to watch the sunset.
Location: M265+R97, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Timings: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
6. Go to the Beachside Churches
Among the top things to do in Jaffna, visiting the beachside churches is worth considering. Jaffna also houses beautiful Catholic churches by the sea, such as St. John’s Church, St. Mary’s Church, and St. John the Baptist Church. These churches offer a peaceful contrast to the busy city life. Near the beach road, you’ll also find the Catholic graveyard, which offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the town.
7. Wander through the Ruins of the Civil War
A history buff can also explore the Ruins of the Civil War in Jaffna. As you walk around town, you’ll see many buildings damaged by the conflict. You can visit the area near Elephant Pass to see a grand war memorial and rusting military vehicles. To enjoy the ruins even more, you can try a delicious Jaffna-style meal at the famous Rolex restaurant. Moreover, you can shop or soak in the local life around these gorgeous ruins.
8. Taste authentic Jaffna cuisine at Malayan Café
After sightseeing, dining at Malayan Café is one of the best things to do in Jaffna. Open since 1951, this popular spot serves only vegetarian dishes with South Indian influences. You can enjoy the meals in the cafe on banana leaves. Additionally, you can enjoy endless refills of idli, vadai, roti, and rice. Eating with your hands is the norm here, as it helps mix the curries and sambhars with the main dish.
Location: M296+33W, C Ponnampalam Rd, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Timings: 7.30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
9. Enjoy local flavours at Rolex Restaurant
You can try the delicious Jaffna food at the Rolex Restaurant. Rolex is not a hotel or anything related to watches; but, it’s a lively local eatery known for its tasty biryanis and affordable prices. The restaurant has been serving delicious Sri Lankan food for years. You can try their chicken or prawn biriyani, which is served with a mix of flavourful spices and rice. The ambience is also casual and bustling, with a vibrant atmosphere.
Location: No.340 Hospital Rd, Jaffna 40000, Sri Lanka.
Timings: 6 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.
10. Visit the historic Jaffna Fort
Your trip to Jaffna is not complete without exploring the Jaffna Fort. It is one of those things to do in Jaffna that lets you learn about the history of Sri Lanka. Built by the Portuguese in 1619, the fort was later renovated by the Dutch and used by the British. The fort has seen many battles and has been restored after damage from the civil war. It has a unique architecture with its pentagonal shape and defensive walls made of limestone and coral.
Location: Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Timings: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Jaffna Things To Do FAQs
What is Jaffna famous for?
Jaffna is famous for its rich Tamil culture and history. The city is also known for its ancient temples, historic forts, and unique traditions. Jaffna even has a deep connection to both Portuguese and Dutch colonial history. Some of the popular things to do in Jaffna include admiring the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple and sunbathing on Casuarina Beach.
How can I go to Jaffna from India?
To go to Jaffna from India, you can take a flight from cities like New Delhi, Chennai, or Kolkata to Colombo in Sri Lanka. From there, you can take a direct train to Jaffna. It will take you around 8 hours to complete your journey, covering a distance of about 2,667 kilometres.
Which festivals are celebrated in Jaffna?
There are plenty of festivals celebrated in Jaffna. Some of the famous ones include the Nallur Festival and Thai Pongal. Nallur Festival is a 25-day event to honour Lord Murugan with a grand chariot procession. Attending Thai Pongal which celebrates the sun god, Surya, is another festival that’s considered among the best things to do in Jaffna.
What is the best time to go to Jaffna?
Although you can visit Jaffna throughout the year, the best time to explore the attraction is between January and September. During this time, the weather is warm, and there is less chance of rain. You might experience some light drizzles that last only for 10 to 15 minutes. Hence, it offers a comfortable climate to explore the city and enjoy its cultural and historical sites.
How many days are enough for Jaffna?
A minimum of 4 days is enough to explore Jaffna. Within this time frame, you can indulge in a variety of things to do in Jaffna, like visiting nearby islands, enjoying the ocean, and seeing Point Pedro. You can also cycle around the city to explore its rich history, religious sites, and Tamil culture.