Places To Visit In Jaffna

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  • Beach (4)
  • Temple (3)
  • Forts & Palaces (3)
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1. Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam

Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam
Popular among Locals 4.7 /5

1 km
from city center
1 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam, is one of the most important and revered Hindu temples in the country. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the temple is a center of spiritual and cultural significance for Tamil Hindus. The temple features stunning Dravidian-style architecture, with intricate carvings and vibrant sculptures that depict various Hindu deities.

2. Jaffna Fort

Jaffna Fort
Top Attraction 4.3 /5

2 km
from city center
2 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Jaffna Fort, located in the heart of Jaffna city in northern Sri Lanka, is a historic Dutch fort that dates back to the 17th century. Originally built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch in 1680, the fort served as a strategic military stronghold. The fort features impressive colonial-era architecture, including ramparts, moats, and gateways, and provides a glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial history.

3. Jaffna Library

Jaffna Library
4.5 /5

0 km
from city center
3 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

The Jaffna Library, located in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, is one of the most important cultural landmarks in the country. Established in 1933, it is a symbol of the Tamil community's commitment to education and knowledge. The library is renowned for its vast collection of books, manuscripts, and historical documents, with a particular focus on Tamil literature and culture.

4. Jaffna Market

Jaffna Market
4.1 /5

2 km
from city center
4 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Jaffna Market, located in the heart of Jaffna town, Sri Lanka, is a vibrant and bustling market. Visitors can find a diverse selection of items, including fruits, vegetables, fish, and traditional Sri Lankan products, along with a variety of fresh flowers and local delicacies. The Jaffna Market is an ideal place to explore local flavors, shop for unique souvenirs, and experience the lively atmosphere of Jaffna.

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5. Casuarina Beach

Casuarina Beach
Great For Family Outing 4.3 /5

19 km
from city center
5 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Casuarina Beach, located about 20 kilometers from Jaffna on Karativu Island, Sri Lanka, is renowned for its soft golden sands, clear blue waters, and the abundance of casuarina trees lining the shore. The beach is clean and free from pollution, offering a tranquil environment perfect for relaxation. With its shallow waters and lack of strong currents, it is one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka.

6. Dutch Fort

Dutch Fort
4.4 /5

2 km
from city center
6 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Standing erect since 1618, under the rule of the Portuguese, once the Dutch fort of Asia, the Dutch fort of Jaffna is a monument that recalls the events that took place ever since, and the role that the fort played. Being passed on from ruler to the other the fort today stands with its ruins.

7. Delft Island

Delft Island
Day Trip 4.4 /5

56 km
from city center
7 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Delft Island, locally known as Neduntheevu and situated in northern Sri Lanka, is roughly an hour-long ferry ride away from the mainland. Part of the Jaffna District, the island is famous for its wild horses, which roam freely across the island. Delft Island has a rich history, with ancient ruins, Dutch colonial-era structures, and a number of historical sites to explore.

8. Fort Hammenhiel

Fort Hammenhiel
4.4 /5

0 km
from city center
8 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Fort Hammenhiel, located on a small island off the coast of Jaffna in Sri Lanka, is a historic Dutch fort built in the 17th century. The fort was constructed by the Dutch to defend the Jaffna Peninsula and control the strategic waters of the Palk Strait. It features Dutch colonial architecture, including ramparts, a lighthouse, and the remains of buildings that were once part of the fortifications.

9. Charty beach

Charty beach
4.1 /5

0 km
from city center
9 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Charity Beach is a serene and tranquil beach known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. It is a less-crowded spot compared to other beaches in the region, making it ideal for visitors seeking solitude and relaxation. The beach features soft golden sands, clear waters, and a calm environment, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the surroundings.

10. Dambakolapatuna Sangamiththa Buddhist Temple

Dambakolapatuna Sangamiththa Buddhist Temple
4.6 /5

0 km
from city center
10 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Dambakolapatuna Sangamiththa Buddhist Temple is the temple built near or at the Dambakola Patuna site, dedicated to Princess Sangamiththa and her contributions to Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The temple serves as a site of worship and reflection on the significant historical event associated with the Bodhi tree’s arrival.

11. Akkarai Beach

Akkarai Beach
4.3 /5

21 km
from city center
11 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Akkarai Beach is a quiet and scenic beach known for its pristine natural beauty. It is situated near the town of Nallur, just a short distance from Jaffna, and offers a peaceful escape with soft golden sands and clear blue waters. Akkarai Beach is less crowded compared to other beaches, making it a perfect destination for relaxation, swimming, and enjoying the calm atmosphere.

12. Kankesanthurai Beach

Kankesanthurai Beach
4.4 /5

17 km
from city center
12 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Kankesanthurai Beach, is a beautiful and relatively less crowded beach in the northern part of the island. Known for its soft golden sands and clear turquoise waters, the beach offers a peaceful environment for relaxation and enjoying nature. Kankesanthurai Beach is situated near the town of Kankesanthurai, which is historically significant due to its proximity to the Kankesanthurai Harbour.

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Beaches in Jaffna

13. Nagadeepa Temple

Nagadeepa Temple
Great For Family Outing 4.6 /5

28 km
from city center
13 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Nagadeepa Temple, located on Nagadeepa Island near Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka, is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The temple is believed to be one of the places where Lord Buddha visited during his third trip to Sri Lanka, making it a sacred and historically significant location. The temple is accessible by a short boat ride from the mainland, adding to the charm of this revered site.

14. Elephantpass

Elephantpass
4.1 /5

44 km
from city center
14 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Elephant Pass, located in the northern part of Sri Lanka, is a narrow stretch of land connecting the Jaffna Peninsula to the mainland of Sri Lanka. It is historically significant, especially during the Sri Lankan Civil War, as it was a strategic location due to its importance for transportation and military access. The pass is named after the large number of elephants that once roamed the area.

15. Rio Ice Cream

Rio Ice Cream
4.4 /5

1 km
from city center
15 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Rio Ice Cream is a popular local ice cream shop known for offering a wide variety of delicious and refreshing ice cream flavors. The shop has gained a loyal following among both locals and tourists, who flock to enjoy its rich and creamy ice creams in a variety of flavors, including traditional Sri Lankan tastes like coconut and mango, as well as more classic options.

16. King Sangiliyan's Statue

King Sangiliyan's Statue
4.5 /5

2 km
from city center
16 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

King Sangiliyan's Statue is a prominent monument dedicated to the Tamil king who ruled the Jaffna Kingdom in the 16th century. Sangiliyan was known for his resistance against Portuguese colonial forces and his efforts to defend the sovereignty of the Jaffna Kingdom. The statue, which stands as a symbol of pride and resistance, depicts the king in a regal posture, capturing his strength and leadership.

17. Keerimalai Naguleswaram temple

Keerimalai Naguleswaram temple
4.4 /5

17 km
from city center
17 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

Keerimalai Naguleswaram Temple, located in the town of Keerimalai in the Jaffna District of Sri Lanka, is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is part of the historic Naguleswaram Kovil complex, which holds great religious and cultural significance for Hindus in the region. The temple is situated near the KÄ«rimalai Sacred Water Springs, known for their healing properties.

18. Jaffna Archeological Museum

Jaffna Archeological Museum
Top Attraction 4.3 /5

1 km
from city center
18 out of 18
Places To Visit in Jaffna

The Jaffna Archaeological Museum, located in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, is a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural and historical heritage of the northern region of the island. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including ancient artifacts, sculptures, pottery, and coins that date back to various periods of Sri Lankan history, including the Jaffna Kingdom and ancient Tamil civilization.

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What are the top sightseeing places in Jaffna?

The top sightseeing places in Jaffna are Casuarina Beach, Jaffna Library, Dutch Fort, Delft Island, Jaffna Fort, Fort Hammenhiel.
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