Kankesanthurai Travel Essentials

Rating:

 
4.7 /5 Rate This Destination

Weather:

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: February - September Read More

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"KKS - Popular Port Suburb"

Kankesanthurai Tourism

Kankesanthurai, located on the northern tip of Sri Lanka, is a coastal town known for its strategic port and historical significance. Situated approximately 18 km from Jaffna, it offers a peaceful retreat with less tourist traffic compared to other popular destinations in the region. The town's sandy beaches and clear waters provide an ideal setting for relaxation, with views of the Indian Ocean stretching out endlessly. One of the key highlights of Kankesanthurai is the KKS Harbour, which has played a crucial role in both trade and military history during colonial times and recent conflicts. The town also has a unique geological attraction in the form of limestone quarries, used extensively for construction projects in the region.

The name Kankesanthurai was inspired by the Sri Lankan god, Kankesan (Murugan). As this shrine was brought through the Gayathurai port, it was renamed as Kankesanthurai to honour him. Thurai in Sri Lankan means port. This picturesque village with a beautiful history has some of the best beaches in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The main beach being the KKS and the other one being the Casuarina Beach, the beaches here are less-crowded, spotless, and untouched. Visitors coming to this part of the village indulge in long strolls, picnics by the beach and boat rides. Some of the other attractions along with the beach-side include Keerimalai Springs and Naval Port among others. 

Since it is a small village, the accommodation options are quite limited. All the attractions nestled in this area can be visited in a day. The best way to get to Kankesanthurai is via train, bus, or a private taxi, of which, the train ride is the most beautiful. 

Things to do in Kankesanthurai

Kankesanthurai Beach: Recognized as one of the top two beaches and a family-oriented beach of the Northern Province in Sri Lanka, Kankesanthurai Beach is an unadulterated beach bracketed in pristine views. Visitors can relax under the palm trees, swim in the cool waters, or walk on the soft sand. 

Keerimalai Springs: The freshwater from the Keerimalai Springs is procured from beneath the ground. Many visitors, mainly Hindu pilgrims, visit to dip in this freshwater during the festivals - Aadi Amaavaasai and Maasi Magam. These rituals have been active for generations now and are generally carried out by men. 

Kankesanthurai Lighthouse: The Kankesanthurai Lighthouse is an octagonal-style tower, constructed in 1893. Situated beside the naval base, the lighthouse features a gallery and a lantern. This site is now severely damaged and inactive after the Sri Lankan Civil War. 

Top Hotels In Kankesanthurai

Kankesanthurai Photos

Kankesanthurai

FAQs on Kankesanthurai

What is the best time to visit Kankesanthurai?

Nestled near Point Pedro, the northern part of Jaffna Peninsula, Kankesanthurai faces the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean. Due to its location, Kankesanthurai has a tropical climate throughout the year with seasonal showers, making this place suitable for visiting any time of the year.

However,  December to March is the best time to visit this quaint village as the average high temperatures touches not more than 31 degrees Celsius. Since this is also the peak season, prices hike up as well. The extremely warm months from April to May have temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius during the day and touching 26 degrees Celsius at night. If visitors don’t mind a bit of rain, then visiting during the months of September through November would be perfect.




Read More

What are the places near Kankesanthurai?

The top places near to Kankesanthurai are Anuradhapura which is 171 km from Kankesanthurai, Colombo which is located 321 km from Kankesanthurai, Kandy which is located 288 km from Kankesanthurai, Nuwara eliya which is located 329 km from Kankesanthurai, Sigiriya which is located 221 km from Kankesanthurai

Have a Question on Kankesanthurai?

Ask a question from the travellers who have
experience.

Kankesanthurai Reviews

Your rating
See 136 Hotels