Jaffna

Jaffna District is the northernmost region of Sri Lanka, and one of the oldest inhabited places on the island. It is populated mainly by Tamil speaking people. It is separated from India by the Palk Strait and the Bay of Bengal.

By plane
Jaffna is connected by air to Colombo (both airports) and the Indian city of Chennai.

By bus
There are several private bus services operating from Colombo to Jaffna, costing around Rs 900. The drive takes half a day to complete (more than 9 hr) following the A9 motorway which runs through the middle of Sri Lanka. Tickets can be purchased online on 12Go Asia website.

By train
Daily intercity trains connect Colombo with Jaffna, with the journey taking approximately eight hours. As of mid-2023 there are three services per day, one of which is an overnight train with 2nd and 3rd class "sleeperettes" (reclining seats) only. The easiest way to check for the latest updates is with the excellent website Seat 61.



Get around
Once in Jaffna, there are several modes of transport.

By tuk-tuk
These are three wheelers which are very common in Southeast Asian countries. These are the quickest and probably the cheapest way to get around. A rule of thumb is Rs 100 per kilometre.

By bus
Jaffna has a public bus system.

By minivan
These are private hire minivans, best if you need transportation for the whole day.

Other
The locals get around on cycles and mopeds. Cycling is not safe with the number of dogs on the street.

See






Do
There isn't a lot to do in Jaffna unless you arrive at festival times. Nallur Kovil Thiruvizha (festival) is the biggest event in the Jaffna calendar when all the faithful come home to pray.

Festivals

 * Nallur Kovil Thaer Thiruvizha (Chariot Festival) This is one of the biggest festivals in Jaffna at the greatest temples in Sri Lanka. This is a feast for the senses while the faithful are praying and the chariot is being pulled through the temple grounds.
 * Thai-Pongal (harvest festival) Thai Pongal happens on 14 January and it is the celebration of good harvest. There will be fireworks and celebrations all through the day and night. All temples hold special Pongal poojas where people make pongal in front of the temple.
 * Theepavali The festival of light.
 * Tamil Sinhala New Year the Tamil/Sinhala new year is celebrated on the 14th of April.

Buy
The purchases that are mostly made in Jaffna are savory food items. You can buy souvenirs from stalls in tourist sites and railway stations.

Eat
Jaffna has a very unique cuisine, famous for its savory treats such as Wade (වඩේ- pronounced as wah-dei) and Dhal wade which is an appetiser in Indian Cuisine. Jaffna Kool (கூழ்) is very famous food in Jaffna; it is very spicy.



Drink
Tap water isn't good for drinking because of mineral content. The local brew is toddy, from the coconut or the palmyrah tree. Toddy from the palmyrah tree is sweeter. You can buy special 'Nelli' Cordial from shops.

Sleep




Stay safe
Despite the fact that it is a great place for vacation, Jaffna also has many dangers. Landmines from the civil war might still exist in some places. When walking along the beaches, be aware of jellyfish, as they usually wash up onto the beach at dawn. Do not go swimming beyond the Styrofoam borders.