The Jaffna region – heart land of a distinctive Tamil culture – suffered more heavily than any other part of Sri Lanka from the effects of the civil war that raged in the island for more than 20 years. During the height of the conflict, the rebels controlled virtually all of Kilinochchi and Jaffna districts.

Jaffna City is today a free and peaceful place with locals going about their daily lives and rebuilding their beloved region. The smiles here are brighter and hearts warmer than anywhere else in the island. They are glad to see visitors who come to see their part of Sri Lanka and welcome them with open arms.

Jaffna city, also known as Yaalpaanam, is now accessible to visitors with scheduled flights to and from Colombo. Road transport is restored, and rail connections although slow is an excellent way to get to Jaffna from Colombo. The flat, arid Jaffna Peninsula, enclosing a complex of huge lagoons is connected to the mainland only by two narrow causeways at Elephant Pass.

Ruined buildings still testify to the violence of the conflict, few hotels and restaurants operate and aim to offer the best service as they possible know but the required standards tend to be slightly lacking, many of the town’s taxis are old classic cars still running in excellent condition, and locals continue to go about their daily lives as though nothing ever happened here. Business in Jaffna town and the region is thriving, with many new businesses opened up during the last 4 years. The government continues to spend heavily on developing the infrastructure, facilities, and opportunities for the locals.

Jaffna Fort

Much battered by years of assault, the huge star-shaped fort built by the Dutch around 1780 during their occupation of Ceilan is certainly worth a visit and is generally included in most tour itineraries. Its best to take some food and water when you visit the fort as the area around hasn’t developed much yet. The best way to enjoy the fort is to walk around and explore it on your own. A small museum describes the history of the fort in detail and old photos relate a captivating story of years gone by.

Nagadeepa

The Purna Vihara in Nagapeeda is known as the place Lord Buddha visited during his second visit to Sri Lanka. His visit was mainly for the purpose of intervening and mediating a dispute between two Naga Kings over a gem-studded throne.

Today Nagadeepa is one of the most sacred pilgrim sights for Buddhists and is visited by devotees from all over the world. It is located in a small island North West of Jaffna and visitors can visited the island onboard many of the transfer boats operated by the Sri Lanka Navy.

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

Located in the west coast town of Nallur, this is one of the most visited Hindu Temples in the Jaffna Peninsula. This is an ancient temple claimed to be built in 948AD. The temple is well maintained today and offers an excellent spiritual experience to all visitors. Try to go there during the puja times where all the locals and local pilgrims gather. The rituals are interesting and all are welcome to take part in them.

Casuarina Beach

Located a fair distance from the Jaffna Town, Casuarina Beach is a peaceful and relaxing beach stretch. It’s worth taking a half day tour to this beach and relaxing their after a long drive to Jaffna from Colombo. Although it’s certainly not the best beach in Sri Lanka, it offers a wide beach stretch and shallow calm waters for the whole family to enjoy.

Kantharodai Vihara

This ancient historic site has many theories and myths to its existence with none of them yet confirmed as accurate. The site was discovered in the early 20^th century and very little of the area has been excavated and discovered. A visit to this undiscovered and mythical site is a must when you visit the peninsula.