Trip to Jaffna – Best Jaffna travel tips

About Jaffna

If you’re planning a trip to Jaffna, you’re in for a treat! Located in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, Jaffna is a vibrant and culturally rich city that is full of history, delicious food, and friendly locals.

One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive in Jaffna is the city’s rich cultural heritage. From the colourful markets and bustling streets to the ancient temples and historic landmarks, Jaffna is a city that is full of life and character.

How to travel Jaffna

There are several ways to travel there:

1. By plane: The closest airport to Jaffna is Jaffna International Airport, which is located about 15 kilometers from the city center. There are flights from Colombo and other major cities in Sri Lanka to Jaffna.
2. By bus: There are several bus stations in Jaffna that offer regular bus services to and from other cities in Sri Lanka. Buses are a relatively inexpensive and convenient way to travel to Jaffna, but the journey can be long and may not be as comfortable as other forms of transportation.
3. By car: If you prefer to have your own transportation, you can rent a car and drive to Jaffna. This is a good option if you want to explore the area at your own pace and see some of the sights along the way.
4. By train: There is a train station in Jaffna that offers regular train services to and from other cities in Sri Lanka. The train is a cheap and convenient way to travel to Jaffna.

Train schedule to Jaffna from Colombo fort

Train No	Train Name	Departure	Arrival	Days
4021	A.c. – Intercity	05:45	11:51	Sunday to Monday
4077	Yal Devi ( Long Distance )	06:35	14:37	Sunday to Monday
4093	4093 ( Express Train )	09:40	18:40	Saturday
4017	Uttara Devi ( A.c. – Intercity )	11:50	18:15	Sunday to Monday
4089	Night Mail Train	20:30	05:10	Sunday to Monday

According to our recommendations the train is the best travelling method to travel to Jaffna. Because in the Intercity it’s very comfortable to travel and affordable. adjustable seats, charging hubs, full AC and many more facilities are included in this intercity train. you can book your train tickets via Online https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr/

No matter how you choose to travel to Jaffna, it’s a good idea to plan your trip in advance and book your transportation and accommodations ahead of time. This will help ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Where to Stay while trip to Jaffna ?

There are several options for accommodation in Jaffna, including hotels, guesthouses, and home stays. Here are a few suggestions for places to stay in Jaffna:

1. Green grass Hotel & restaurant : Hotel J is a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Jaffna, close to Jaffna Railway Station and major attractions. The hotel offers a range of amenities including a restaurant, bar, and outdoor pool.
2. Jaffna City Hotel: Jaffna City Hotel is a modern, upscale hotel located in the center of Jaffna. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with views of the city.
3. Malabar Home Stay Jaffna: Jaffna Heritage Home is a home stay located in a traditional Tamil home in the center of Jaffna. The home stay offers comfortable rooms and a range of cultural activities, including with free bikes, a garden and a shared kitchen for your convenience.
4. Yaarl Hostel : Yaarl hostel is a hostel where you can share your space. At the hostel, each room has a desk. Guest rooms at Yaarl Hostels are equipped with a seating area. A buffet breakfast is available daily at the accommodation.

Apart from those options you can Stay good budget places such as Jaffna railway station and Nagavihar accommodations.

Jaffna railway Station contact number – 021 222 2207

Nagavihar Contact Number – 077 372 4343

It’s a good idea to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist season. This will help ensure that you have a place to stay and can make the most of your trip to Jaffna.Regenerate response.

How to travel around jaffna while Trip to Jaffna

There are several ways to travel around Jaffna during a trip to the city:

1. Bus: The bus is a cheap and convenient way to get around Jaffna. The bus terminal is located in the center of the city and there are regular buses to many destinations within the city and surrounding areas.
2. Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Jaffna and can be hired on a metered or negotiated fare basis.
3. Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks, or three-wheeled motorized rickshaws, are a popular and inexpensive mode of transportation in Jaffna.
4. Bicycle / Bike: If you prefer a more active mode of transportation, you can rent a bicycle and explore the city at your own pace.
5. Car rental: If you prefer to have your own transportation, you can rent a car or hire a driver to take you around the city.

If you are a couple or group of friends we recommend travelling by bike in Jaffna. Because you can rent bikes in Jaffna easily and you can travel anywhere by your own when you rent a bike. It will be a great experience for you. We can give contact to you for rental bikes.

you can rent a bike in Yaarl hostel they are very friendly and helpful.

Bike rent contact – 0777 720 4847

It is recommended to use caution when travelling around Jaffna, as traffic and road conditions can be unpredictable. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with local laws and customs before your trip.

Attractions you must visit while trip to Jaffna

There are many sightseeing opportunities in and around the city, including the following:

1. Jaffna Fort: This 17th century Dutch fort is a popular tourist attraction and is a great place to learn about the city’s history.
2. Nallur Kandaswamy Temple: This is a popular Hindu temple that is known for its ornate architecture and colorful annual festival.
3. Casuarina Beach: This long, sandy beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying beautiful scenery.
4. Jaffna Market: This bustling market is a great place to shop for local produce and handicrafts, and to experience the local culture.
5. Jaffna Public Library: This historic library was destroyed in the civil war and has since been restored. It is now a popular tourist attraction and a great place to learn about the city’s history and culture.
6. Point Pedro : Point Pedro is a town located in the Jaffna District of northern Sri Lanka. It is the most northern point of Sri Lanka. It is also home to the Point Pedro Lighthouse, which was built in 1864 and is a popular tourist attraction.
7. Kankesanthurai Lighthouse : Kankesanthurai Lighthouse, which was built in 1864 and is a popular tourist attraction. The lighthouse is located on a rocky promontory near the town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
8. Keeramalai Pond : Keeramalai Pond, also known as Keerimalai Springs, is a natural freshwater pond. The pond is located near the coast and is known for its medicinal properties, with many people believing that the water has the ability to cure ailments.Keeramalai Pond is a popular tourist destination and is a great place to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. The area is also home to several temples and other places of interest, including the Naguleswaram Temple.
9. Dabakolapatuna : The Dambakola Patuna is an ancient port located in northern Jaffna with a long history dating back to the first days of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
10. Fort Hammenhiel : Fort Hammenhiel, also known as Hammenhiel Fort, The fort was built by the Dutch in the 17th century and played a significant role in the country’s history. Fort Hammenhiel is a popular tourist attraction and is known for its well-preserved architecture and beautiful views of the surrounding area. The fort is open to the public and can be visited during the day.
11. The Nilavarai Bottomless Well : The Nilavarai Bottomless Well, also known as Nilavarai Blue Hole, is a natural well located in the village of Nilavarai. The well is believed to be bottomless and is a popular tourist attraction due to its unusual features and beautiful surroundings.
12. Nagadeepa Temple : Nagadeepa Temple, also known as Nagadipa Purana Vihara, is a Buddhist temple located on Nagadeepa Island. The temple is believed to have been visited by the Buddha himself and is an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists in the region.
13. Delft Island : Delft Island, also known as Neduntheevu or Neduntivu, is an island located in the Jaffna District of northern Sri Lanka. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural and historical heritage, and unique wildlife.Delft Island is home to several attractions, including the Delft Lighthouse, the Delft Fort, and the Delft Island Temple. The island is also home to a number of rare and endangered species, including the Delft Island pony and the Delft Island deer.There are several ways to travel to Delft Island from Jaffna, including ferry and boat.

When you are plan trip to jaffna don’t forget to visit Delft Island it will be a great experience to your life. Keep in mind There are only two ferries operating to Delft one is leaving 08.30 a.m from Jaffna jatty and other ferry is leaving on 3.00 pm from Delft jatty.

There are many other sightseeing opportunities in and around Jaffna, including temples, parks, and cultural centers. It is recommended to do some research and plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your visit.

Foods you can taste while trip to Jaffna

The city is known for its rich cultural history and diverse cuisine. The food in Jaffna is heavily influenced by South Indian and Tamil Nadu cuisine, as well as by Sri Lankan and colonial British culinary traditions. Here are some examples of popular foods in Jaffna:

1. Idli: A savory rice and lentil cake that is often served as a breakfast dish. It is usually accompanied by sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew) and chutney (a sauce or dip made from vegetables or fruits).
2. Dosa: A thin, crispy pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It is typically served with a variety of fillings, such as spiced potatoes or vegetables, and accompanied by sambar and chutney.
3. Parotta: A flaky, layered bread that is popular in Jaffna and throughout Tamil Nadu. It is often served with spicy curries or served as a snack with chutney or other dips.
4. Mutton curry: A spicy curry made with mutton (goat meat) and a variety of aromatic spices. It is often served with rice or bread.
5. Jaffna crab curry: A spicy crab curry that is a specialty of the Jaffna region. It is made with fresh crabs, coconut milk, and a variety of aromatic spices.
6. Sweets: Jaffna is known for its sweet treats, such as kool (a type of sweet made with jaggery and coconut), athirasa (a sweet made with coconut and jaggery), and vadai (a deep-fried snack made with lentil flour).

In addition to its cultural attractions, Jaffna is also known for its delicious food. The city is home to a variety of seafood restaurants, as well as street food stalls that offer a wide range of local dishes. Be sure to try some of the city’s famous seafood curry, as well as other local specialities like Jaffna-style roast chicken.

Don’t forget to taste Rio Ice cream while your trip to Jaffna. It’s one of the icons in Jaffna. It has a very unique taste.

While your trip to Jaffna ,When you’re not exploring the city’s cultural attractions or trying new foods, there are plenty of other things to do in Jaffna. The city is home to a number of beautiful beaches, including Casuarina Beach and Urumalei Beach, which are both great places to relax and soak up the sun.

Overall, a trip to Jaffna is sure to be a memorable and enriching experience. From its rich cultural heritage and delicious food to its beautiful beaches and friendly locals, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.