Things to do in Jaffna, the Northern Capital of Sri Lanka

Jaffna isn’t the usual place to consider when planning an itinerary for Sri Lanka, but you’ll definitely miss a lot. When we first considered heading to Jaffna, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect.

The idea of venturing to Sri Lanka’s far north intrigued us, but it also raised questions. Is it worth going to Jaffna? What’s there to see or do? Let me tell you, after spending time in this unique corner of the island, we can confidently say it’s a place like no other in Sri Lanka.

This guide will not only list some of the best things to do in Jaffna but also help you plan your itinerary with actionable tips gleaned from our experience.

Is Jaffna worth visiting?

Yes, despite being further north and a very traditional place, Jaffna has deep roots. It shares and matches connections between Sri Lankan culture and Indian influence, something you’ll not find anywhere else in the country. 

Why Jaffna is so different from the rest of the country

Within our guide to Jaffna, you’ll discover why we think this part of Sri Lanka is a world apart. Something different from the lush tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya or the colonial charm of Galle.

Up in the north, you’ll find a fascinating blend of Tamil culture, colourful Hindu temples, and a slower pace of life that feels refreshingly authentic.

The scars of the civil war are still visible, but so is the resilience of its people. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, Jaffna is your answer.

Jaffna is for curious travellers

Jaffna isn’t for everyone, and we get that. It is rough and more of a hidden gem. We will bet that in 10 years’ time, the situation will change completely. Today, Jaffna does not appear so much in the itineraries of Sri Lanka, but in a few years, we think that the situation will change.

While visiting, we couldn’t help but notice the walls of the historic centre and the fort, still showing signs of the 26 years of internal conflict, only concluded in 2009, which killed more than 100,000 people.

Although there are no Insta-famous locations like Ella, Colombo or Kandy, we found a more intimate atmosphere and deep connection with locals.

What Makes Jaffna Unique?

Jaffna stands out because it offers something different from southern Sri Lanka’s tourist hotspots:

• Cultural Immersion: You’ll see more Hindu temples than Buddhist stupas here.
• Authenticity: Locals are warm but reserved; tourism hasn’t taken over yet.
• Cuisine: Don’t leave without trying crab curry or dosa at one of Jaffna’s humble eateries.
• History: From colonial forts to war memorials, history buffs will find plenty to explore.

Things to do in Jaffna

We suggest spending at least two days in Jaffna, even to make sense of the long trip. Regarding what to do in Jaffna, there are endless possibilities.

This city may not have flashy attractions, but its charm lies in its culture, history, and people. It is one of the most hidden gems of Sri Lanka, a place you will hardly find in the itineraries and guidebooks.

All that is because the north of the country has always been troubled by the civil war that started here. Now the situation seems more under control and safe for travellers. We will give you more tips on how to stay safe in Jaffna later on in this guide.

Explore the Jaffna Market

In every Asian country we visit, we hit the markets; it’s here where our senses get overloaded in the best way possible. Jaffna Market is rough but right in the centre of this small city.

You can find stands and people selling goods, mainly vegetables, some just on the floor protected by a Teflon from the ground.

We spent hours wandering through the narrow lanes, chatting with vendors (some speak English!) and sampling local snacks. I had a King Coconut, one of the best I’ve tried in Southeast Asia.

Visit Nallur Kandaswamy Temple

This iconic Hindu temple is a must-see in Jaffna. Its intricate architecture and spiritual atmosphere are captivating.

We were lucky enough to witness a ceremony during our visit—an unforgettable experience. Remember to dress modestly and leave your shoes at the entrance.

Walk Through History at Jaffna Fort

Built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch (more or less like Galle in the south!), this fort tells tales of colonial conquests and local resilience.

Climb up the walls for panoramic views of the city and lagoon. We recommend visiting in the late afternoon; sunsets here are stunning. We enjoyed the landscape and took some of our best photos from Sri Lanka.

Take a Ferry to Nainativu Island

Our tour guides in Jaffna took us on a lifetime experience. We almost touched India (we had never been besides a couple of layovers in Mumbai). A short boat ride from KurikadduwanJetty brings you to Nainativu Island, a sacred place for locals. 

The experience was surreal—on the same island with two different religions and great legends. Both temples, Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya (Buddhist) and Nagapooshani Amman Temple (Hindu) were packed at the time of our visit, and a fertility ceremony was going on. It’s a rare glimpse into how two religions coexist peacefully on one small island.

Discover Delft Island

If you’re up for an adventure, Delft Island is worth the trek. This remote island feels like stepping back in time with its wild horses, ancient baobab trees, and colonial ruins.

We did it through a local guide, who took us on a very noisy wooden boat for about one hour through the strait. It’s an adventure to discover the rough side of Sri Lanka, and you should book the day out.

Check this tour to Nagadeepa Island which includes everything.

Book a tour of Jaffna

The above are some of the most interesting things to do in Jaffna. However, it is a very particular territory, jet safe, but very hard to navigate by yourself.

We were lucky to have a guide, which for two days took us around, not only giving more insights, but also making it easy for us.

If you want to be on the safe side, we suggest doing the same. This tour of Jaffna is secure, very interesting and will take care of everything. You’ll spend 3 full days exploring, all paid upfront for just £90, which is a steal. // BOOK HERE!

Is it worth going to Jaffna?

Absolutely! If you’re curious about Sri Lanka beyond its beaches and tea estates, Jaffna is worth visiting. It offers a raw, unfiltered look at Tamil culture and history while rewarding those who venture north with unique experiences.

Best time to visit Jaffna

The weather in Jaffna can be hot and humid year-round. January to March is ideal for cooler temperatures and less rain. Avoid August unless you’re prepared for intense heat and humidity, with tropical storms and heavy rain.

How to Get to Jaffna

Getting to Jaffna is part of the adventure. You can take an 8-hour train ride from Colombo for scenic views or opt for a bus if you’re on a tight budget.

There are no commercial flights that connect the rest of the country (the only international airport in Sri Lanka is Colombo), so you can rely on pricey private planes or traverse the country on the road.

Jaffna has only international flights to Chennai in India through the low-cost company Indigo.

When we visited Jaffna, we reached the destination from Colombo. Staying at the back of a tour bus for more than 8 hours was tough, but not more than other trips we have done in Asia.

Along the way, you can stop in many significant places or even plan the itinerary to reach the north after passing by Negombo, Kandy, Anuradhapura and many other stops.