Jaffna, on the northern peninsula, has a distinct Tamil culture, cuisine and architecture that sets it apart from the rest of the island. It is a quieter, less-visited part of Sri Lanka, and rewards travellers who want something different from the usual route.
A short history
Jaffna was long the centre of a Tamil kingdom in the north. The Portuguese built a fort here in the early 17th century, the Dutch rebuilt it, and the British later took over. The region was closed to most travellers for many years during the civil war, and has been open to visitors since the war ended in 2009. Today it is known for its temples, its food and the warmth of its people.
Getting there
Jaffna is roughly four to five hours by road from Anuradhapura along the A9, and a long day’s drive or an overnight train from Colombo. Most visitors stay at least a night to see the town and the nearby islands.
