Northern Sri Lanka (Jaffna)
Untouched culture and northern islands 🌴🕌
⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Due to residual risks from the civil war (such as landmines in marked rural areas) and developing infrastructure, government agencies (including CA, USA, and UK) advise travelers to exercise increased caution or reconsider travel to parts of this region. Stick to main roads and established tourist sites. Families are strongly urged to consult their own government's official travel advisory before considering a trip, as circumstances and risk assessments vary.
Northern Sri Lanka offers a travel experience completely distinct from the rest of the island, deeply rooted in Tamil culture. Jaffna, the region's capital, is vibrant and welcoming, centred around the magnificent Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. Visitors must follow strict dress codes here (men often remove shirts), which provides a unique cultural lesson for children. The massive Jaffna Fort, built by the Portuguese and Dutch, is fascinating to explore in the late afternoon when locals fly kites from the ramparts.
The geography here is flat and arid, dotted with Palmyra palms. A highlight for adventurous families is the boat trip to Delft Island (Neduntheivu), where wild horses roam the coral-strewn landscape. The ferry ride itself can be rough, so it is best suited for older children. Casuarina Beach offers shallow, calm waters ideal for wading, though facilities are basic compared to the south. The cuisine is a standout feature, with non-spicy options like thosai (dosas) and idli being very kid-friendly.
Travel to the north often involves passing through Elephant Pass, a historic isthmus connecting the peninsula to the mainland. While the region is safe for tourists who stay on beaten paths, parents should be aware that medical facilities are less advanced than in Colombo. The area is quieter and less commercial, offering a raw and authentic look at Sri Lanka's diversity.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Offers a highly authentic, distinct Tamil-Hindu culture featuring the magnificent Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and Dutch colonial fortifications. The dry months of Jan-Mar and the August festival season provide optimal exploration conditions, while the heavy Maha monsoon (Oct-Dec) significantly disrupts outdoor heritage walks.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
A compelling destination for sophisticated families interested in post-war history, religious diversity, and the iconic Jaffna Public Library. Weather is most conducive for site visits in the drier first quarter, whereas extreme heat in May/June and heavy rains in late autumn limit educational exploration.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Home to the world-class Nallur Festival in August, featuring 25 days of vibrant processions and Hindu rituals that are globally unique. Peak months align with major cultural celebrations like Thai Pongal (Jan) and the Nallur feast (Aug), while the monsoon season lacks significant international-standard events.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Features unique ecosystems like the Chundikulam bird sanctuary and the wild horses of Delft Island, providing off-the-beaten-path discovery. The early dry season (Jan-Mar) is peak for migratory bird watching and island hopping, while the late-year monsoon makes the lagoon-heavy terrain difficult to navigate.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Unique, shallow turquoise waters and remote island experiences like Casuarina Beach and Delft Island offer tranquility away from mass tourism. The driest months (Feb-Mar and Jun-Aug) ensure high sea visibility and calm conditions, but the region lacks the high-end luxury resort infrastructure of the Maldives.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The drive across the Elephant Pass and the causeways connecting the Jaffna peninsula to its outer islands offers spectacular, surreal coastal scenery. Peak months provide clear skies and dry roads for navigating the remote island routes, while Oct-Dec rainfall can lead to localized flooding and poor visibility.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
A few high-quality boutique hotels offer peaceful retreats with a focus on local cuisine and quietude. While relaxing for those seeking isolation, it lacks the established world-class spa facilities and holistic infrastructure found in more developed wellness hubs.
Attractions (34 total)
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
A32 Scenic Coastal Highway (Mannar to Jaffna)
Mannar
Approximately 110km paved highway (2.5-3 hours). This scenic alternative to the A9 crosses the Jaffna Lagoon via the iconic Sangupiddy Bridge. Highlights include vast salt pans, coastal marshes, fishing settlements, and panoramic views of the turquoise lagoon waters.
Visit website →Jaffna Islands Causeway Drive
Jaffna
40km return trip on paved causeways (2 hours). A unique driving experience starting from the Pannai Bridge and heading towards Kayts and Karainagar. Highlights include driving across the sea on narrow causeways, sightings of flamingos in the lagoons (seasonal), and ending at the pristine Casuarina Beach.
Visit website →Point Pedro Coastal Road (B263)
Jaffna
35km paved coastal route (1 hour). This drive follows the northern coastline of the peninsula through the historic town of Valvettithurai to Point Pedro. Highlights include the Sakkotai Cape (northernmost point of Sri Lanka), colorful fishing boats, and rugged limestone coastal landscapes.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Casuarina Beach
Karainagar
A wide sandy beach with shallow, calm waters shaded by unique Casuarina trees, perfect for safe family swimming and relaxation.
Charty Beach
Velanai
A quiet and scenic beach with clear water and small stone pavilions, offering a peaceful coastal retreat for families visiting the islands.
Kankesanthurai (KKS) Beach
Kankesanthurai
A well-maintained public beach near the northern port, known for its clean turquoise waters and gentle waves suitable for family outings.
Manalkadu Beach
Point Pedro
Featuring expansive white sand dunes and the ruins of an ancient church, this beach offers a unique desert-like coastal landscape.
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Delft Island
Jaffna
A remote island famous for its wild ponies, landscape of coral stone fences, and the remains of colonial-era structures.
Sakkotai Cape
Point Pedro
The northernmost point of the island, offering a dramatic scenic lookout over the rocky coastline and the vast Indian Ocean.
Manalkadu Sand Dunes
Point Pedro
A striking desert-like landscape of high sand dunes bordering the ocean, hiding the historic ruins of a buried church.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Delft Island Circuit
Delft Island
15km easy cycling or walking loop, typical duration 3-4 hours, 5m elevation gain. This flat trail traverses the unique landscape of Delft Island, known for its ancient coral-stone walls, wild horses descended from Portuguese breeds, and the Dutch colonial ruins of the Queen's Tower and Delft Fort. Basic bicycles can be rented from local operators directly at the ferry pier upon arrival.
Visit website →Karainagar and Casuarina Beach Loop
Jaffna
45km easy cycling loop, typical duration 5 hours, 10m elevation gain. The trail starts from Jaffna city, crosses the scenic Pannai Causeway, and circles Karainagar Island to reach the famous Casuarina Beach. The route offers excellent birdwatching opportunities in the shallow lagoons. Bike rental: My Jaffna (myjaffna.com).
Visit website →Jaffna to Point Pedro Coastal Cycle Route
Jaffna
32km moderate cycling route (one-way), typical duration 3-4 hours, 12m elevation gain. This scenic route follows the AB21 coastal road along the northern edge of the Palk Strait, passing through traditional Tamil fishing villages and ending at Sakkotai Cape, the northernmost point of Sri Lanka. Bike rental: The Thinnai (thethinnai.com).
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Delft Island National Park
Delft Island
A unique national park on a remote island where families can observe wild ponies roaming amidst historical ruins and coral-stone fences.
Chundikulam National Park
Elephant Pass
A diverse bird sanctuary and national park offering families the chance to spot flamingos, water birds, and occasionally elephants in a serene lagoon setting.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Jaffna Fort
Jaffna
A massive 17th-century star-shaped fortress built from coral and limestone, offering expansive views of the city and lagoon.
Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya
Nainativu
A historic ancient Buddhist temple on a serene island, famous for its silver-colored stupa and significant religious heritage.
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
Jaffna
A majestic historic temple complex serving as the cultural heart of Jaffna, known for its golden gopurams and vibrant history.
Visit website →Delft Island Fort
Delft Island
The atmospheric coral-stone ruins of a colonial fort and hospital originally built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch.
Sangiliyan Thoppu (Jaffna Palace Gateway)
Nallur
The ornate golden-colored archway is the last standing structural remains of the ancient palace of the Jaffna Kingdom's kings.
Kadurugoda Vihara (Kantarodai)
Chunnakam
An ancient archaeological site featuring dozens of miniature stone stupas thought to date back over two thousand years.
Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Keerimalai Mineral Springs
Jaffna
Historic natural mineral spring and stone-walled bathing pools located on the coast. The freshwater pools are rich in minerals and maintained at a temperate ambient temperature, separated from the sea by a stone embankment. It is a major cultural site with legendary curative properties.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Wild Ponies of Delft Island
Delft Island
Families can explore this remote island to see wild ponies, descendants of colonial-era horses, roaming freely amidst unique coral stone walls and historical ruins.
Jaffna Old Park
Jaffna
This peaceful urban park offers families the chance to see spotted deer wandering through the ruins of a colonial-era governor's residence.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Jaffna Cultural Centre
Jaffna
A state-of-the-art facility featuring a dedicated art gallery and exhibition spaces that showcase the vibrant contemporary and traditional art of Northern Sri Lanka.
Jaffna Archaeological Museum
Jaffna
A quiet museum featuring a collection of ancient Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, wood carvings, and royal artifacts from the Jaffna kingdom.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Jaffna Public Library
Jaffna
A symbol of Jaffna's cultural resilience, this beautiful white Neo-Mughal building is one of the most important cultural landmarks in the north.
Delft Island Historic Ruins
Delft Island
A remote island known for its unique coral-stone walls, ruins of a Dutch fort, and wild horses roaming a landscape frozen in time.
Kadurugoda Vihara (Kantharodai)
Chunnakam
An ancient archaeological site featuring a unique cluster of dozens of miniature stone stupas dating back over two millennia.
Nagadeepa Purana Vihara
Nainativu
A sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site on Nainativu Island, marking one of the locations the Buddha is said to have visited in Sri Lanka.
Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
MGM Water Park
Jaffna
The region's primary water-themed amusement park featuring multiple slides, splash pools, and family-friendly swimming areas.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Elephant Pass War Memorial
Elephant Pass
A significant monument located at the narrow strip of land connecting the peninsula to the mainland, commemorating the region's history.
Point Pedro Lighthouse
Point Pedro
A historic white lighthouse marking the northernmost point of Sri Lanka, providing a scenic backdrop for photos of the coastline.
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Wild Horses of Delft Island
Delft Island
Experience the unique sight of semi-wild horses roaming freely across the rugged, coral-strewn plains of this historic island.
