SRI LANKA

Jaffna – The Final Frontier

Once the epicentre of a fiercely waged civil war, remote Jaffna is now emerging from the long years of isolation and fighting…

For the intrepid traveller, the north is Sri Lanka’s final frontier. It’s off the beaten track and is often overlooked by visitors to the country who head inland and to the beaches of the south. Having only opened its doors to tourists in 2009, the area is still largely unexplored and offers an insight into authentic Sri Lanka.

It’s definitely worth the journey!

Jaffna is the capital of the Jaffna district, and is located on the northernmost peninsula of Sri Lanka. Distance wise, it’s about 400km north of Colombo so is actually closer to the south of India and a world apart from the rest of country. The area has been constantly settled and invaded by Tamil migrants from Southern India and has retained a unique character and culture, one which owes as much to Hindu India as to Buddhist Sri Lanka.

From imposing historic forts and colourful Hindu temples, to sacred Bhuddist sites and bustling markets – green and leafy Jaffna offers varied and beautifully preserved sites. 

The city is also an ideal base for forays to the idyllic islands just to the west and trips along the coastline and lagoons of the surrounding peninsula.