A Day Trip to Mannaru

  1. 09:00AM: Visit Jaffna Fort
    Located in the heart of the city, approximately a 5-minute drive (1.1 miles) from The Cargills Square.

    Jaffna Fort was built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch and British, it is one of the most significant historical sites in Mannaru. Explore the ramparts of the ancient fort and learn about its turbulent past.

  2. 11:00AM: See the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
    15 minutes (3.1 miles) from Jaffna Fort

    An incredible Hindu temple, the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is one of the most revered sites in the region. The elaborate and colourful architecture of the temple, its magnificent gopurams, and intricate sculptures are a must-see for anyone visiting Mannaru.

  3. 01:00PM: Try Lunch at Mangos
    15-minute drive (3.3 miles) from Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

    Mangos is a popular restaurant serving delicious Sri Lankan and South Indian food. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the friendly staff ensure that you feel right at home. Don't miss their fantastic biryani and thali platters!

  4. 02:30PM: Explore the ancient Kadurugoda Temple Ruins
    20-minute drive (6.4 miles) from Mangos

    The Kadurugoda Temple Ruins are a series of ancient Buddhist stupas, dating back to the 2nd century BC. Spread over a vast area, the complex is an important archaeological site and a testament to Sri Lanka's rich history and culture.

  5. 04:30PM: Finish the day at Mannaru Beach
    30-minute drive (9.1 miles) from Kadurugoda Temple Ruins

    Mannaru beach is a beautiful stretch of sandy shoreline and a perfect way to wrap up your day in Mannaru. Take a stroll along the beach and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Jaffna Fort (1 hour, free)
  • Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil (2 hours, free)
  • Lunch at Mangos (1.5 hours, $10-15)
  • Kadurugoda temple ruins (2 hours, free)
  • Mannaru Beach (1 hour, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $10-15

Useful tips:

If you have more time, consider taking a boat ride in the Jaffna lagoon, which will allow you to explore the area's natural beauty and see the region from a different perspective.

If you have less time, you may want to skip either the Kadurugoda Temple Ruins or Mannaru Beach. Both are fantastic attractions, but they are located on opposite sides of the city and may require a lot of travel time between them.

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