Exploring Jaffna: A 10-Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Jaffna Fort
    10 minutes (1 mile) from Jaffna Railway Station

    Explore Jaffna's rich history with a visit to Jaffna Fort, a stunning 17th century Dutch fort.

  2. Day 2: Keerimalai Hot Springs & Naguleswaram Temple
    40 minutes (12 miles) from Jaffna Fort

    Relax in natural hot springs and visit the Naguleswaram temple, an ancient Hindu temple located on the coast.

  3. Day 3: Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
    20 minutes (3 miles) from Keerimalai Hot Springs

    Visit Sri Lanka's largest and most well-known Hindu Kovil, a mesmerizing temple that hosts an annual festival attended by thousands.

  4. Day 4: Point Pedro & Casuarina Beach
    30 minutes (13 miles) from Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

    Enjoy the peaceful beach and scenic views at Point Pedro, the northernmost point of Sri Lanka, and Casuarina Beach, a popular destination for wind surfing.

  5. Day 5: Delft Island
    30 minutes (14 miles) from Casuarina Beach

    Take a ferry to Delft Island and see the famous Baobab trees, ancient ruins, and wild ponies roaming free.

  6. Day 6: Jaffna Public Library & Jaffna Market
    30 minutes (11 miles) from Delft Island

    See the impressive architecture and cultural significance of Jaffna Public Library, then stroll around Jaffna's bustling market for a taste of local life.

  7. Day 7: Maritime Archaeology Museum & Kadurugoda Temple
    20 minutes (3 miles) from Jaffna Public Library

    Learn about Sri Lanka's maritime history, shipwrecks, and underwater exploration at the Maritime Archaeology Museum. Then, visit Kadurugoda Temple, a historically significant Buddhist temple with ancient stupas.

  8. Day 8: Charty Beach & Manalkadu
    30 minutes (14 miles) from Kadurugoda Temple

    Relax on a beautiful beach and take a dip in the clear waters at Charty Beach, then attend a traditional Hindu religious ceremony at Manalkadu Temple.

  9. Day 9: Jaffna Cultural Center & Jaffna Art Gallery
    10 minutes (1 mile) from Charty Beach

    Discover Jaffna's rich cultural heritage at the Jaffna Cultural Center, then explore a vibrant collection of contemporary Sri Lankan art at the Jaffna Art Gallery.

  10. Day 10: Nilavarai Bottomless Well & Keerimalai Beach
    30 minutes (12 miles) from Jaffna Cultural Center

    See the stunning Nilavarai Bottomless Well and its mesmerizing rock formations, then relax in the serene waters of Keerimalai Beach.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Jaffna Fort (1-2 hours, free)
  • Keerimalai Hot Springs (1-2 hours, 500-1000 LKR)
  • Naguleswaram Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil (1-2 hours, free)
  • Point Pedro & Casuarina Beach (3-4 hours, free)
  • Delft Island (6-8 hours, 1500 LKR including ferry)
  • Jaffna Public Library (1-2 hours, free)
  • Jaffna Market (1-2 hours, free)
  • Maritime Archaeology Museum (1-2 hours, free)
  • Kadurugoda Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Charty Beach (3-4 hours, free)
  • Manalkadu (1-2 hours, free)
  • Jaffna Cultural Center (1-2 hours, free)
  • Jaffna Art Gallery (1-2 hours, free)
  • Nilavarai Bottomless Well & Keerimalai Beach (3-4 hours, free)
  • Total estimated costs: 2000-2500 LKR

Useful Tips:

Jaffna is a culturally rich city with many temples, historical sites, and natural attractions. If you have less time, consider skipping some of the farther attractions, such as Delft Island and Nilavarai Bottomless Well. If you have more time, add a visit to the stunning Keerimalai Nagaraja Temple, or take a day trip to the nearby islands of Karaitivu or Kayts.

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