If you ever wanna travel during the vacation, and still haven’t checked out this amazing God’s masterpiece of land, make sure you gear up your backpacks to explore the warmth of a diverse environment. Warmth!! Of course, it’s sure about the climate, but what I mean is the ‘warmth’ of diverse cultures, eye-catchy traditions, spicy food, mesmerizing landscapes, and standing above all those, the never-ending hospitality of human beings.
So, what, and where is it??
Jaffna also known as ‘Yalpanam’ is a well-known city on the Northern edge of Sri Lanka, where there is a high population of people of Tamil ethnicity. And most people say that it’s like a ‘Little version of India’, our neighboring country. Yeah, it is so… except for the fact that it is a proud possessor of not just one ethnicity but different ethnicities such as Sinhalese and Muslims as well.
But behind all these fun facts, in the past when the word ‘Jaffna’ was heard, most of us Sri Lankans used to get mixed feelings. And that was not without reasonable facts. Beaten to the bone by the war that prevailed for more than three decades, ‘Jaffna’ was a word that we Sri Lankans couldn’t hear without a shudder running down our spines. But kudos!! Now it is a word that reminds us of more beautiful things like of course, TRAVEL DESTINATION…
Now let’s get to work!
As I mentioned before, owing to the diversity of ethnicities and religions, there are numerous places of tourist attractions in Jaffna. Starting from the Jaffna Public Library that boasts about the proud Tamil literature and wisdom of the city, it runs all the way to the most epic places of fun.
For your ease, let me reveal them one by one…
Delft Island
This is a spectacular island which is only 30kms far from the coast of Jaffna. A soothing ferry trip will carry you to the island through the blue and warm waters, just to show you a wholesome paradise of wild ponies, coral gardens, old Dutch building remnants of forts, hospitals, horse stables, and a fascinating, Hanuman’s footprint and a magnificent Baobab tree.
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
Located in the ancient town of Nallur is one of the most sacred places of worship of the Sri Lankan Hindus. The ardent and glamourous 15th century Nallur Kandaswamy Hindu temple is sure to give you an elaborative idea about the culture, religious tradition, and beliefs of Hindus. This kovil is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the god of war, love, and beauty. The grand Dravidian architecture is highly elaborated through the arches and the five-storied temple.
Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya
As I mentioned before, Jaffna is a city of cultural and religious diversity. This place is a witness to that fact. In the ancient city of Tamils is this ancient Buddhist temple that lakhs of Sinhala Buddhists visit every year in pilgrims. Ancient history mentions that this is the second visit site of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka.
Jaffna Fort
This was built by the Portuguese and the Dutch during the times of their reign over Sri Lanka. Although they have been evaded from the country, their massive architecture is still rising in the ancient city. Now, this magnificent fort is a maritime heritage of the city. Due to the complex architectural value of the site, it is considered one of the greatest Dutch forts in Asia.
This is a place where you get to be a witness of how power and armor can be blended with beauty. Make sure you won’t miss this piece of masterpiece whenever you visit the land of God!!
Casuarina Beach
This is the best place to wash away all your fatigue from the walks and rides throughout your travel of the day. The Casuarina beach is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka with an open view and its unspoiled beach. The very shallow sea allows you to walk a long distance into the blue waters!! Something you will miss doing at any other beach. Just imagine yourself diving in the warm and open waters. The feeling itself has the power of rejuvenation…
Jaffna Public library
Will you agree with me if I say that you can find one of the largest libraries in Asia during the 1980s in Jaffna? Of course, it is. The Jaffna public library was established in 1933 and was grown into a magnificent collection of a notable number of books. But unfortunately, in 1985 it was attacked and burned down due to certain instabilities that occurred in the country. But now it is restored and readds the grandeur of wisdom to the ancient city.
In addition to all these abovementioned travel destinations, there are numerous places like Dambakolapatuna Sagamiththa Temple, Kyte’s causeway, Keerimalai hot springs, Elephant pass, Kantharodai viharaya, Kadurugoda Buddhist temple, Nilavarai bottomless well, and many more hundred and one sites to visit in Jaffna. And I guarantee that if you ever set your foot on this land, you won’t feel like leaving it any soon.
Grab A Bite from the Jaffna Cuisine
Above all don’t forget to grab a bite of the spicy, savory kool, vadei, dosai, palmrah palm treacle, mushroom cutlets, and the exclusive Jaffna prawn and crab curries
So dear adventurous wanderers, after having introduced just a quarter of the real beauties, flavors, and content of Jaffna, I’m sure you are craving with zeal to visit this God’s masterpiece of land. And I promise that you will never regret that feeling once you set foot on this astounding land… Now pack your backpacks to quench your wanderlust in the new episode you witnessed today through our Wanderlust journey!!!!
By Rtr. Jayani Sheron Jayamanna
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