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Jaffna Fort is a fortress in the city of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, with a building that talks of colonialism on the island. It was first established by the Portuguese in 1618 and renovated by the Dutch in 1658. The Dutch fortifications gave its unique pentagonal shape. It sprawls across 55 acres and houses buildings like the Queen’s House, the church, the hospital, and the prison. Today, the fort is a popular tourist destination where you can explore its historic walls, moats, and tunnels.
Location
Photo: Rehman Abubakr / Wikimedia Commons
Jaffna Fort is situated in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, near the Jaffna Lagoon and coastline. It is accessible by road, rail, and air, with an A9 highway connecting it to Colombo and even having a domestic airport. The strategic location of the fort gave a view to the peripheral areas, emphasising its historical importance in acting as a defensive stronghold.
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Sri Lanka
How To Reach Jaffna Fort
Photo: Joel Muniz / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
By Air: To reach Jaffna Fort, Sri Lanka, fly to Jaffna International Airport, approximately 20 km from the fort. From there, take a taxi or local bus to the city centre.
By Rail: The Sri Lankan Railway runs trains from Colombo to Jaffna, taking 6-8 hours depending on service. The fort is located 3 km from the Jaffna Railway Station and can be reached by taxi or tuk-tuk.
Places To Visit In And Around Jaffna Fort
There are several interesting places and attractions that highlight the cultural, historical, and natural beauty of the Jaffna Peninsula. Here are some notable sites you might want to visit.
1. Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
Photo: Lucas105 / Wikimedia Commons
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is an important Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Murugan, often called the deity of the north and the south in Hindu mythology. The temple is an important centre of cultural and religious activity for Hindus in Sri Lanka. It presents unusual Dravidian architecture, a statue of Murugan, and has Thaipusam festivals. It’s a unique mix of religion, culture, and spirituality inside the temple that inspires visitors to learn more about the temple and various temples in Sri Lanka.
Things To Do: Prayer, perform rituals
Location: Nallur, Jaffna
How To Reach: A short ride of about 10 minutes from the fort
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2. Jaffna Public Library
Photo: Anton Croos / Wikimedia Commons
The Jaffna Public Library in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, is a point of cultural and architectural interest and carries immense historical and educational value. Initially built in 1959 and subsequently ravaged during the civil conflict in 1981, it was again brought into existence in 2003 to extend principles of historical aesthetics into modern facilities. It was once one of the largest libraries in South Asia, having a great accumulation of Tamil literature and historical documents. There are several types of books, journals, and reference materials available in the library in Tamil, English, and other languages.
Location: Jaffna City Center
How To Reach: It’s a short walk from Jaffna Fort, approximately 1-2 km
3. Nainativu Island
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Nainativu Island is a small, beautiful island of immense cultural importance, situated in the northern part of Sri Lanka. This district forms a part of the Jaffna District in the Palk Strait between Sri Lanka and India. It is an island famous for its peaceful environment, historic temples, and involvement in local religious traditions. It is a perfect getaway destination to relax with its natural beauty and cultural essence. Visitors can take a boat to visit Nainativu Island from Kurikadduwan Jetty.
Things To Do: Boating, temple visit
Location: Northeast of Jaffna Peninsula
How To Reach: Take a boat from the Kurikadduwan Jetty, located about 20 km from Jaffna city
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4. Keerimalai Hot Springs
Photo: Walidh97sm / Wikimedia Commons
Keerimalai Hot Springs is known for its therapeutic worth and landscape beauty. The hot springs are composed of natural thermal springs that fill up with warm water rich in minerals, which has brought therapeutic value to both locals and visitors. People can bathe in the various pools available, some of which are naturally heated. This site lies near the seashore, giving great views of the surroundings and the sea. The surroundings of the hot wells are culturally and religiously significant, therefore adding to the spirituality and historical value.
Location: Keerimalai, about 10 km north of Jaffna
How To Reach: It takes 20-30 minutes to reach there from the city
5. Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple
Photo: Dineth Gunawardana / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple, Jaffna, Sri Lanka is the landing site of Theri Sanghamitta, the sister of Mahinda Thera. She introduced the holy Bo sapling from India to Sri Lanka, which holds an important Buddhist site. This temple has a great significance in the introduction of Buddhism from India into Sri Lanka since the Jambukola Viharaya was built in remembrance of this event. Though the original structures are lost, they have been restored with a replica stupa, a Bodhi tree. This place, therefore, still counts as one of the great sites of pilgrimage for Buddhists.
Things To Do: Prayer, meditation
Location: Near Jaffna Peninsula, approximately 20 km from Jaffna city
How To Reach: It takes 30-40 minutes to reach there from the city
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Where To Stay
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Jaffna features a long array of accommodation facilities located near its commercial hubs and beaches, suiting different budgets and tastes. Some recommended places to stay here are Geesh Residence, Nithusha Holiday House, Jaffna Premier Inn, Tilko Jaffna City Hotel and Hotel Green Grass.
Where To Eat
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Some of the popular places to eat include the Yarl Eat House, The Royal Fort, Chaya, Naaz Hotel, Hotel Shanmugas, Sangam Hotel, Thamotheram, and Green Grass Restaurant. These offer a mix of traditional and modern food to customers, suiting everyone’s taste buds. The place has a laid-back and family-oriented environment, and the quality of food is top-notch.
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Best Time To Visit Jaffna Fort
Photo: Oleksandr P / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit this fort is during the dry season, from May to September due to its pleasant and sunny weather. Jaffna is a year-round destination and the local events and festivals can enhance the experience.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
The cost of the trip to Jaffna Fort will vary in terms of transportation, accommodation, dining, and activities. On average, for a 3-day trip, it will cost LKR 12,000 (₹3349.8) to LKR 20,000 (₹5583) for budget travellers, LKR 20,000 (₹5583) to LKR 40,000 (₹11166.1) for mid-range travellers, and above LKR 40,000 (₹11166.1) for those who want to spend a little more in luxury.
Tips For Travellers
- Dress in light, breathable clothing, and respect the locals by obtaining permission for photo shoots and tipping.
- Get a lot of souvenirs from boutiques, markets, and shops.
- Be polite and respectful towards locals and culture.
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Jaffna Fort is one of the strong testimonies to the rich history of Sri Lanka, blending influences from the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. The imposing structure, with its historic value, has been a must-visit for any traveller who wants to explore the cultural tapestry of this island. Ready to kick-start your historical journey? Let TripXL be your guide in discovering the wonders of Jaffna and beyond.
Cover Photo: Rehman Abubakr / Wikimedia Commons
