Northern Province
Jaffna and the Northern Province are emerging from decades of isolation to reveal a unique Tamil culture, ancient Hindu temples and causeway islands.
May to September
Jaffna town and the peninsula are flat and easy to cycle. The islands of Nainativu and Delft are reached by ferry from Kurikadduwan (KKD) jetty - go early.
Hot and dry (28–33°C). Avoid October–December when north-east monsoon arrives.
Visiting the Northern Province
Jaffna and the north feel distinct from the rest of the island: the culture is predominantly Tamil, the landscape is flat and dotted with palmyra palms, and Hindu kovils outnumber Buddhist temples. The region was largely closed to travellers during the civil war, which ended in 2009, so tourism here is still small-scale and much less polished than in the south.
The highlights are the grand Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, the Dutch-built Jaffna Fort, the rebuilt Jaffna Public Library, the beaches at Casuarina, and the islands linked to the peninsula by causeways - including Nainativu, a pilgrimage island with both a Hindu temple and a Buddhist shrine. Jaffna's food, especially crab curry and the distinct local spice blends, is reason enough to visit.
Getting there
Intercity trains run from Colombo to Jaffna in roughly 6-8 hours, and the A9 highway makes the same trip by road in about 7-8 hours. Jaffna International Airport at Palaly has had direct flights from Chennai; check current schedules before you plan around them.
How long to stay
Two or three nights covers Jaffna town, the peninsula and one island day trip. Allow an extra day if you want to reach Delft, where ferries are limited and the timetable depends on the weather.
Where to base yourself
Jaffna town, ideally within reach of Nallur, has the widest choice of guesthouses and the best food. Accommodation is simpler and cheaper than in the south.
Getting around
The peninsula is flat, so bicycles and scooters work well around town. Tuk-tuks and a hired driver are easier for the causeway islands and the jetty at Kurikadduwan (KKD), where ferries leave for Nainativu and Delft.
Good to know before you go
- At Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, men must remove their shirts before entering, and everyone removes shoes. Check the puja times if you want to see a ceremony.
- The north-east monsoon brings heavy rain roughly from October to December; the dry months from about May to September are very hot.
- The annual Nallur festival, held over about 25 days in July and August, draws huge crowds and books up local accommodation.
- Ferries to Delft are small, fill up quickly and may not run in rough weather. Go early and have a back-up plan for the day.
Last reviewed 11 October 2026. Prices, timetables and park rules change - spotted something out of date? Tell us.
What To See & Do
- 1Jaffna Fort
- 2Nallur Temple
- 3Causeway islands
- 4Delft island
- 5Local cuisine
Places to Visit
CultureJaffna
The cultural capital of Tamil Sri Lanka, resurgent after decades of conflict. Vibrant Hindu temples, colonial forts, unique cuisine and warm hospitality await.
Northern Province Travel Guides
Continue Exploring