Jaffa Port

Jaffna is a vibrant city located in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and unique charm. As the cultural capital of the Tamil-speaking population, Jaffna offers visitors an intriguing blend of ancient traditions, colonial history, and natural beauty. The city is surrounded by lush landscapes, including tropical greenery, coastal views, and serene lagoons, creating a peaceful atmosphere for travelers. It serves as a gateway to the northern part of Sri Lanka, offering a distinctive experience that differs from the more tourist-heavy areas of the island.

The biodiversity around Jaffna is diverse, with coastal ecosystems, mangrove forests, and wetlands that support a variety of bird species, marine life, and flora. The surrounding Jaffna Peninsula, with its abundant flora and fauna, provides a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The region is known for its agricultural practices, particularly the cultivation of rice, coconut, and the famous Jaffna mangoes, making it an important area for both rural life and local food production.

Visitors to Jaffna can explore a wealth of cultural and historical landmarks. The Jaffna Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past, while the ancient Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil stands as a testament to the city’s deep religious roots. The city is also known for its vibrant Tamil festivals, traditional dance forms like Bharatanatyam, and local art, providing a rich cultural experience for visitors. The nearby islands, such as Delft Island, are also popular day trips, known for their natural beauty and historical sites.

Jaffna can be visited year-round, with the best time being during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is accessible via the A9 highway from Colombo, and the Jaffna International Airport connects the region to other parts of Sri Lanka. Whether exploring its historical sites, enjoying the local cuisine, or soaking in the natural beauty, Jaffna offers a unique and enriching experience that highlights the cultural and natural diversity of Sri Lanka's northern region.

About Jaffna District

Jaffna is the capital city of the Northern Province, Sri Lanka. 85% of the populations of the Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts are Hindus. The Hindus follow the Saivite tradition. The remainders are largely Roman Catholics or Protestants, some of whom are descendants of colonial settlers, known as Burghers. The Tamils are divided along caste lines, with the farmer-caste Vellalar forming the majority. Sea products, red onion, and tobacco are the main products in Jaffna.

Jaffna is home to beautiful Hindu temples. An Old Dutch Fort still stands well preserved within which is an old Church. Another example of Dutch architecture is the King's House. No visit to Jaffna is complete without tasting the exquisite Jaffna mango, reputed for its sweetness. About 3 km away is the majestic Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, home to the largest religious festival in Jaffna. The Kayts Harbour is an ancient ship docking site in the Jaffna region.

About Northern Province

The Northern Province is one of the 9 provinces of Sri Lanka. The provinces have existed since the 19th century but they didn't have any legal status until 1987 when the 13th Amendment to the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka established provincial councils. Between 1988 and 2006 the province was temporarily merged with the Eastern Province to form the North-East Province. The capital of the province is Jaffna.

Northern Province is located in the north of Sri Lanka and is just 22 miles (35 km) from India. The province is surrounded by the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay to the west, Palk Strait to the north, the Bay of Bengal to the east and the Eastern, North Central and North Western provinces to the south.The province has a number of lagoons, the largest being Jaffna Lagoon, Nanthi Kadal, Chundikkulam Lagoon, Vadamarachchi Lagoon, Uppu Aru Lagoon, Kokkilai lagoon, Nai Aru Lagoon and Chalai Lagoon.Most of the islands around Sri Lanka are to be found to the west of the Northern Province. The largest islands are: Kayts, Neduntivu, Karaitivu, Pungudutivu and Mandativu.

The Northern Province's population was 1,311,776 in 2007. The majority of the populations are Sri Lankan Tamils, with a minority Sri Lankan Moor and Sinhalese population. Sri Lankan Tamil is the major language spoken in the province by the vast majority of the population. The other language spoken is Sinhala by 1 percent of the population. English is widely spoken and understood in the cities.

Lakpura® Services