The Fort
Built by the Dutch, this is widely considered as the Biggest Fort in Asia. It is also uniquely shaped as a star. Within the fort the de faced Groote Kerk can also be witnessed.
The North Coast of Sri Lanka is a beautiful stretch of coastline located in the northern part of the country, bordering the Indian Ocean.
The North
This former war ravaged region is now a popular destination for local and foreign tourists. It is also home interesting architecture, cultural festivals and many other interesting sights and sounds.
Vavuniya
Home to a majority of Tamils this city is also a major transport hub in the region.
Mannar
To the north of Vavuniya is this town home to a revered catholic church, Madhu, which houses the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Madhu. It happens to be one of the most popular pilgrimage sites even among non Christians. Masses from all over the country attend the festival of Madhu held annually.
Mannar Island
The closest point to neighboring India, it was once popular for its pearl banks; Mannar was also popular among Arab traders back in the day, who also introduced Donkeys to Sri Lanka.
Archeological Museum
Showcases a collection of Buddha statues from the 5th
Jaffna
The Northernmost point of Sri Lanka divided by the Palk Strait, this town remains very close to the Southern Indian Coastline. This former war torn town is now vibrant and fast becoming a tourist hot spot.
The Town
Many interesting architectural influences are predominant in this town from Dutch to Colonial period and also South Indian influenced architecture, among these are churches, Kovils and many other impressive buildings.
The Fort
Built by the Dutch, this is widely considered as the Biggest Fort in Asia. It is also uniquely shaped as a star. Within the fort the de faced Groote Kerk can also be witnessed.
Jaffna Lagoon
To the south of the Fort lies the lagoon which separates Jaffna from the islands, Kayts and Karaitivu.
Jaffna Public Library
Once housed South Asia’s largest collection of Tamil literature. What remains now is the newly constructed building as the former building was destroyed in the civil war.
Clock tower
Designed by A British architect who is also responsible for the Old Town Hall of Colombo and the National Museum, the clock tower showcases a mix of Gothic and Islamic influenced architecture.
The new town
A buzzing town where vintage cars are a common sight, very few traces of the devastation of the war are left behind in this part of the town.
Vaitheeswara Temple
A shrine dedicated to God Shiva this is one of the most interesting shrines found in these parts as the architecture has Dutch influence written all over as this shrine was built in the Dutch era.
Kasturia Street
The centre of Jaffna’s jewelry industry, the streets are filled with Gold traders making it a very colorful and interesting.
Varatharaja Perumal Kovil
A large shrine which houses several colorful statues of Hindu deities.
Archeological Museum
This museum exhibits various Hindu statues and chariots of Hindu gods, statues of Lord Buddha and a portrait of Queen Victoria among many other interesting pieces.
Rosarian Convent
A sequence of Colonial style buildings home to the Rosarian sisters who are known to produce home made wine.
Martin’s Seminary
Victorian style buildings and a chapel.
Mary’s Cathedral
Showcase Portuguese style architecture even though this building is from the Dutch era.
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
A shrine dedicated to God Katharagama or better known as Lord Murugan in these parts is considered the foremost of all kovils on the island and is the most impressive of them all. Many shrines can be found inside which are richly decorated. Several pujas take place daily apart from the 26 day long festival that takes place in the month of August every year, which is the pinnacle of all celebrations in Jaffna.
Jaffna Peninsula
Is the agricultural hub of the north as it is blessed with fertile land. Many interesting sights such as the desert hot springs which are believed to possess miraculous powers, several temples and a beautiful stretch of beach are also among the attractions here.
Kantharodai
A cluster of ancient Dagobas can be found here, the main purpose behind these are still a mystery.
Kayts
The largest island among the cluster of islands found close to Jaffna. It is a rather remote island, which is home to the defaced Fort Eyier built by the Portuguese.
St. James Church
The scanty remains of this once beautiful church can also be witnessed on the island of Kayts.
Karaitivu/Punkudutivu
To the north lies Karitivu its biggest showcase being the Vaddukoddai Portuguese church where several Dutch Tomb stones can be found.
Punnalai Varatharaja Perumal Kovil
A shrine dedicated to God Vishnu, is one of the oldest Kovils of the peninsula and houses a stone tortoise.
Causuarina Beach
The most popular stretch of beach in the Peninsula.
Keerimalai Hot spring
Believed to possess miraculous powers since the time of the Mahabharatha.
Point Pedro
Is the northernmost point of the Jaffna Peninsula. The main attractions here being a few catholic churches and the light house.
Point Pedro Lighthouse
Marks the actual Northern tip of the Peninsula, to the east of the lighthouse lies a picturesque beach popular among locals and tourists alike.
Manaikadu Desert
A huge stretch of sand dunes, a rather unusual sight.
Vallipuram
One of the main cities in these parts, legend has it that God Vishnu appeared in these parts in the avatar of a fish. This town is also home to an ancient temple.
Fort Hammenhiel
Built by the Dutch and named after Sri Lanka as the Dutch believed Sri Lanka resembled a leg of Ham.
Nainativu
A small island by comparison to the rest of the cluster, this island showcases the Nagadipa Vihara a popular pilgrimage site of Buddhists, as this was the sight of Lord Buddha’s second visit to the island to resolve a dispute between two Naga kings.
Naga Pooshani Ambal Kovil
A shrine dedicated to Goddess Ambal, popular for blessing ceremonies of newborns.
Delft
Once being a strong hold of all 3 colonial powers, has many wild ponies roaming the island, the decedents of ponies that were introduced to the island by the Portuguese.
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