Jaffna Peninsula
Jaffna situated in the Northern province and is the Capital of province. Although cursed by the 30 years of war, to day Jaffna is rising from the ashes with the blessing of numerous development projects conducted by the government. Almost all the banks, merchants even a branch of CSE (Colombo Stock exchange) located in Jaffna. So it is not what you think....!!!!! Population of Jaffna district is around 582000 being more than 50% of the total population of Northern province. Around 99% of the population consists of Sri lankan Tamils.So better to know little Tamil. Use of English is little.
The tropical climate of Jaffna can be tolerated during September to April of the Year. Then it becomes warmer and warmer. During the rainy season the causeways of the area are nearly flooded, so that it makes a beautiful scenario. I think this is the best season to visit.
Jaffna Map
Traveling
By Bus
There are normal and semi luxury buses from Colombo to Jaffna. Take the route no 87 as they reach in about 8 Hrs. Cost is 600 - 800 Rs ( 4.5 - 6 $ )
Luxury and Super luxury buses Start from 1800Hrs to 2300Hrs and travel all night. You can sleep on your way. Cost is 1200 - 1400 Rs
Remember - You have to reserve a ticket earlier either through phone or by visiting one of agent at Wellawatta. Many on either side of main road are doing this.
Try these numbers for luxury couches - Thaas Express - Colombo - 0771544210
Jaffna - 0772208432 / 0213734561
PPT Express - Colombo - 0114375790 / 0775755175
Jaffna - 0214923240 / 0775731318
Varani booking center - 0777917691
0776048921
0212222868
By Train
You can travel only up to Omanthei as the rail line is under construction. But better to get out at Vavuniya as you can easily get a bus to Jaffna from there. Luxury trains are available now.
Luxury trains - exporail
By Air
Some Domestic air lines are also operating to Palali air force Airport. Cost ranges from 7500 Rs.
Visit - helitours
By Own Vehicle
A better way as Jaffna still has no a good cab service and you can reach where ever you can travel easily.
But you have to drive around 410 Km from Colombo and Beware when you drive in Jaffna as the people in area got NO discipline on the road. There is a good chance that a suddenly appearing bike or a three wheeler hit you when you are on main road !!!!!
Where to stay
There are many places. From few good hotels to cheap guest houses if you wish to stay in the heart of Jaffna.
Tilko Jaffna City hotel
Hotel Lovusiya -Cheaper - 0212221326 / 27
In Islands like Delft and Kareinagar Sri Lanka Navy is managing a guest house and a boutique hotel
Another Hotel is maintained by SL army at Kankasanthurei.
Kareinagar - Fort Hamen Heil Resort - Through Navy HQ - 0112421151
Thal Sevana - Through Army HQ - 0112431587
What to eat
If you want to taste of real taste of "Dosei" (Those), I suggest go to "Malayan Cafe" behind the bus terminal, to the left. But if you are so sensitive with hygienic issues please stick to the foods from your hotel.
For further info mail dkctennakoon@gmail.com
What to see on first day at Jaffna ....
It is convenient if you start from Jaffna city and visit islands, then back to city and leave. The places describe here are the greatest attractions to many visitors but this may not be all.You Can visit all this places in one day if you are traveling over night, have a little nap on the day of arrival, the visit them in the afternoon. There are many three wheelers but take extreme care to negotiate before you hop in.
Nallur Temple
This famous "Kandswamy" hindu temple is one of the "not to miss attractions in Jaffna. Its colorful feast is in the month of August. If you wanna go to the inside of the temple go before 1600 Hrs, because I think usually they close the gates after that.
There is a very famous ice cream shop to the right of temple named "Rio". Its ice creams are too sweet to my self so it is best if you try a smaller one.
Jaffna Library
This is famous because of its unique architecture and is probably the largest after Colombo one. This was built around 1930s and destroyed in 1981. Now it is rebuilt and is the crown of the brain of Jaffna. Please remember if you wish to enter remove your foot wears and remain calm and quiet
Map
Jaffna Fort
After visiting Jaffna library take the road to Kaytes island. (The tamil people name Kaytes as Urawththurei so don't get confuse when they say it)
Before entering the causeway you will see the Dutch fort on your left side which built in 1600s. I t is better if you go there in the evening
Naga Viharaya
At the beginning of "Palai" road you can see it.
These are the places that everybody knows. I will tell more in my next post
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