Things to do in Jaffna

Not Just Any Hotel – Only the Best Things to do in Jaffna, Selected for You!

Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025
2 adults, 1 room
Find
Good (547)

Nallur Kovil

5:00 AM–6:45 PM
Church
Nallur Kovil
View map
Nallur Kovil in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Murugan, featuring grand architecture and vibrant rituals.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free entry. Donations appreciated during puja rituals.

Good (191)

Jaffna Archaeological Museum

9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Museum
Navalar Road
View map
The Jaffna Archaeological Museum in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, showcases a diverse collection of artifacts from ancient to colonial times, including Hindu and Buddhist objects.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Good (86)
Point Pedro Rd
View map
The Last Tamil King Sankiliyan's Statue in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, honors Cankili II, the last king of the Jaffna Kingdom, established in 1974 and restored in 2011.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free.

Good (260)
Sri Naga Vihara international Buddhist center
View map
Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre is a significant Buddhist temple located in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, known for its cultural and historical importance.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free entry for all visitors.

Good (1)

Pannai Causeway

Open all day
Bridge
Pannai Bridge
View map
Pannai Causeway in Jaffna, Sri Lanka links Jaffna Peninsula to the mainland, featuring scenic views and historical significance dating back to the colonial era.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. No admission fees apply.

St Jame's Church

8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Church
Main St
View map
St Jame's Church in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, is a grand Italianate structure established in 1827, serving the Anglican community and showcasing remarkable architecture.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations may be accepted for maintenance.

Neeraviyadi Pillayar Kovil

6:00 AM–8:00 PM
Temple
Brown Road (Neeraviyady)
View map
Neeraviyadi Pillayar Kovil in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, attracting worshippers with its intricate architecture and vibrant festivals.

Duration: Approximately 1–2 hours.

Free. Donations for temple maintenance are appreciated.

Naachimar Kovil

6:00 AM–8:00 PM
Temple
Sri Lanka
View map
Naachimar Kovil is a significant Hindu temple in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, dedicated to the goddess Naachimai, featuring vibrant architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free.

Hospital Road
View map
St John Baptist Church Cemetery in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, is a historic burial site with graves dating back to the 19th century, reflecting colonial architecture and local history.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations welcomed for maintenance and preservation.

Mohideen Jummah Mosque

8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Mosque
Sri Lanka
View map
Mohideen Jummah Mosque in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, is a significant Islamic site known for its stunning architecture and historical importance, dating back to the 18th century.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Donations for maintenance are appreciated.

Kailasa Pillayar Kovil

6:00 AM–8:00 PM
Pagoda
Sri Lanka
View map
Kailasa Pillayar Kovil in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, showcasing intricate architecture and rich cultural history.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations for upkeep are welcomed.

University Of Jaffna

8:00 AM–6:00 PM
University
Sri Lanka
View map
University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, is a public university established in 1974, offering diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs across thirteen faculties.

Duration: 1-2 hours is suggested for a campus tour.

Free access to campuses; no entry ticket required.

Arul Ashram

9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Church
Temple Road
View map
Arul Ashram in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, offers spiritual tranquility and a glimpse into local Tamil culture amidst serene surroundings.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Inuvil Kanthaswami Kovil

6:00 AM–9:00 PM
Pagoda
Inuvil West (Kovil Road)
View map
Inuvil Kanthaswami Kovil, a significant Hindu temple near Jaffna, Sri Lanka, features stunning architecture and rich cultural traditions dating back to the 19th century.

Duration: Around 1 hour.

Free entry.

Wedding Hall @ Nanthavil Amman Kovil

8:00 AM–10:00 PM
Event hall
Sri Lanka
View map
Wedding Hall @ Nanthavil Amman Kovil in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, is a culturally significant venue known for its unique architecture and vibrant events.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free for most events; special functions may have an entry fee.

Shivan Kovil

6:00 AM–8:00 PM
Pagoda
Parameshwara Junction (Sivan Veethy)
View map
Shivan Kovil in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, is a revered Hindu temple dating back to the 10th century, known for its intricate architecture and cultural significance.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed but not mandatory.

Sri Lanka Archive Of Contemporary Art

9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Event hall
199 Temple Road
View map
Sri Lanka Archive Of Contemporary Art in Jaffna features modern art exhibitions, promotes local artists, and preserves contemporary artworks reflecting Sri Lankan culture.

Duration: At least 2 hours.

Free. Special events may incur fees.

Good (1462)

Jaffna Dutch Fort

9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Landmark
Jaffna
View map
Jaffna Dutch Fort is a historic fortress built in the 1600s. It offers beautiful views of the water and is a great spot to watch the sunset.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Good (731)

නාගදීප රාජමහා විහාරය

6:00 AM-6:00 PM
Church
Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya Nainativu Island Sri Lanka
View map
නාගදීප රාජමහා විහාරය is a significant Buddhist temple located in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It is known for its serene environment and beautiful architecture, attracting many visitors for its spiritual importance.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Good (494)

Jaffna Fort

9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Castle
Main St
View map
Jaffna Fort is a significant historical site built in 1680, originally by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch. It features impressive walls, moats, and gateways, and provides views of Jaffna city and lagoon.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Good (449)

Nilavarai Well

9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Landmark
46 AB18
View map
Nilavarai Well is a natural underground water well in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It is known for its depth and the fact that its water never runs out, providing irrigation to nearby fields.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Good (421)

Jaffna Public Library

9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Library
Esplanade Rd
View map
Jaffna Public Library is a historic institution and cultural center. It features elegant neo-Mughal architecture and a statue of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free