OFF THE BEATEN PATH - JAFFNA

 JAFFNA

One of Sri Lanka's true hidden gems is the region's north, and its magnificent capital, Jaffna. You'll quickly realize that the north is a different world if you've traveled through the nation for any length of time. North Sri Lanka is much more laid back and notably less chaotic than the rest of the country due to its lower population density. With its many tiny lanes to explore, people riding
by on bicycles, and an abundance of juice bars, Jaffna has the feel of a large village. You won't want to miss the north of Sri Lanka because there are so many interesting things to do in Jaffna, there aren't many tourists there, and the atmosphere is very laid back. 

History of Jaffna

The northern peninsula of Sri Lanka is home to the city of Jaffna, which has a lengthy—and occasionally turbulent—history. It appears from archeological evidence that people have lived in this area since the year 1000 BC. There are a number of Ramayana-related mythological attractions in Jaffna. Whether it be locations Hanuman traveled to or ponds where Lord Rama atoned for his sin of killing Ravana. That being said, Jaffna's archaeological remains date only to the second and third centuries. This city may have once been a part of the Chola kingdom and was known by the name Yalapanam or Yalpanapattinam, according to a number of Tamil scripts that have been discovered. Apart from this, a great deal of maritime trade passed through Jaffna between the East and the West, according to unearthed artifacts.The Arya Chakravarti dynasty, the Vijaynagara kingdom of India, the Pandyan kings, and ultimately the Kotte Kingdom of Ceylon ruled in subsequent centuries.

The Jaffna Peninsula was home to the Naga tribe in the past. Next arrived was the Aryachakravarti Kingdom, which shared close relations with the Madurai Pandyas in India. Most of their kingdom's remnants are located in and around the Nallur district. The Portuguese, Dutch, and British arrived afterward and left their marks at the clock tower, the public library, and the fort. Jaffna was engulfed in the horrific Sri Lankan Civil War between 1983 and 2009, which transported the city back more than a century.

Even after a  26-year civil war that only came to an end in 2009, the region is still scarred from this turbulent time and is still recovering. But in spite of everything, Jaffna is a very real and unadulterated destination. The genuine warmth of the locals, despite being different from that of the south, will truly amaze you. 

Culture in Jaffna

The majority religion in Jaffna is Hinduism, which is not surprising given the strong influence of Tamil dynasties. Not only are there many Hindu temples built in the Dravidian style, but Tamil culture has a strong influence on their attire and cuisine as well. In contrast to Sinhalese and English throughout the rest of Sri Lanka, Tamil is the primary language spoken here, and this is even reflected in the signage.

It is not unusual to see women wearing sarees and men in lungis. There is only one cuisine in South India that compares to the tangy and spicy flavors of Jaffna curries: Chettinad. Even though dosas and idlis are popular morning breakfast foods, the traditional string hoppers and appams from Sinhalese cuisine add a little something special.In Jaffna, there are also peacefully coexisting Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian communities in addition to the Hindu community. They are all generally friendly and accommodating. All that will differ slightly from what you might encounter in Mirissa, Galle, Colombo, or elsewhere in Sri Lanka.

How To Get To Jaffna

Getting to Jaffna is actually very simple, even though it might take a little while. 

There are trains to / from Colombo, which pass through Anuradhapura. The train takes anywhere from 7 – 10 hours, depending on how many stops it makes (remember, trains are notoriously late in Sri Lanka). There are also frequent buses to Jaffna from anywhere. From Anuradhapura, it should take about 4 hours and you may have to transfer at Vavuniya.

Best time to visit 

North Sri Lanka is hot, so dress accordingly! 

The best time to visit Jaffna is between December to March. This is when temperatures will be at their mildest. Outside of this window, you’ll be facing 30C +, with humidity. The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Temple Festival, a spectacular 25-day celebration with food, rituals, and parades, takes place in Jaffna in July/August. This is a great thing to do in Jaffna if you're around at this time!

Places to stay

There are lots of lodging options in Jaffna, but keep in mind that lodging in the north of the country is typically a little more expensive than in the south because the area is still developing as a tourist destination. 

These are the available options

1. Jetwing Jaffna

2. D' Villa Garden house 

3. The Thinnai 

Activities to do in Jaffna

Nallur Kanthswamy Temple 

There are many temples in Jaffna, but the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is one of the holiest.  The Hindu God of Love, War, and Beauty, Murugan, is the subject of the temple.

The temple's original construction is thought to have begun in the tenth century. Before the 18th century saw the creation of the final version that you see today, it was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times.

You'll notice a tall, golden gopuram and an elaborately carved central hall with a colorful ceiling as soon as you enter the temple complex. The central shrine contains the statue of Lord Murugan. The most venerated Hindu temple in Sri Lanka, Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, also known as Nallur Murugan Kovil, is very significant to Tamil people living in Sri Lanka. Remember to take off your shoes before you enter the temple. Make sure to cover your legs and shoulders as well. Nothing should be worn above the waist by men.

Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya

If the old manuscripts are accurate, then Lord Buddha has made three trips to Sri Lanka after attaining enlightenment. Nagadeepa island, also known as Nainativu island, is located not far off the coast of Jaffna. This is the exact location where the revered one made his second visit. The Buddhist temple known as Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya commemorates the precise location where he broke up a fight between two rival Naga Kings and encouraged harmony between the various groups. The revered Buddhist temple has multiple image houses, a monastery, a stupa holding historical Buddhist artifacts, and a sacred Bodhi tree connected to the historical event itself. The museum housed on the grounds of Nagadeepa Temple is an added bonus for visitors. 

Nainatheevu Nagapooshani Amman Temple

Not only do Buddhists hold Nagadeepa island in high regard, but Hindus from all over the world also do. It is one of the 51 Shakthi Peethas, which explains why. Since Sati's anklet fell at the Nagapooshani Amman temple, it has become a popular pilgrimage site. Though there are many other legends associated with this location, architecture enthusiasts should not miss it. The distinctive architecture of the Dravidian region is enough to entice you to investigate every crevice and reveal the little tales hidden therein.

Jaffna Fort

At this clever Dutch fort, get lost in Jaffna's colonial history. The Dutch gave the pentagon-shaped Jaffna fort its current structure and shape after they had originally constructed it by the Portuguese. Although the fort is not as large as its Galle cousin, the way it was built is quite remarkable. Throughout Jaffna's history, both medieval and contemporary, the fort has played a significant role. The British seized control of it from the Dutch, and the LTTE later used it as a base of operations. Even with its extensive damage, you can still admire it and see why it was so significant to the people of Jaffna.

Keerimalai Naguleshwaram Temple & Pond

This Jaffna tourist destination is a must-see, particularly for its evergreen pond, which is famed for its healing powers and has been known to cure anything from infertile people to a horse-faced Pandyan princess. It is said that Lord Rama took a dip in the Keerimalai pond to atone for his sin of killing Ravana. But that's not all there is to it. Another repository of tales dating back to the Chola dynasty and extending until the Civil War is the nearby Keerimalai temple.The restored remnants of the former Keerimalai temple can be explored before going to the present-day focal point. You will be captivated by the striking Dravidian architecture and its colorful details.

Engage with the locals in Jaffna Market

A trip to the Jaffna market is the ideal way to meet and greet locals. There are several things to look out for in the nearby Yalapallam market, including a distinct vegetable section and stores selling textiles and handicrafts. When shopping in Jaffna, you should take into account a few specialty items, such as

Jaffna curry powder – the secret ingredient in all their spicy and tangy food fare

Jaffna jaggery – This is sold entwined in palmyra jackets. The jaggery itself is made from palmyra -the local palms

Encourage the local Business owners 

Pick a palmyra handicraft if you're looking for the perfect Jaffna souvenir. The palmyra palm tree's broad fan leaves are as emblematic of the Jaffna peninsula as its local Tamil culture.

While hundreds of men in North Sri Lanka are busy tapping palmyra for toddy, the women are busy making beautiful palmyra handicrafts. There are numerous bags, mats, baskets, and palmyra wall décor. There are numerous options available at Yalapanam Market and Jaffna New Market.

Eco Tourism Development in Jaffna

Job opportunities for locals will be created as the eco-tourism industry grows.  Additionally, regional development will be boosted.  As a result, the people's livelihood will be improved.  Furthermore, an increase in the number of international and domestic eco-tourists will lead to the growth of fisheries industries and cultural food manufacturers. As a result, the relevant business should be developed on a local level. 

As a result, the local people's livelihood will become self-sustaining. Palmyra products, traditional food production, tools, sea food production, and other handicrafts, on the other hand, will be encouraged, which will benefit the district's economy. Jaffna, in particular, has beaches in a beautiful setting.  As a result, the beaches can be developed, and sea food production and other related businesses will provide a significant number of job opportunities for the locals.It is also suggested that the road connecting Jaffna and Colombo be upgraded to a highway. As a result, ecotourism will be safe and efficient. 

Analysis of Jaffna 

Tourism has been growing all over the world in recent years. Following the end of a 30-year civil war, Foreign Direct Investment in the tourism industry has increased in the Jaffna district. According to studies, tourism contributes significantly to regional economic, social, and cultural development while also promoting intercultural connections. When compared to other business investment options in Sri Lanka, tourism generates economic benefit with a relatively small amount of investment. Furthermore, the tourism development board must work to develop and implement policies for sustainable tourism in the Northern Region. 

Agriculture and technology are the most promising industries in the Jaffna peninsula. Concentrating on them has the potential to resurrect Jaffna as a regional economic hub. In these sectors, "Enabling Investments" can also be chosen, where investments in the local population help the local community achieve financial independence. This can help with market access, knowledge, connecting diasporas, and introducing new business models. Furthermore, impact investors should look beyond traditional agriculture products and make 'enabling investments' in agriculture's value-added products.

References 

Soumya (2023) Jaffna Sri Lanka: Best things to do and an epic travel guide, Stories by Soumya. Available at: https://www.storiesbysoumya.com/things-to-do-jaffna-sri-lanka/ (Accessed: 16 November 2023).

Exploretraveloasis (2023) Things to do in Jaffna: A travel guide to north sri lanka, Travel Oasis. Available at: https://exploretraveloasis.com/things-to-do-in-jaffna-guide-to-north-sri-lanka/ (Accessed: 16 November 2023).

Jaffna (2023) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaffna (Accessed: 17 November 2023).

Written by : Mathu