Jaffna | Sri Lanka | Travel | Destinations

Ancient Cities in Sri Lanka

Jaffna is the latest tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. Its unique culture, dating back to centuries, can be observed during a visit to this northern city. The Dutch Fort, Kirimale Tank, Delft island and the famous Buddhist temple at Nagadeepa have become great attractions to the tourists. Though surrounded by water, a dry climate prevails through the year.

The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple was founded in 948. According to the Yalpana Vaipava Malai, the temple was developed at the site in the 13th century by Puvenaya Vaku, a minister to the Jaffna King Kalinga Magha. Sapumal Kumaraya (also known as Chempaha Perumal in Tamil), who ruled the Jaffna kingdom on behalf of the Kotte kingdom is credited with either building or renovating the third Nallur Kandaswamy temple. Nallur served as the capital of the Jaffna kings, with the royal palace situated very close to the temple.

Jaffna cuisine is a mouth watering variation from the rest of the island, heaped with plenty of sea food not to be missed by anyone. The visitor is exposed to an entire different culture in comparison to the rest of the country.