Photo of Jaffna

About Jaffna

Perched right at Sri Lanka’s northern tip, laid-back Jaffna feels a million miles from the chaotic bustle of the island’s commercial capital, Colombo. Largely closed to visitors until the end of the 26-year civil war in 2009, a small hospitality industry has emerged in recent years. There is a range of accommodation for all budgets, from simple hostels and family-run B&Bs to luxury hotels. Finding the best places to stay in Jaffna remains an art — there are anonymous modern offerings aplenty — but scratch below the surface and you can find hidden gems in charming heritage houses.

Foodies will be pleased to hear that the region is famous for several seafood specialities, sourced from the nearby saltwater lagoon — most notably the ever-popular Jaffna Crab Curry. There’s heaps of history here, too, from the remains of a star-shaped Portuguese and Dutch-era Fort, to the beautifully rebuilt Jaffna Public Library, the red-and-white Nallur Kandaswamy temple to striking St Mary’s Cathedral. For a real sense of Jaffna's turbulent recent history, guided tours come highly recommended. Keerimalai Hot Springs or Kankesanthurai Beach are also a short drive away.

Trundle along the causeway connecting nearby islands to the mainland, with fishermen wading in the shallows and birds circling overhead. The sacred sites of Nagadipa and the former Dutch settlement on Delft Island, where wild ponies roam, are both accessible by ferry. There are limited options when it comes to bars and restaurants, but this does mean that Jaffna’s balmy evenings are quiet and calm. Book a spot at one of the best places to stay in Jaffna, and soak up some culture without the crowds. Visited by relatively few travellers, this northern city makes for seriously special off-the-beaten-track exploring.

The Best Places to Stay in Jaffna

For City Style

  • Jetwing Jaffna is easily the smartest place to stay in town. A slick, super-central modern structure, the hotel boasts contemporary rooms with traditional touches and impressive city views. Sample local delicacies at the hotel restaurant and admire the sunset from the panoramic rooftop bar.

For Boutique Charm

  • Thambu Illam, a recently renovated heritage home in a leafy residential area, has just four ensuite bedrooms, ensuring a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of privacy. Friendly staff are on-hand to help and this secret spot feels like a real retreat.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering stay, we'd suggest visiting our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Bandaranaike International Airport, and travel by road or rail to Jaffna in around seven hours. Trains from Colombo or Anuradhapura run regularly, and tickets are best booked at the train station a few days in advance, or online. Reserved seats do sell out! The latest information about train times can be found here.
  • We'd recommend driving only if you have previous experience navigating bustling Asian roads. If you would like to hire a car, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Jaffna is a year-round destination, with temperatures hovering around 30°C. The heat reaches its peak in March and April, and the rains are expected in October and November. Travel between June and September or December to early March for cooler, drier weather.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Jaffna

Best Hotels in Jaffna

  • Fox Jaffna Jaffna (Kokkuvil) 28 rooms from £51

    Artworks  -  The war-era bunker has been transformed into a gallery housing a private collection, including works by the famed ’43 Group
    Families  -  Cots and extra beds can be arranged for little ones, and the swimming pool & gardens will delight families
    Value chic  -  A very reasonably priced choice on the quiet outskirts of Jaffna, with simple heritage charm
    Sights nearby  -  The Jaffna Public Library, Clock Tower and Fort Hammenheil — the latter reached by boat — are all fascinating
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyParking

    A historic family home transformed into a simple boutique hotel with dark wooden furnishings & big windows overlooking a refreshing pool & gardens. The civil war bunker-turned-art gallery is a highlight, and the restaurant's Jaffna specialities are not to be missed. Affordable and full of character. See More

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  • Thambu Illam Jaffna 4 rooms from £73

    Groups  -  With just four rooms this is the ideal place to rent for groups or large families
    Local exploring  -  Well positioned in a quiet spot with easy access to the city's main attractions
    Sights nearby  -  Explore Jaffna town on foot or by three-wheeler: visit Jaffna Public Library, see the clock tower and wander around the market
    Sailing  -  Catch the ferry from the causeway to nearby islands Nagadipa and Delft, home to wild ponies and the remnants of a fort
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolParking

    Calm and serenity in a traditional property in the centre of Jaffna. The four cosy bedrooms are simple and stylish with dark wooden furniture and crisp white linen. A tropical garden houses a neat swimming pool. Expect warm hospitality and a superb location from which to explore the area. See More

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  • Jetwing Jaffna Jaffna (Sri Lanka) 55 rooms from £80

    City Style  -  One of Jaffna's smartest hotels, with contemporary interiors, city views & a popular rooftop terrace
    Cycling  -  Borrow one of the hotel’s free bicycles to pedal through Jaffna’s quiet leafy streets
    Local exploring  -  Perfectly placed for exploring the heart of Jaffna on foot or by bicycle
    Sights nearby  -  The Fort to the Public Library are nearby; the Keerimalai Hot Springs & Point Pedro a short drive away
    Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A modern city hotel in the heart of Jaffna — ideal for those eager to rest in contemporary comfort whilst exploring the fascinating northern tip of the teardrop island. See More

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