Islands of Jaffna

One of the joys of visiting Jaffna is exploring the islands – driving across the long straight causeways, enjoying the dry, flat and otherworldly scenery and generally feeling at the ends of the world.

The day tour of Jaffna’s islands can take in Kayts, the Tamil and Dutch architecture is interesting and the remains of the Portuguese Fort at Urundi and St James’ Church are worth a stop.

From Kayts, the next island—connected by a causeway to Kayts—is Punkudutivu, the launching point for ferries to Nagadeepa.

Nagadeepa has two temples, one sacred to Hindus and the other to Buddhists. The short stretch of road between the two has a string of stalls, forming a bazaar, which serves the many pilgrims who come to worship at these holy sites.

What You’ll Do:

• Drive across causeways to Kayts and Punkudutivu

• Explore Tamil, Dutch and Portuguese architecture

• Visit St James’ Church and the ruins of Urundi Fort

• Take the ferry to Nagadeepa island

• See Hindu and Buddhist temples, plus a busy pilgrim bazaar