Jaffna and the North in 7 Days

How should I plan 7 days in Jaffna and the north?

Quick answer: Spend one night in Anuradhapura on the way up, then base yourself in Jaffna for five nights. Use those days for Jaffna town, the island ferry to Nainativu, Delft and the north coast. The drive from Colombo airport to Jaffna is about 375 km and 6 hours 52 minutes with no traffic, so the stop halfway makes the trip easier.

What does the 7-day plan look like?

Days 1 and 2: Anuradhapura and Mihintale

Anuradhapura is the natural halfway stop. The CCF lists the ancient city at USD 30 (LKR 10,080) for a foreign adult, open from 7.00 am to 5.00 pm. Sri Lanka Tourism calls it one of the most sacred cities of the Buddhist world, with the Ruwanweli Maha Seya and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.

On day 2, go to Mihintale at opening. It is about 16 km and 21 minutes from Anuradhapura. Then drive north to Jaffna, about 202 km and 3 hours 43 minutes with no traffic. Vavuniya is a good lunch stop: it is about 142 km and 2 hours 35 minutes short of Jaffna.

By bus: NTC route 87-3 Vavuniya to Jaffna is Rs 656. From Kandy, route 43/87 Kandy to Jaffna is Rs 1,399 normal or Rs 2,099 semi-luxury.

Day 3: What should I see in Jaffna town?

• Nallur Kandaswamy temple: Sri Lanka Tourism says it is one of the most significant Hindu temple complexes in the country, dedicated to Murugan, and that the current building dates from 1734. Dress modestly and follow the signs at the gate.
• Jaffna Fort: the old fort on the edge of town. The CCF price list has a Jaffna line at USD 5 (LKR 1,680), but does not say which site it covers, so ask at the gate.
• Market and streets: Sri Lanka Tourism describes Jaffna as a mix of Muslim, Portuguese, Dutch, British and Sinhalese influences, with temples next to large churches.

For more on the town itself, see our Jaffna guide.

Day 4: How do I get to Nainativu?

Kayts, Karaitivu and Punkudutivu islands are linked to the mainland by causeways, according to Sri Lanka Tourism. Drive or take a bus to Kurikadduwan jetty at the far end of Punkudutivu, about 15 km and 20 minutes by road from Jaffna on our routing. The ferry to Nainativu takes about 15 minutes.

Nainativu has two important shrines:

• Nagadeepa Purana Raja Maha Viharaya: Sri Lanka Tourism and the Northern Province Tourism Bureau both say it is one of 16 places in Sri Lanka held to have been visited by the Buddha.
• Nagapooshani Amman temple: a Hindu temple to Parvati, which Sri Lanka Tourism says is counted among the 64 Shakti Peethams.

Dress modestly for both. Our Hindu temple circuit guide covers temple etiquette.

Day 5: Is Delft worth a day?

Yes, if you like remote places. Sri Lanka Tourism says ferries to Delft also leave from Punkudutivu. We found no official ferry timetable on 24 October 2026, so ask at the jetty the day before and take the earliest boat out. See our Delft Island page for what is on the island.

Day 6: The north coast

Sri Lanka Tourism also lists the Nilavarai well, a freshwater well tied to the Ramayana story whose bottom has never been found, and Kadurugoda temple at Chunnakam, with ruins of many small stupas. Both are on the way. If you are coming to Sri Lanka by sea from India, see our India to Sri Lanka ferry guide.

Day 7: How do I leave the north?

Trincomalee makes a good next stop for the east coast. See our east coast itinerary for the next week and its best months.

When is the best time to visit Jaffna?

Jaffna has a different rain pattern from the south coast. These are WMO 1991 to 2020 averages at Jaffna:

June and July are the driest months. October to December is the wet season. The Nallur festival falls in July and August, which is busy but dry.

How much will this trip cost in tickets and buses?

Ferries, guides and the temples' own donation boxes are extra. For a full budget, see our Sri Lanka trip cost guide and the entry ticket prices guide.