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Nallur Kandasamy Temple is one of the popular places in Jaffna where lot of people visit here daily for to offer prayers to Lord Muruga.
Nainatheevu is an Island with worshiping places which were built in the ancient times. It is called Nagadeepa in Sinhala.
7:48 AM 9/27/2025
Jaffna Dutch Fort is standing majestically at the entrance of the Jaffna Town and next to the Pannai lagoon along side the A9 (Jaffna - Kandy) road. This Fort was built by the the then rulers Portuguese next to the Jaffna lagoon in the year 1619 under the leadership of Philip De Olivera after they captured the Northern Kingdom. It was built with 4 Garrison that are surrounded by manmade water passage except for a small land route passage. Its entrance was guarded with massive wooden door. Later the Dutch made it in to a Pentagon shaped Fort with 3 draw bridges and added more safety facilities for to be more secured. This is a well designed fortress to guard and attack the oncoming invaders on the lower ground without much damage to the forces in side of the fort. The Fort is structured in the high ground and the surrounding area is made to be low grounds. So if anybody is approaching the fort, they will be visible and vulnerable to be attacked by the guards from nearby point from the fort. Still there you can see, old cannons that are laying around the inside of the Fort.
The Jaffna Fort arera can be reached by a rentated Tuk Tuk by 20 minutes ride from the Town Center. The tuk tuk rental charge may be around Rs 250/- to reach the Fort entrance. Leave the Tuk Tuk there by paying the tariff to the driver. When you are coming out of the Fort, you can catch another TukTuk in that area during the day time. It is waste of money to keep the tuk tuk waiting for you. Moreover, you can walk to the Jaffna Fort from the Jaffna Bus Center. In addition lot of people are walking from the bus stand toward the Jaffna Fort to view it.
When you are leaving Colombo, you can plan to leave Sri Lanka through the Jaffna Airport or sea port. If you have all the requitred papers, then you can fly or sail (Ferry Service) to India through the Sri Lanka Immigration and Customs. Even you can fill your Departure cards online for esy departure from jaffna. Take note Jaffna Temperatur can reach 35 degree Celsius around the month of April. Now in this month of July 2025 lot of people including Government Minsters and High Ranking Officials had visited this fort in addition lot of foreginers are in Jaffna for their holidays.
Local Adults entrance Ticket Price: Rs 20/-
Children entranceTicket Price: Rs 10/-
Foreigners entrance Ticket Price: US$ 4 ( Rs 1476/-)
Children entrance Ticket Price: US$ 2 (Rs
738/-)
In the year 1658 the Jaffna Kingdom was captured by the Dutch (Netherland - Holland) Army under the leadership of Raiclop Van Goins. During the Dutch Rule, Jaffna fort was re-modeled in to a secured Fort complex. It is constructed with Church, prison, Guest house and other office buildings too were built. Canons were placed around the Fort to attack the invaders.
In the year 1795 the Jaffna Fort came under the control of the British Government. The Fort was kept under them till the Independence of Ceylon in the year 1948. Later Ceylon became Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. During the 30 years of internal conflict between the Sri Lanka Government and the LTTE, this Jaffna Fort was occupied by the Sri Lanka Army. They were targeted many times and parts of its buildings were badly damaged.
As of today Jaffna fort is under renovation with the assistance of the Dutch Government. The complex stays with the Governor's residence, Queen's House, the Garrison Parade Ground, Police quarters and several buildings from the Portuguese era. The location is now changed in to a Historical Tourist point. Nearly all the foreign visitors who are coming to Northern Province never missed to visit this monumental place.
The Jaffna Fort is located near to the Central bus stand and the famous Jaffna library and next to the Stadium. You can walk over there and can visit inside of it to have a look around. It is nearly 2 Km to walk around the fort by the road surrounding it. Take note vehicles will not be allowed in side of the complex. It is not recommended to leave your bicycles, Motorcycle or Scooter around this area. Infamous Indian Tamil Singer Hariharan's Musical Show took place next to the Jaffna Fort in this year 2024.
Best time visit Jaffna Fort is early morning or in the evening.
Take note that there are no shops available around this place. Morning 8:00 - 10:00 or evening 04:00 - 06:00 is better time as noon time is very hot and you may feel discomfort due to the hot sun. it is better to take some mineral water with you as there are no small shops in that area. There is a small park like area near to the Pannai sea area next to the fort.
November to January is local rainy season. This fort is considered as one of the historical monument and those who are visiting Jaffna must not miss this building complex. There are no activities available in this place. But will give you peace of mind due to its slowly blowing wind and peaceful atmosphere.
Jaffna Public Library, British era Clock Tower, Veerasingam Hall, Central Bus stand, Jaffna Central College, Vembadi Girls College, Subramaniyam Park, Pannai lagoon road Bridge and Jaffna sports Stadium.
Meals are available in hotels and Restaurants near to the Jaffna Fort. you can go on walking or catch a Tuk Tuk (Locally called as Aato)
KKS Road,
Clock Tower Road
Kandy Road (A9)
