In the local Tamil dialect, it is currently spelt as Yaalpaanam and it is generally believed that the term Yaalpaanam is derived from Yaal and Paanam meaning land of the harp player alluding to a myth of a blind lute player from Kanchipuram receiving the land as a royal grant. Ancient Tamil Buddhist epic Manimekalai refer this place as Manipallavam. Sinhalese called it as Yapanaya, a variation of Yalpanam.
A prominent port in the area was known as Sambalthurai since medieval times. The ports of Jaffna were on the ancient silk route which can be traced from China via Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Java and Malaya. Marco Polo vividly described the various aspects of life in Jaffna. He was travelling by the silk route by sea guarding a Chinese princess - a daughter of Kublai Khan - and a future wife of the Persian king. Jaffna was the safest route for an emperor's daughter and a future queen of Persia.
Jaffna is situated at a distance of 398 km to the north of Colombo. The austere beauty of Jaffna unlike any other town or city in Sri Lanka sets it apart from other tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Plan you Jaffna Travel now and enjoy a dream vacation in this picturesque Sri Lankan city that boasts of pristine white beaches, enchanting coastline, beautiful off shore isletsand rugged peninsula.
Places of Interest
Travel by air or by road to Jaffna
Jaffna: Popular Tourist Attractions On your trip to Jaffna, do not forget to visit the under mentioned places of interest.
Nallur Temple
Selva Sannithi Temple
Nagapoosani Temple (Nainatheevu)
Delft Harbor
Durkaiamman Temple
Nagaviharai
Thuraiyappah Stadium
Jaffna Library
O.L.R. Church
Naguleswaram Temple
St. Mary's Church
Casurina Beach
Kayts Town
Paruthitivu
Maviddampuram Temple
Natural Harbor
Sankiliyan Curve
Sankiliyan Manthirimanai
Kilali - Allipalai Beach
Jaffna: Climate
The climate of Jaffna is dry and tropical as it lies within ten degrees of the equator. Humidity in the air and land-sea breezes makes the temperature conditions more equable on the sea board. The weather conditions in Jaffna are marked by extremes temperatures as it falls in the Dry Zone. The highest temperatures are recorded during the months of April - May and August - September, when the sun is directly overhead. December - January are the coolest period.
Foods of Jaffna
Jaffna food guide for foreigners who are visiting Jaffna. The food of Jaffna is a speciaity cuisine of the Tamils residing in Jaffna.The preparation of the food involves the use of coconut, coconut milk, green chilies, red chilies, chili powder, specially prepared Jaffna curry powder, spices and gingerly oil are. Often the food is cooked slowly in clay pots over firewood and this adds a distinctive flavour to the food. Traditional Jaffna food tends to be spicy and with a hot chili taste. Of course the strength of the chilli and spice can be reduced to taste preferences. The preparation of these foods are far different from the South Indian dishes prepared by the Tamils living in India.
Palmyrah tree products and seafood too play important roles in the preparation of the food here..
Pittu, Iddiyappam, Thosai, and Iddly are served as equivalents of rice and bread dishes and side dishes are served to eat with them.
