Jaffna, located on the northern tip of Sri Lanka, has been welcoming travellers for almost two decades and is fast becoming a must-see destination for tourists interested in the history and culture of northern Sri Lanka. An ancient kingdom with many archaeological and natural wonders; the arid plains, lagoons and desolate wilderness of the Jaffna peninsula present a vivid contrast to the lush scenery and busy towns of the south.
Jaffna also has a lot of influence from India. It’s evident on the streets and in the food which is different from central or south Sri Lanka.
The Peninsula is made of limestone, unlike most other parts of Sri Lanka and the porous stone absorbs rain very quickly and conveys it to the water table. It is in close proximity to the sub-continent of India and separated from it by the Palk Strait and the Bay of Bengal.
A four-star luxury hotel by the railway station.
Jaffna railway station on the Northern line has been through tough battles but now stands majestically serving passengers since 13th October 2014.
The immediate thing you’d notice is that the Jaffna railway station is different from rest of the railway stations on the island. It’s beautifully well maintained, clean, with ample parking and has wheelchairs if needed. Even the announcements about trains are modern and soothing to hear. The centre of Jaffna is five minutes from the railway station.
Overlooking the railway station is a newly built, four-star modern luxury hotel- North Gate by Jetwing. Unlike its classic Jaffna-themed sister Jetwing Jaffna hotel next to the Cargills square, North Gate by Jetwing is themed modern Jaffna.
At the spaciously designed lobby, the guest seating area is on a slightly elevated metal floor, separated into compartments giving an ambience similar to the olden Sri Lankan trains.
The illustration of the Jaffna map on the wall close to the reception counter explains Jaffna in a nutshell. The staff are recruited from Jaffna too.
The rooms at North Gate by Jetwing
The 44 rooms are identical in character; bright and painted in white, each with its own private balcony. All the rooms have exotic lighting with dim night light in warm white on the ceiling.
The rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass walls with phenomenal views. Some rooms overlook the town on the distance, and some overlooking the Jaffna Railway station.
The superior, deluxe and family rooms include all the basic facilities of a star class hotel. The family rooms, have a small seating area divided from the sleeping area by a walled partition.
The most popular rooms are the ones overlooking the Jaffna railway station. Unlike most places in Sri Lanka, this view is clear, has no half-built structures, etc., and is relaxing to see from the balcony and the bed.
Jaffna cuisine is different in Sri Lanka, influenced by the spices and other ingredients used in South Indian curries and renowned for its use of fresh seafood, particularly crab. Jaffna Crab Curry is praised throughout Sri Lanka as one of the most delicious curries made on the island.
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Food and drinks at North Gate by Jetwing
The hotel’s restaurant and bar located on the first floor, are open for guests and non-residents and specialises in serving authentic Jaffna food. Other Sri Lankan and western meals can be ordered from the a la carte menu.
Lunch is a buffet, available from noon until 15.00 and costs Rs1400. Dinner is served from 19.00-22.30 at Rs1950 per person. Breakfast is served from 7.00-10.30. A vegetarian meal costs Rs350nett, chicken Rs550nett, prawn or cuttlefish Rs600, A mutton meal costs Rs800nett.
The bar serves local and foreign liquor. Although it’s not served in the hotel, the best toddy (fermented palm tree sap) is to be found in Jaffna where there are many licenced toddy taverns but the hotel bar is more conventional and comfortable for visitors.
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Swimming pool, gymnasium and cycling
Guests have access to the hotel’s swimming pool; there is a modern gymnasium located within the hotel overlooking the pool.
Bicycles can be hired from the hotel and the front desk arranges tours around Jaffna.
The evening sunset in Jaffna is a must to see from the hotel.
Photos: Discovering Jaffna photographs on Facebook
Getting to Jaffna
Jaffna has good weather year-round but the months December to March are the most comfortable weather-wise.
Trincomalee to Jaffna
By car: Trincomalee to Jaffna is a 4-hour straight car drive.
By bus: The cheapest option is to go by direct bus. Ask for the times since these can change quite often.
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Colombo to Jaffna
Getting from Colombo to Jaffna is takes at least eight hours by car. It is better to add one or two stops in between. The first stop could either be Dambulla or Sigiriya and the second stop Anuradhapura.
From Dambulla, it’s a five-hour drive and from Anuradhapura for about four hours.
The daily operated air-conditioned intercity train leaves Colombo Fort railway station at 5:35 and arrives in Jaffna railway station at 11:51:00, and 11:15 arrives in Jaffna at 18:15:00.
Daily operated Yarl Devi long-distance train leaves Colombo Fort railway station at 6:17 and arrives at the Jaffna railway station at 14:37:00.
Train shedule to Jaffna could be found online at the Sri Lanka railway department website
