The Jaffna Public Library is not just a building, it’s a symbol of history and resilience. Once marked by dark times, today it stands tall with pride, representing the strength and richness of Tamil literature. A must-visit when in Jaffna!

The Jaffna Library is an important cultural landmark, known for its beautiful architecture and calm setting. Admission is free, and it’s clear that the library remains a valued hub for the local community. The building itself is impressive, and walking through it gives a sense of both history and significance. That said, it is unfortunate that some sections are off-limits to foreign visitors. It would have been wonderful to explore the full collection and gain a deeper appreciation of its heritage. Even so, the areas that are open provide a meaningful glimpse into this iconic institution.

Beautiful architecture and a lovely garden worth seeing if you're in Jaffna. I recommend taking a look inside the building as well. Some say it's not allowed, but that wasn't my experience. If you're polite and ask nicely, you'll likely be allowed in.

Here is the text extracted from the image: Instructions to visitors The visitors will be allowed into the library after 4.00 p.m. The visitors will not be allowed to visit library on Mondays and Public holidays. The visitors will not be allowed to enter the sections of library. Keep quiet while entering into the library. Don’t disturb reader while visiting library. Don’t damage plants and flowers, grow for library’s beauty. Permission should be taken from Commissioner to take photos or video in the surroundings of library. The library is considered as barred zone from alcohol, betel and drugs. Put the food and drink waste in the allocated places. The visitors should avoid sharing personal comments and debates in the library. Don’t keep your personal assets in front of library. Library staff will not be responsible to it.

The Jaffna Public Library is a historic and cultural landmark in northern Sri Lanka, originally established in 1933 and once considered one of Asia’s finest libraries, with a collection of nearly 97,000 rare books and manuscripts. In a tragic event in 1981, the library was burned down during ethnic riots, and this act of destruction—widely believed to have been carried out by pro-government forces, not the LTTE—resulted in the loss of priceless Tamil literature and cultural heritage. Though the LTTE was not involved, the burning remains one of the most painful cultural losses in Sri Lanka’s history. Today, the library has been rebuilt and stands as a symbol of resilience and peace, offering a calm, beautiful space for learning and reflection.

Jaffna Public Library is a historic cultural landmark built in 1959, once home to nearly 97,000 rare books and manuscripts. It was tragically burned in 1981 and later rebuilt, now standing as a symbol of resilience and Tamil heritage

Jaffna Public Library is a very peaceful and beautiful place. The building looks amazing with its white design and calm surroundings. It has a long history and feels full of knowledge and culture. Inside, it’s quiet and clean, perfect for reading or studying. The staff are kind and helpful. It’s not just a library, it’s a symbol of learning and hope for Jaffna. A must visit place when you come here.

An iconic Hindu temple in Sri Lanka. Perhaps the most sacred one too. Easily accessible as it is situated in the heart of the city. Note that you are not allowed to wear short skirts, short trousers or sleeveles tops, crop tops to the kovil. You can have a glimpse of hindu culture and rituals there. A must visit if you go Jaffna.

Nallur is a secred place in jaffna. It is not so far from jaffna town. Easily go with bus or tuk to the location. By tuk it takes only 10 mins to reach there. Tuk charge is around 220 and bus fee was around 40 rupees. When entering the place mens need to remove their top cloths(t shirts,shirts) if you going there during Pooja time, it will be a great memorial thing. So don't forget to visit there during pooja time. Pooja time is morning, afternoon and evening. Try to find right time to visit there. it is a very big space inside the place and must visited during the jaffna tour.

Beautiful beautiful beautiful place. Sadly they don’t allow phones inside the temple so we had to adhere to that. They have a big front garden and you’ll have to remove shoes before entering. If you’re entering the temple, you have to leave the bags at the entrance of the temple. Gents have to remove their t shirts to enter. Inside is a big complex of many rooms and halls. They have the rituals happening, live classical music etc etc inside. If you want to buy flowers to offer or to wear, there are shops just outside the temple for you to buy from.

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna is an absolute must-visit when you visit Jaffna. This is dedicated to Lord Murugan, and its architecture is truly amazing. The high ceilings and detailed architecture make walking through its grounds feel like stepping into another age. One of the things visitors ask about is the dress code—yes, it’s true that men are required to remove their shirts upon entering certain parts of the temple or the inner sanctum, and go bare-chested, and wear modest lower garments. This is part of the traditional custom to show respect and humility in sacred Hindu spaces. Women are asked to dress modestly (covering shoulders and legs), footwear is to be removed, and other standard kovil/temple etiquette applies. Besides the architecture and customs, one of the most amazing times to visit is during the Nallur Festival, a 25-day celebration in August filled with processions, rituals, chariots, and vibrant crowds. It gives you a much deeper sense of the living culture around the temple.

A truly divine and peaceful temple filled with spiritual energy. The atmosphere is calm, and the temple’s traditional architecture beautifully reflects Tamil Saiva culture. The priests perform daily poojas with great devotion, and the surroundings are always well maintained. It’s a perfect place to experience inner peace and divine blessings of Lord Murugan. 🕓 Temple Opening Hours: Morning: 4.00 AM – 5.30 AM Morning: 7.00 AM – 12.00 Noon Evening: 4.00 PM – 6.00 PM Highly recommended for anyone visiting Jaffna — a must-visit sacred place that leaves your heart full of serenity and devotion. 💫

Beautiful Hindu temple. Men had to remove the shirt and enter bare. If you visit Jaffna this is a place you need to visit.

Must to visit places in Jaffna. We went two times to experience day light view and evening view with colorful lights. It's not allowed to take any photos or videos inside. Shorts are not allowed inside, however you can go to the entrance where you can see inside from bit far. There are times they have spiritual offerings, so that you can participate them.

A colourful world of northern goods and produce, the Jaffna Market is filled with exotic souvenirs that are hard to find elsewhere in Sri Lanka. In addition to shops filled with eclectic clothes and ornaments, the market also features an open-air section with fruits, vegetables and other northern foodstuffs. For example, the abundance of palmyrah products is immediately noticeable – from flour to jaggery to edible sticks, and more. Praised for various health benefits, the characteristic palmyrah tree, or odiyal as it is known here is the equivalent to the coconut tree found within other regions of Sri Lanka.

A lively and colorful market in the heart of Jaffna. Great place to buy fresh vegetables, local spices, dried fish, and handmade items. Prices are reasonable, and the vendors are friendly. A good spot to experience the local culture. Worth a visit if you're in town!

Explored Jaffna Town's local market and it was an amazing experience! The vibrant atmosphere, colorful stalls, and friendly vendors made it a must-visit. Got to try some delicious local eats and picked up some unique souvenirs. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Jaffna!

That is a good market place and can see that there is a very good supply of all kinds of products to Jaffna. Even some latest products you see in Colombo Fort and Pettah, you immediately see them here, also. However, prices are little bit high than Colombo. Nevertheless, there is a terrible problem with parking. Parking becomes a problem when you travel by your own vehicle.

vibrant and culturally rich destination in the heart of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the local lifestyle, bustling with activity and brimming with fresh produce, spices, and traditional goods.

Market filled with unique products of Jaffna. Must see place in Jaffna. You can buy sweets, cane products, traditional crafts, plastic items, etc. at reasonable prices. Sellers are very helpful and genuine.

Busy area. We can buy anything from there... The problem may be the language... some people can speak English, they don't familiar with Sinhala,, usually shop vendors are helpful.

A must-see location in Jaffna if you're planning a visit. It takes around 15–20 minutes to explore the entire museum, and entry is free. There’s ample parking available. Be sure to check the opening hours before you go, and note that photography is not allowed inside the museum. The museum showcases a wide range of artifacts originating from Tamil culture, offering a brief but insightful glimpse into Jaffna’s rich history. You’ll find many unique statues and everyday items once used by the people of old Jaffna. There are also many intricate timber carvings on display, providing a great opportunity to study traditional craftsmanship. Visitors even have the option to donate artifacts to the museum, helping to preserve and expand this cultural treasure.

This museum has great collection. But need to be improved inside It’s very hot. Poor lighting. Need to be improved.

Location: Navalar road, near the Wyman Road Juntion - behind the Navalar Cultural Hall ( Near the TCT Super Market). From Jaffna Town Main bus stand=> Tutn left to Hospital Road=> Tutn left to Palaly Road ( near signal light) => Turn right to Illuppaiyadi Junction of Point pedro Road=> go straight => turn right to Aanaippanthi Junction of Navalar Road => go straight =>turn right to Navalar Cultural hall within 300m => go straight into the land's behind side. You can park your vehicles inside of the museum yard. Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 9.00am 4.00pm. If you want enjoy, PLEASE COME ON OR BEFORE 3.30pm. Entrance Fee:- Free. ( Local & foreign visitors) If you want to donate your money, for cultural properties development purposes in Srilanka, you can put through the till box. This museum is always open except 2nd and last weeks of Tuesdays of every month (for cleaning purpose) and special public holidays. NOVEMBER - : ALL DAYS OPEN except 11th & 25th November 2025. Land line Telephone is not work(Out of service). Photography is allowed. But, Video calls/ video shooting is not allowed. If you need to take videos or doing other researches, you should get the permission from the Department of Archaeology, head office, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawaththa, Colombo-07.

We’re a Sri Lankan family and really enjoyed our visit to the Jaffna Archaeological Museum. It’s small but filled with fascinating history and artifacts that tell stories of Jaffna’s rich past. Our daughter was especially curious about the ancient tools and pottery. A peaceful and educational stop for families!

You can enter directly without tickets, and there is a donation box when you leave. You can donate a little money as a cultural relics protection fund.

Three stars as the building is in a deteriorating condition. Very hot inside no fan no ventilation. Artefacts and labeling is good. Also the staff are very helpful . Entry is free

A Must-Visit Place in Jaffna – Archaeological Museum The Jaffna Archaeological Museum is definitely a must-visit! One of the highlights of our visit was Miss Ekanayaka, who explained everything so well and in great detail. She was knowledgeable, passionate, and made the experience truly enriching for us. It's rare to come across such dedicated and well-informed government servants. We really appreciated the time and effort she took to guide us through the exhibits. We learned a lot and enjoyed every moment. Thank you for preserving and sharing such valuable history!

We ordered paneer pittu koththu and chilly parata. Both weren’t good that much, the panner pieces were less and Pittu was not cooked well. The paratta had too much chilly sauce. The service was good.

We shared the Vegetable Ooththappam and Vegetable Dosai and they were simply amazing! We ate dinner really early, and as such the only ones there, and so were afforded extra service and attention. Would encourage all visitors to Jaffna to share a meal here!

I found this Authentic tiny Restaurant during my 3 night stay at Jaffna. I came with my USA clients for Nallur Temple Festival and Restaurant is very close to temple. "Shree" is the Cashier and he is doing Wonderful job. He Welcome Guests, Servicing them apart from his Job. He is Very Friendly multitasking person. You can ask recommendations about foods from Shree. I felt Love to their "Ghee Onion Masala". I had many meals during my 4 days stay such as Jaffna Authentic Red rice and curries, Pittu Biriyani, Vegi Biriyani and Ghee Roast / Paper Dosai. They have varieties of Jaffna sweets like Boonthi Laddu, Gee Mysoor Paku, Kesari and Munthiri Alva. " Munthiri Alva" is so taste and my favorite. I recommend you to visit Nallur Bhawan Vegitarian Restaurant if you and in Jaffna to taste Authentic Jaffna Foods.

Food was super delicious and the portions were large! Very reasonable prices that will surprise you. Owner was very friendly and the service was excellent. Clean and tidy surroundings. Would definitely recommend for anyone. It is so close to the Nallur kovil and Rio ice cream parlor. Parking is available. If you are looking for authentic Jaffna food,this is the ideal place.

Foods delicious and portion was more than enough for one person.price also reasonable. Place is very clean and tidy. Staff was very friendly. Recommend to go and have some delicious meals with your family.👌

Amazing place. Food is cheap. Staff are friendly. Lunch starts at 12pm but you can wait there if you're early. I had this amazing rice&curry for 150rupees! Place is clean. Eat with your hands - you can wash your hands with soap here. The staff aren't very good with English but they know enough that you can order. The best rice&curry I had here - better than Mangos.

Highly recommend . Delicious foods ,potions were large and a best place for taste indian vegetarian foods with reasonable prices ♥️

Rio Ice Cream in Jaffna is truly a wonderful place for anyone with a sweet tooth. The taste is simply amazing – rich, creamy, and unforgettable. Their price list is updated and still very reasonable for the quality they offer. During the festival season, it gets very crowded, which just shows how popular and loved this place is among locals and visitors alike. A must-visit spot in Jaffna for delicious ice cream and a joyful experience! 🍦✨

We visited Reo Ice Cream in the evening and had a wonderful experience. The place has a cozy and relaxing atmosphere — perfect for spending time with friends or family after a long day. We tried two types of ice creams along with vegetable rolls, and everything was absolutely delicious! The ice creams were creamy, flavorful, and served in generous portions. The vegetable rolls were fresh, crispy, and made a perfect combination with the desserts. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the service was quite fast even though the place was a bit busy. The prices are reasonable for the quality and portion size you get. Overall, Reo Ice Cream is one of the best spots in Jaffna to enjoy a tasty treat in a calm and welcoming setting. Definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the area! 🍦✨

Hey there! I’ve got to tell you about this amazing ice cream shop in Jaffna that my family and I absolutely adore. We’ve been there a few times, and each time is a treat. They serve the most delicious ice cream, and their vegetable rolls are fantastic! The staffs are super friendly and always goes above and beyond to make sure we have a great time. They’re truly top-notch customer service!

I visited the Rio Ice Cream outlet in Wellawatta before, but the Jaffna branch really stands out! They have a wider variety of ice creams and an amazing cake collection. Overall, a really good experience — definitely worth visiting! 😍

Rio Ice Cream – Jaffna’s Sweetest Treat 🍦✨ If you’re in Jaffna and craving something sweet, Rio Ice Cream is the place to be. Famous for its rich, creamy flavors and unbeatable taste, it’s a spot that keeps everyone coming back for more. The prices are still very reasonable for the quality, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. Almost everyone who visits Jaffna makes it a point to stop here, and during festival seasons the shop overflows with happy crowds; a true sign of how loved this place really is.

Everyone who comes to Jaffna visits this place. However, the taste here is absolutely unique and quite different from the one in Wellawatta. There are a variety of flavors, and it’s always crowded with guests. The only drawback is the green-colored pool on the right-hand side.

If you are in Jaffna and in the mood for a treat, Rio Ice Cream delivers a fun, indulgent, local experience. You’ll likely get generous portions at a good value, with plenty of flavour choices. But if you prefer a calmer setting, it’s best to go early in the day (rather than peak evening) to avoid long waits.

Overall good food but the service was somewhat mid. For the amount they charge for each dish the quantity is not the best. They can improve their service. They take 10% mandatory service charge but service not upto par. Overall not a bad experience. Tasty food The quality of the food was generally pleasing, offering enjoyable flavors. However, the service could have been more attentive and efficient. Considering the prices, the portion sizes could be more generous. Overall, it presents a mixed experience with both positive and less satisfying aspects. Improvements in service and portion sizes would significantly enhance the dining experience.

Mangos Indian Restaurant is one of the best spots in Jaffna for authentic vegetarian Indian food. The dishes are full of flavor, freshly prepared, and served with great care. Their dosas, thalis, and curries are especially delicious and loved by both locals and visitors. The restaurant is clean, well-maintained, and has a comfortable atmosphere for families and groups. Prices are reasonable, and the service is friendly and efficient. A must-visit if you’re craving tasty South Indian cuisine in Jaffna! 🍛✨

Delicious! Clean restaurant with quick service. The juices and lassi here is fantastic. We order way too much food but it was hard to choose. The onion pakoda was my favorite! Hot, crispy and tasty. The naan is also very good!

The establishment offers delectable and flavorful cuisine. It is an excellent option for vegetarian dining in Jaffna.

I had come for the masala dosa but unfortunately it was lunchtime and they were not serving it till the evening. Instead a ‘premium’ thali was proposed but it was nothing more than a series of watery curries. Service was fast and friendly. Next time I’ll come in the evening

Came the last two days of my trip for ghee roast dosa & mango special extra cheese Would have came everyday if I have discovered this restaurant earlier About 750 for ghee roast, 900 for mango special Cooking time quite long but worth the time

This place deserves a much higher rating than the average listed in Google. The food is excellent. Multiple dishes we tried were amazing thanks to great recs from our server. The atmosphere is lovely sitting outside and the owner came and introduced themselves. I will think about this meal!

A colourful world of northern goods and produce, the Jaffna Market is filled with exotic souvenirs that are hard to find elsewhere in Sri Lanka. In addition to shops filled with eclectic clothes and ornaments, the market also features an open-air section with fruits, vegetables and other northern foodstuffs. For example, the abundance of palmyrah products is immediately noticeable – from flour to jaggery to edible sticks, and more. Praised for various health benefits, the characteristic palmyrah tree, or odiyal as it is known here is the equivalent to the coconut tree found within other regions of Sri Lanka.

A lively and colorful market in the heart of Jaffna. Great place to buy fresh vegetables, local spices, dried fish, and handmade items. Prices are reasonable, and the vendors are friendly. A good spot to experience the local culture. Worth a visit if you're in town!

Explored Jaffna Town's local market and it was an amazing experience! The vibrant atmosphere, colorful stalls, and friendly vendors made it a must-visit. Got to try some delicious local eats and picked up some unique souvenirs. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Jaffna!

That is a good market place and can see that there is a very good supply of all kinds of products to Jaffna. Even some latest products you see in Colombo Fort and Pettah, you immediately see them here, also. However, prices are little bit high than Colombo. Nevertheless, there is a terrible problem with parking. Parking becomes a problem when you travel by your own vehicle.

vibrant and culturally rich destination in the heart of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the local lifestyle, bustling with activity and brimming with fresh produce, spices, and traditional goods.

Market filled with unique products of Jaffna. Must see place in Jaffna. You can buy sweets, cane products, traditional crafts, plastic items, etc. at reasonable prices. Sellers are very helpful and genuine.

Busy area. We can buy anything from there... The problem may be the language... some people can speak English, they don't familiar with Sinhala,, usually shop vendors are helpful.

Authentic Jaffna experience! Food is served on a banana leaf, which adds to the traditional vibe. The dishes are simple, tasty, and full of local flavor. It’s a great place to try real Jaffna-style vegetarian food. The staff are polite but mostly speak Tamil, so communication can be a bit tricky if you don’t know the language. Still, the food speaks for itself—delicious and satisfying!

The real authentic Jaffna dining experience. The food was amazing. Everything was vegetarian. The dosa was excellent. Wadai were fresh and tasty. Sambar and sambal were on point. You get served on banana leaves. Can't get any better than this. Service was super friendly and quick.

We visited Malayan Café for both breakfast and evening snacks, and it was such a great experience! The café is located near the town center, making it very easy to find. They serve authentic Jaffna-style vegetarian meals on banana leaves, which adds a very traditional touch. The food is absolutely delicious, fresh, and full of local flavors. We especially enjoyed the breakfast options, which were unique and different from the usual dishes you find elsewhere. The staff are very friendly and welcoming, and the prices are quite reasonable, which makes it excellent value for money. If you want to try real Jaffna-style vegetarian food in a simple and authentic setting, Malayan Café is the perfect place to go. Highly recommended! 🌿🍛🍽️

Malayan Cafe in Jaffna is a great place with authentic food and friendly service. The flavors truly represent Jaffna’s traditional taste. Highly recommended! 😍

If you want an honest taste of old Jaffna’s vegetarian heritage, no shortcuts, no fusion gimmicks, this is the place. Come hungry, leave satisfied, and carry a bit of the north in your heart. The ambience is simple, with an old-world charm wooden furniture, serving food on banana leaves, and faded photographs that adds to the authenticity. Service is warm and unhurried, which suits the spirit of a meal meant to be savored.

🍛 Malayan Cafe – Jaffna If you’re wandering through the Grand Bazaar and craving something authentic, Malayan Cafe is where tradition meets simplicity. It’s not fancy, but it’s got soul—and a steady stream of locals who swear by it. 🌿 What to Expect: - All-Vegetarian Menu: South Indian staples like dosa, idli, vada, and rice meals served straight on banana leaves. No plates, no cutlery—just your fingers and a whole lot of flavor. - Signature Items: - Masala Dosa – Crisp, golden, and generously stuffed. - Wade (Vada) – Deep-fried lentil fritters, crunchy outside, soft inside. - Boiled Cow Milk – Served fresh and hot, surprisingly comforting. - Short Eats – Boli, susiyan, and other sweet snacks for a quick bite. 🪑 Atmosphere: It’s bustling, loud, and unapologetically local. You’ll eat elbow-to-elbow with Jaffna’s regulars, and the staff—mostly Tamil—are quick to guide you through the ritual: food scooped from buckets, banana leaf tossed after the meal, and hands washed at the communal basin. 💸 Price Point: Ridiculously affordable. You’ll walk out full and satisfied for under Rs 500. It’s not spotless, and it’s not for the faint of heart—but if you want the real Jaffna experience, Malayan Cafe delivers.

After reading lots of good reviews and recommendations, we tried this place for our breakfast on 17.06.2025. Unfortunately, our experience was incredibly disappointing. Considering the cafe's popularity, we're surprised that the experience wasn't more polished. Despite the cafe's unique concept and cultural ambiance, the food and service fell short of expectations. The dishes we ordered lacked flavor and presentation, and the service was slow and unattentive. If you're looking for a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast or snack, you might want to explore other options in Jaffna. Unless Malayan Cafe revamps its menu and service, it's not a place we'd recommend visiting again. - Food: 1/5 - Service: 2/5 - Ambiance: 3/5 - Value: 1/5