Jaffna

Jaffna, land of the palm trees, the admini-strative head quarters of the Jaffna District and the main city in the North has been integral part of Sri Lankan political history. The city has a rich cultural heritage and a history of colonial influence of Portuguese, Dutch and the British. During the Dutch Period Jaffna was a prominent trading town for locally grown agricultural products. Delft Island is 35 Km from Jaffna named after the famous Dutch city. Jaffna Fort originally built by Portuguese and later rebuilt and expanded by the Dutch occupies an area of about 49 acres. Nagadeepa temple on Nainativu Island reached by ferry, is a Buddhist temple hallowed by a visit of Lord Buddha. Nallur Kandasamy Kovil is the premier place of Hindu worship. Jaffna Library is one of the best in the Island.