See the vibrant heritage of Jaffna from a local’s perspective. This city went from capital of a Tamil Kingdom to colonial port town, and today is reestablishing its roots as one of the most significant locations in Sri Lanka. Travel by tuk tuk around the 17th-century Fort that is a legacy of the Portuguese and now reflects the resilience and rebirth of Jaffna and its people.
- Tour the city of Jaffna in a tuk tuk
- See royal ruins to modern markets
- Explore the colonial heritage of Jaffna Fort
What's Included ?
Host, driver, Tuk tuk, refreshments
What to wear ?
Light clothes & walking shoes
Begin by uncovering the old opulence of the Jaffna Kingdom at the ancient Minister Palace and Sattanathar Temple. Your tuk tuk will then take you through the city streets to the bustling Chunnakam Market which is a cornucopia of local treasures such as homeware handcrafted from the palmyra plant, and to the poignant public library that tells a story of destruction and resurrection. End with a ride around the historic Jaffna Fort that is steeped in colonial history and is said to be the site of miracles.
How long does the experience of Jaffna fort typically last?
The duration of the experience can vary depending on the pace of the tour. Generally, the tour lasts between 2.5 to 3 hours, allowing participants ample time to explore the ancient sites, visit the bustling Chunnakam Market, and tour the historic Jaffna Fort.
Is this is a walking tour?
This is a walking tour. Participants will be guided by our knowledgeable host who is originally from Jaffna.
What are some of the highlights of the tour of Jaffna Fort?
The fort has a long and diverse history, with its origins dating back to the Portuguese in the 17th century. It later fell into the hands of the Dutch and the British during colonial times. The fort is designed with a star-shaped layout, characteristic of many European forts of the time. The massive ramparts, bastions, and intricate details in the design showcase the architectural prowess of the different colonial powers.
The Queen’s House, the Governor’s Residence, a church, and a clock tower are some of the significant aspects. These buildings reflect the different periods of colonial rule and the influence of various cultures on the architecture.
Jaffna Fort was the perfect place we selected to visit, steeped in colonial history and surrounded by fascinating legends and there is no one better than Nadesh who can give an insight of this amazing place. This is a must-visit if you are ever in Jaffna!
My experience exploring Jaffna was completed when i visited the For with Nadeshan. I visited the Galle fort, and Colombo fort too but this fort offers something more than any of those. it maybe the calmness, I was able to picture the history as and when Nadeshan explained it. It really is worth visiting this place with a proper local who can season the historic battles when explaining. Excellent experience, thank you Nadeshan!
