Are you ready to escape the ordinary? In 2026, the world has discovered the untrending secret of Sri Lanka: The North. Once hidden away, Jaffna has emerged as a breakout destination, recognized globally for its authenticity and vibrant spirit. At Fly By Travels, we invite you to cross Elephant Pass and enter a world filled with the scent of jasmine, the sound of temple bells, and the most bold flavors you will ever experience.
- Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil: The spiritual heart of Jaffna. Witness the vibrant puja rituals where the golden gopuram reaches toward the sky. Men are required to remove their shirts to enter the inner sanctum as a sign of respect and humility.
- Delft Island (Neduntheevu): A world apart. Explore an island with coral-stone walls and wild horses—the descendants of Arabian stallions brought by colonial rulers centuries ago. Don’t miss the massive Baobab tree, so large it takes five adults to encircle its trunk.
- Jaffna Fort: A star-shaped fortress built of black stone and coral. Walking along the ramparts at sunset offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lagoon and coastline.
- Casuarina Beach: Known for its shallow, crystal-clear waters and golden sands, it’s a perfect spot for a quiet “Coolcation” walk.
Jaffna cuisine is a bold, fragrant expression of identity that differs sharply from the south.
- Jaffna Crab Curry (Nandu Kulambu): The undisputed star. Imagine fresh mud crabs simmered in a deep red, roasted spice paste, finished with tangy tamarind and creamy coconut milk. It is fiery, aromatic, and best eaten with your hands to truly connect with the meal.
- Odiyal Kool: The ultimate Northern seafood soup. This thick, hearty broth combines crab, prawns, fish, and cuttlefish with jackfruit seeds and palmyra root flour (odiyal), giving it a signature earthy thickness.
- Rio Ice Cream: A Jaffna legend since the 1960s. After a hot afternoon, nothing beats their colorful sundaes topped with jelly, nuts, and syrup—a sweet rite of passage for every traveler.
- Jaffna Crab Curry (Nandu Kulambu): The undisputed star. Imagine fresh mud crabs simmered in a deep red, roasted spice paste, finished with tangy tamarind and creamy coconut milk. It is fiery, aromatic, and best eaten with your hands to truly connect with the meal.
- Odiyal Kool: The ultimate Northern seafood soup. This thick, hearty broth combines crab, prawns, fish, and cuttlefish with jackfruit seeds and palmyra root flour (odiyal), giving it a signature earthy thickness.
- Rio Ice Cream: A Jaffna legend since the 1960s. After a hot afternoon, nothing beats their colorful sundaes topped with jelly, nuts, and syrup—a sweet rite of passage for every traveler.
On your way North via the A9 highway, every driver stops at the Thiru Murikandy Pillayar Temple. It is tradition to break a coconut here to seek blessings from Lord Ganesh for a safe and obstacle-free journey
Crossing the 400 KM from Colombo to Jaffna is a journey of transition.
- Expert Guiding: Our SLTDA Licensed National Tour Guides provide the cultural context that makes the North come alive.
- Our Fleet: Enjoy the scenery in private luxury with our Toyota KDH High-roof vans or Toyota Axio, ensuring a smooth 7-hour drive.
As of 2026, there are no mandatory vaccination certificates required for most travelers. owever:
