Jaffna: The Northern Jewel of Sri Lanka

• Helloவணக்கம்
  [Vanakkam]
• Goodbyeபிரியாவிட்டு வருக
  [Piriyaavittu varuga]
• Yesஆம்
  [Aam]
• Noஇல்லை
  [Illai]
• Please/You're welcomeதயவு
  [Thayavu]
• Thank youநன்றி
  [Nandri]
• Excuse me/Sorryமன்னிக்கவும்
  [Mannikkavum]
• How are you?உங்கள் நலம் எப்படி?
  [Ungal nalamae epadi?]
• Fine. And you?நன்று. நீங்கள் எப்படி?
  [Nandru. Neengal epadi?]
• Do you speak English?நீங்கள் ஆங்கிலம் பேசுகிறீர்களா?
  [Neengal aangilam pesugireerkalaa?]
• I don't understandநான் புரியவில்லை
  [Naan puriyavillai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseமெனுவை தேடுங்கள், தயவுசெய்து
  [Menuvai thedungal, thayavuseydhu]
• I don't eat meatநான் பசுபாதம் சாப்பிடுவிக்கிறேன்
  [Naan pasupatham saappiduvikiren]
• Cheers!வாழ்த்துக்கள்!
  [Vaalthukal]
• I would like to pay, pleaseநான் செலுத்த விரும்புகிறேன், தயவுசெய்து
  [Naan selutha virumbukiren, thayavuseydhu]

• Help!உதவி!
  [Udhavi]
• Go away!பிரியாவிடு!
  [Piriyaavitu]
• Call the Police!காவல் அலுவலகத்தை அழைக்கவும்!
  [Kaaval aluvalagathai azhaikkavum]
• Call a doctor!ஒரு மருத்துவரை அழைக்கவும்!
  [Oru maruthuvarai azhaikkavum]
• I'm lostநான் பாதையில் கழிந்துபோனேன்
  [Naan paathaiyil kalandhuboneen]
• I'm illஎனக்கு நோய் உள்ளது
  [Enakku noai ulladhu]

• I'd like to buy...நான் வாங்க விரும்புகிறேன்...
  [Naan vaanga virumbukiren]
• I'm just lookingநான் பார்க்கிறேன்
  [Naan paarkkiren]
• How much is it?இது எவ்வளவு?
  [Idhu evvalu]
• That's too expensiveஅது மிகவும் விலை உயர்ந்துவிட்டது
  [Athu mikavum vilai uyarnthuvittadhu]
• Can you lower the price?விலையை குறைக்க முடியுமா?
  [Vilaiyai kuraikka mudiyuma?]

• What time is it?எதிர்காலம் என்ன நேரம்?
  [Edhirkaalam enna neram]
• It's one o'clockஒரு மணி
  [Oru mani]
• Half past (10)பத்து மணி அரை
  [Pathu mani arai]
• Morningகாலை
  [Kaalam]
• Afternoonமதியம்
  [Mathiyam]
• Eveningமாலை
  [Maalai]
• Yesterdayநேற்று
  [Netru]
• Todayஇன்று
  [Indru]
• Tomorrowநாளை
  [Naalai]
• 1ஒன்று
  [Onru]
• 2இரண்டு
  [Irandu]
• 3மூன்று
  [Moonru]
• 4நான்கு
  [Naanku]
• 5ஐந்து
  [Aindhu]
• 6ஆறு
  [Aaru]
• 7ஏழு
  [Ezhu]
• 8எட்டு
  [Ettu]
• 9ஒன்பது
  [Onpathu]
• 10பத்து
  [Pathu]

• Where's a/the...?எங்கு ... உள்ளது?
  [Engu ... ulladhu]
• What's the address?முகவரி என்ன?
  [Mugavari enna]
• Can you show me (on the map)?நீங்கள் எனக்கு கார்ட்டுவில் காட்ட முடியுமா?
  [Neengal enakku kaarttuvil kaatta mudiyuma?]
• When's the next (bus)?அடுத்த ... எப்போது?
  [Adutha ... eppothu]
• A ticket (to ....)ஒரு டிக்கெட் (... க்கு)
  [Oru ticket (... kku)]

Jaffna, located in the northernmost part of Sri Lanka, has a history that dates back over two millennia. The region was originally inhabited by the indigenous Tamil people, and archaeological evidence suggests that it was an important settlement area during the early historic period. The ancient port city of Jambukolapattana (modern-day Jambukola) nearby was a significant maritime hub, linking the island with South India and beyond.

In the 10th and 11th centuries, the powerful Chola Dynasty from South India exerted their influence over Jaffna. The Cholas were known for their impressive naval capabilities and established Jaffna as a crucial outpost in their extensive empire. During this period, Hindu temples were constructed, and the Tamil culture and language flourished, leaving a lasting impact on the region.

The Kingdom of Jaffna, also known as the Jaffna Kingdom or Aryacakravarti Kingdom, emerged in the 13th century. It was a Tamil Hindu monarchy that ruled over the northern part of Sri Lanka. The kingdom was known for its vibrant trade, especially in pearls and elephants, and its strong cultural and religious identity. The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a significant Hindu temple, was established during this period and remains a central cultural landmark.

The colonial era brought significant changes to Jaffna. The Portuguese arrived in the early 17th century, followed by the Dutch, and eventually the British. Each colonial power left its mark, from the construction of forts and churches to the introduction of Western education and legal systems. The Jaffna Fort, originally built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch, stands as a testament to this turbulent period.

The late 20th century saw Jaffna at the heart of the Sri Lankan Civil War, a protracted conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), who sought an independent Tamil state. The war caused significant destruction and displacement in Jaffna. The city was under LTTE control for much of the conflict and witnessed intense battles and sieges, particularly the Jaffna Peninsula Offensive and the recapture by government forces in 1995.

Following the end of the civil war in 2009, Jaffna has been undergoing a period of reconstruction and cultural revival. Efforts have been made to rebuild infrastructure, promote tourism, and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the region. Festivals like the Nallur Festival, one of the largest Hindu festivals in Sri Lanka, attract thousands of visitors each year, showcasing the resilience and enduring spirit of the Jaffna Tamil community.

Jaffna is located in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The nearest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, approximately 400 kilometers away. From Colombo, you can take a domestic flight to Jaffna's Palaly Airport, which takes about an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train from Colombo Fort to Jaffna, a journey that offers scenic views and takes about 6-8 hours. Buses and private taxis are also available for the overland route, which takes around 8-10 hours.

Jaffna is a relatively compact city, making it easy to navigate. Tuk-tuks (three-wheelers) are a popular mode of transport for short distances and are readily available. For longer distances, local buses and taxis can be used. Renting a bicycle or scooter is also an option for exploring the city at your own pace. Car rentals are available but less common. For trips to nearby islands, ferries are available from the Kurikadduwan Jetty.

The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, some restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and market purchases. ATMs are available throughout Jaffna, though it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash when you have the opportunity.

Jaffna is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Jaffna does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Be cautious when traveling to remote areas and islands, and always inform someone of your travel plans.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance, 110 for ambulance services, and 111 for fire services. Jaffna Teaching Hospital is the main hospital in the area and provides emergency medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and clasped hands (a traditional 'Ayubowan' gesture). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Jaffna like a local, visit the Jaffna Market to buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a significant Hindu temple, and the Jaffna Public Library, a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to the nearby islands such as Delft Island, which offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life and stunning natural landscapes.