Jaffna City Tour
Highlights
- Explore the historic Fort of Jaffna
- Visit the famous Jaffna Library
- Discover the spot of the sacred bo tree at Naga Vihara
- Experience the beautiful Nallur Kandaswamy Temple
- Immerse in Jaffna's royal history at Sangilian Thopu and Manthri Manai
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Duration 4 hours
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Small Group Tour
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English-speaking guide
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Water bottle included
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Visit historic sites
Experience the rich history and cultural heritage of Jaffna on the exhilarating Jaffna City Tour. Step back in time as you explore the historic Fort of Jaffna, built by the Portuguese in the 1600s and later captured by the Dutch and British. Marvel at the strong stone walls, arched doorways, and historic buildings within the fort. Immerse yourself in knowledge at the renowned Jaffna Library, which houses many historic Tamil texts and was recently reopened after being burnt down during the civil war. Visit the sacred Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, a centuries-old temple with a vibrant annual festival. Delve into Jaffna's royal history at Sangilian Thopu and Manthri Manai. End your tour with some souvenir shopping in the bustling market of Jaffna. Don't miss this opportunity to uncover the hidden gems of Jaffna on this extraordinary tour.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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4 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the rich history and culture of Jaffna in a captivating 4-hour city tour, guided by an expert English-speaking local.
Included
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Service of an English-speaking guide.
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Water bottle per person.
Excluded
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Entrance tickets to visiting sites.
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Food and drinks.
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Gratuities (optional).
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Hotel pickup and drop-off.
What to expect
Jaffna Fort
The Fort was created in the early 1600s by the Portuguese but later captured by the Dutch in the mid-1600. They strengthened and expanded it. The Fort fell into the hands of the British in the late 1700s; and they held it until 1948. You will be able to see the strong stone walls; shored up in some places where they were crumbling; along with the many arched doorways and glimpses of the other buildings within it; such as the Governor's residence, Queen's House, the Garrison Parade Ground, and Police quarters.
The library was built in the early 1900s by those who wished to house the many historic Tamil texts in one place. The library soon became the biggest in the South East Asian region and was very famous. However, it was burnt down by Sinhalese extremists during the civil war; along with the destruction of many valuable literary treasures. The library was recently renovated and reopened; and you will find it a very peaceful place to visit. The lobby area also has a display containing many historical antiques from Jaffna which are worth having a look at.
Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre - Jaffna | ශ්රී නාගවිහාර ජාත්යන්තර බෞද්ධ මධ්යස්ථානය - යාපනය
Naga Vihara, This Buddhist temple is the location where the priestess Sangamitta, who brought Buddhism to the island, planted the sacred bo tree branch temporarily after disembarking in Sri Lanka
This giant temple is many centuries old and used to be even bigger earlier when it formed the center of a temple city. Created following the ancient temple cities of India, such as Madurai; the temple has a beautiful annual festival that is attended by devotees from around the world.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Try local snacks at Jaffna market.
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Visit the nearby Nallur Kovil during festival.
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Explore Jaffna's art galleries after the tour.
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Check out the antique display in the library.
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Wear comfortable shoes for site visits.
More About this Experience
Introduction
The Jaffna City Tour offers a fascinating exploration of the historic and cultural gems of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. With a total duration of 240 minutes, this tour takes you on a journey back in time to uncover the rich heritage of this enchanting city. From the iconic Jaffna Fort to the renowned Jaffna Library, each stop on this itinerary provides a glimpse into the captivating history of the region.What to expect?
During the Jaffna City Tour, you can expect to immerse yourself in the captivating features and landmarks of Jaffna. Marvel at the impressive stone walls and arched doorways of the Jaffna Fort, a testament to its Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial past. Discover the restored Jaffna Library, an architectural masterpiece that houses valuable literary treasures and serves as a symbol of resilience. Visit the Naga Vihara, where the sacred bo tree was temporarily planted by the priestess Sangamitta, bringing Buddhism to the island. The tour also includes a visit to the magnificent Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, a centuries-old Hindu temple steeped in tradition and spirituality. Lastly, explore the Sangilian Thopu and Manthri Manai to get a glimpse into Jaffna's royal history.Who is this for?
The Jaffna City Tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you are a curious traveler wanting to explore lesser-known destinations or a history buff eager to unravel the stories behind ancient sites, this tour has something to offer. It is ideal for individuals, couples, families, and groups looking to delve into the rich heritage of Jaffna and immerse themselves in its vibrant local culture.Why book this?
Immerse yourself in the captivating history and culture of Jaffna with the Jaffna City Tour. Uncover the secrets of the Jaffna Fort, where remnants of colonial rule still stand tall. Experience the tranquility of the renovated Jaffna Library, a place of knowledge and reflection. Visit the Naga Vihara and witness the sacred spot where Buddhism was introduced to the island. Admire the architectural marvels of the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, a testament to Hindu traditions. Explore the Sangilian Thopu and Manthri Manai, unlocking the mysteries of Jaffna's regal past. By booking this tour, you will gain a deeper understanding of Jaffna's history and its cultural significance, creating memories that will last a lifetime.Good to know
The Jaffna City Tour has a duration of 240 minutes, providing ample time to explore each attraction. Comfortable footwear is recommended as there will be some walking involved. Remember to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. It is advised to carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning sights and landmarks along the way. The tour also offers a shopping opportunity in the lively market of Jaffna, allowing you to pick up unique souvenirs for your loved ones or yourself.Reviews
Feedback from previous visitors highlights the enchanting experience offered by the Jaffna City Tour. Travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides who bring the history and culture of Jaffna to life, making the tour both informative and engaging. Visitors express their admiration for the well-preserved Jaffna Fort, expressing awe at the architectural beauty and panoramic views it offers. The Jaffna Library is often described as a peaceful haven that showcases the resilience of the local community. The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple leaves a lasting impression on visitors with its grandeur and spiritual atmosphere. Overall, reviews consistently express satisfaction with the Jaffna City Tour, commending its ability to provide a memorable and immersive journey into the heart of Jaffna's captivating heritage.This is a popular product and the date you are looking for just sold out. Next available date is