2 nights, 3 days
Jaffna 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)
A 3-day route through Jaffna grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.
Distances are straight-line, so actual transit times will differ. Feel free to reorder the stops. · Updated August 15, 2026
The whole route at a glance
Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors Lines are straight connections, not actual routes.
DAY 1
Around Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam · Temples & religious sites·Museums & galleries
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningNallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam
Temples & religious sites
A Hindu temple in Nallur, Jaffna, dedicated to the god Murugan and one of the foremost pilgrimage sites in northern Sri Lanka. Several subsidiary shrines surround it, making it a great place to explore at a leisurely pace.
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After lunchNaguleswaram temple
Temples & religious sites · 0 km from the previous stop
A historic Hindu temple in Keerimalai, north of Jaffna, counted among the five ancient temples dedicated to Shiva. The nearby spring has long been believed to have healing powers.
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AfternoonSt. James' Church, Nallur
Temples & religious sites · 0.9 km from the previous stop
An Anglican church in Nallur, Jaffna, in northern Sri Lanka. It's a pleasant place to explore while getting a sense of local history.
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EveningJaffna Archaeological Museum
Museums & galleries · 1.6 km from the previous stop
A museum in Nallur, Jaffna, featuring artifacts spanning from ancient times to the colonial era. It holds a rich collection of Buddhist and Hindu relics made of metal, wood, and stone.
DAY 2
Around Roman Catholic Diocese of Jaffna · Temples & religious sites·Views & landmarks
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningRoman Catholic Diocese of Jaffna
Temples & religious sites
This site carries a history of Roman Catholic faith dating back to the missionary era of Francis Xavier. Located in Jaffna, in northern Sri Lanka, it lets visitors sense that legacy firsthand.
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After lunchSt. Mary's Cathedral
Temples & religious sites · 0.1 km from the previous stop
This cathedral is located in Gurunagar, near Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka, and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jaffna. It's a peaceful place to admire the church's architecture.
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AfternoonJaffna Clock Tower
Views & landmarks · 1.3 km from the previous stop
A clock tower that stands as a landmark of Jaffna, in northern Sri Lanka. It was built in 1875 to commemorate a visit by the British Prince of Wales.
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EveningKruys Church
Temples & religious sites · 0.5 km from the previous stop
A church located near the gate inside Jaffna Fort. Built by the Dutch in 1706, it was once among the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka.
DAY 3
Around Mandativu · Nature·Temples & religious sites
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningMandativu
Nature
A small island off the Jaffna Peninsula, a few kilometers south of the city center. It's a peaceful spot to soak in the quiet atmosphere of a small island village.
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After lunchVannarpannai Vaitheeswaran Temple
Temples & religious sites · 8.5 km from the previous stop
A Hindu temple in Jaffna, built by a local merchant during the Dutch colonial era and steeped in a long history. Recognized enough to be designated an archaeologically protected site in 2011, it's a great place to take your time exploring traditional temple architecture and traces of faith.
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AfternoonAriyalai Siddhivinayakar Temple
Temples & religious sites · 4.3 km from the previous stop
A historic Hindu temple about 5km from downtown Jaffna, visited by notable figures including Gandhi. It's a modest yet deeply devotional place of worship.
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EveningNavaly church bombing
Temples & religious sites · 8.7 km from the previous stop
St. Peter and St. Paul's Church in Navaly, on the Jaffna Peninsula, holds a painful chapter of the Sri Lankan Civil War. In a bombing in July 1995, many civilians who had taken shelter there are known to have lost their lives.
Where to stay for this itinerary
Around Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam, the anchor of day one. Staying here keeps your first day's travel shortest.
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Lux et Toiles
0.5 km
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Jaffna hotel
0.8 km
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Jarushan Inn
1.1 km
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Devi Hotel
1.3 km
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The Thinnai
1.4 km
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Green Grass
1.4 km
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Tours & tickets for this itinerary
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