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Temples & religious sites

St. James' Church, Nallur

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St. James' Church, Nallur

St. James' Church, Nallur

St. James' Church is an Anglican place of worship located in the Nallur area of Jaffna. Visitors go here to see the architecture and learn about the colonial and religious history of northern Sri Lanka.

Getting There

The church is located within the city limits of Jaffna. From the city centre, it is accessible via local tuk-tuks or short taxi rides. The journey typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 45 to 60 minutes to walk through the grounds and explore the interior of the building.

When to Visit

Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon is advisable to avoid the midday heat of the Jaffna peninsula. The site can become crowded during major Christian holidays and Sunday services.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its location, the church can be combined with other cultural and historical sites in the area. Nearby points of interest include:

  • Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam (0.9km)
  • Naguleswaram temple (0.9km)
  • Jaffna Archaeological Museum (1.6km)
  • Ariyalai Siddhivinayakar Temple (1.9km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near St. James' Church, Nallur

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Jaffna 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Jaffna grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Jaffna 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Jaffna grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam

Temples & religious sites

Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam

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.

0.9 km away
Naguleswaram temple

Temples & religious sites

Naguleswaram temple

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.

0.9 km away
Jaffna Archaeological Museum

Museums & galleries

Jaffna Archaeological Museum

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.

1.6 km away
Ariyalai Siddhivinayakar Temple

Temples & religious sites

Ariyalai Siddhivinayakar Temple

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.

1.9 km away
St. Mary's Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

St. Mary's Cathedral

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.

2.5 km away
Roman Catholic Diocese of Jaffna

Temples & religious sites

Roman Catholic Diocese of Jaffna

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.

2.6 km away