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Uppu Aru Lagoon

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Uppu Aru Lagoon

Uppu Aru Lagoon

Uppu Aru is a lagoon located in northern Jaffna that serves as the geographical boundary between the Valikamam and Thenmarachchi regions. Travelers visit this site to observe the calm waters and the open, flat scenery characteristic of the northern peninsula.

Getting There

The lagoon is accessible from Jaffna city centre via tuk-tuk or private vehicle. Depending on the specific access point and traffic conditions, the journey typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes.

Duration of Visit

Most visitors spend approximately 1 to 2 hours at the lagoon. This allows sufficient time to walk along the banks and observe the surrounding landscape.

When to Visit

The early morning or late afternoon are the most suitable times to visit to avoid the midday heat. The dry season is generally preferred for easier access to the shoreline. The area does not typically experience heavy crowds, maintaining a quiet atmosphere.

Nearby Attractions

The lagoon can be combined with visits to several cultural and religious sites in the region:

  • Ariyalai Siddhivinayakar Temple (4.8km)
  • St. James' Church, Nallur (5.1km)
  • Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam (6km)
  • Naguleswaram Temple (6km)

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

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Uppu Aru Lagoon

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Uppu Aru Lagoon Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

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

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.

4.8 km away
St. James' Church, Nallur

Temples & religious sites

St. James' Church, Nallur

An Anglican church in Nallur, Jaffna, in northern Sri Lanka. It's a pleasant place to explore while getting a sense of local history.

5.1 km away
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.

6.0 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.

6.0 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.

6.7 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.

7.3 km away