Jaffna Fort, Nallur Kandaswamy Temple and the causeway islands, up in Sri Lanka's far north.
The Jaffna Peninsula Explorer is a long, rewarding drive from Colombo up to Sri Lanka's far north, taking in the island's deep past on the way. The route breaks first at Anuradhapura, the country's first great capital, before continuing through Vavuniya and the flat, quiet landscapes of the Vanni into the Jaffna Peninsula itself.
Jaffna town centres on its weathered Dutch-era fort and the golden, ever-busy gopuram of the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, one of the most important Hindu shrines on the island. From there, a causeway road strings together the lagoon islands west of the peninsula, ending at Kayts Island, where fishing villages, old churches and quiet shorelines feel a world away from the rest of Sri Lanka.
A guiding structure for the five days — your driver can adjust pacing and stop order to suit your energy and interests.
Pickup from your Colombo hotel or the airport and a drive north to Anuradhapura. Spend the afternoon among the sacred city's ancient stupas, monastic ruins and reservoirs, with the evening free to explore at a relaxed pace.
A long, scenic drive north through Vavuniya and the flat open country of the Vanni, crossing onto the Jaffna Peninsula by the afternoon. Settle into Jaffna town with an easy evening to explore the local market and streets.
A full day around Jaffna town. Walk the ramparts and bastions of the Dutch-era Jaffna Fort in the morning, then visit the vivid, golden Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, one of the most significant Hindu shrines in Sri Lanka.
Cross the narrow causeway roads linking the lagoon islands west of Jaffna, ending at Kayts Island. Explore its quiet fishing villages, old Portuguese and Dutch-era churches and shoreline forts before returning to Jaffna for the night.
A relaxed morning in Jaffna, with time for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping, before the long drive back down to Colombo, the airport or your onward destination.
Send us your travel dates and group size — we'll help you plan the route, pacing and stops.
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