The northernmost major city of Sri Lanka is famous for its beautiful Hindu temples, such as the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and Naguleswaram Temple (Keerimalai). It also stands out with its unique sculptural scenario and great food.
However, very few people talk about the beautiful beaches of Jaffna, such as Kankesanthurai and Casuarina. During my trip to Jaffna, I loved the white sands, calm shallow waters, and Palmyra trees. Also, the Jaffna beaches are a paradigm shift from beach towns like Mirissa.
You will not get the vibrant nightlife or the maddening crowd. The vibe is pristine and slow. And with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) focusing on Jaffna now for the diversification of the country’s tourism profile, these beaches are going to play a vital role.
In this Jaffna beach guide, I will talk about the most prominent beaches, the amenities, expert tips, and more.
What Are The Best Beaches Near Jaffna Sri Lanka?
The beaches in Jaffna show a contrasting vibe in comparison to the beaches near Colombo, such as Bentota or Unawatuna. The Colombo beaches are touristy and offer watersport activities such as parasailing, diving, and surfing.
On the other hand, the shallow water of Jaffna is ideal for swimming. Also, the golden sands of the Colombo beaches are replaced by the soft white sands.
Overall, the beaches in Jaffna focus more on tranquility and show the slow-paced vibe of the city. You know Jaffna Siesta is a real thing!
As you reach the Casuarina Beach, a wide stretch of casuarina trees, creating a canopy over your head, welcomes you. The beach gets its name from these trees.
The stretches of the soft white sand of the beach are also surrounded by palm trees. Furthermore, the west-facing is known for beautiful sunset views.
What Are The Things To Do In Casuarina Beach?
Casuarina Beach is a place to relax. The shallow water here is ideal for swimming. You can go to the middle of the ocean, where you will find fishermen in action.
The fishermen ride in a raft-like boat. You can join them and have a conversation about their daily lives and how they survive the sea. For me, it was pretty much the “Riders to the Sea Moment.”
Also, Kamban, a middle-aged fisherman of Jaffna, shared something about the impact of the Civil War here. He reminded me of a Reuters report published many years back.
It talked about how the Puthumathalan beach, around 113 km from Jaffna, was filled with broken medicine bottles, pieces of clothes, and rusty cooking pots as the aftermath of the civil war.
Nevertheless, Kamban said, “You know, we did not have any food. We could not go out for fishing, and we never knew who would be the next to take a bullet.
We are now recovering and getting tourists. Still, we need more support, and the fear will remain among people of my generation and the next one.”
Today, Casuarina Beach has some beach clubs and resorts offering water sports activities such as snorkeling and jet skiing.
Still, I feel, it’s a place to relax and ponder over how the locals are showing resilience to maintain the glory of a city devastated by the Sri Lankan Civil War.
Also, the Casuarina Beach is the place to try the authentic food of Jaffna. I loved the crabs and vadai here.
How To Reach Casuarina Beach From Jaffna?
The most convenient way to reach the Casuarina Beach is to take a private taxi to Jaffna. The cost will be around 1200 LKR.
2. Kankesanthurai (KKS) Beach
Entry Fee: Free
Distance from Jaffna: 19 Km
How to Reach: Take Tuk-Tuks from Jaffna
The Kankesanthurai is a navy-maintained beach with sparkling blue water. It is also just 10 minutes away from the Keerimalai Freshwater Springs, one of the iconic landmarks in the spiritual and cultural landscape of Jaffna.
Also, the nearby Thalsevana Resort is a place to relax and try authentic Jaffna cuisine while indulging in the beauty of the pristine beach.
You can swim in Kankesanthurai. However, you need to be careful about the current. However, this beach is more popular for the snorkeling activities and is famous for the Keerimalai to Kankesanthurai Walk.
Kankesanthurai (KKS) Beach Snorkeling
Kankesanthurai, with its shallow water and some marine life and corals visible, is a decent snorkeling site. I saw some sea turtles while swimming at Kankesanthurai beach.
The water here is warm, and the calm conditions make it beginner-friendly. May to September is the best time for snorkeling in Kankesanthurai.
However, there is no established snorkeling facility here. So, you need to bring your own gear, including fins and masks.
So, if you want a proper snorkeling experience, you can explore alternative locations in Sri Lanka, such as the Nilaveli Beach of Pigeon Island, which also has the Pigeon National Park.
The Coral Island of Trincomalee and the southern coastal spots such as Hikkaduwa & Mirissa are some of the best locations to try snorkeling in Jaffna.
Keerimalai To Kankesanthurai Walk
The distance between Keerimalai and Kankesanthurai is just around 2 km. So, when you start from Keerimalai and walk north toward Kankesanthurai, you will reach your destination in 25-30 minutes.
There is no marked beach trail for the walk. However, as you proceed, you will experience amazing coastal views and fishing activities, especially near the pier and shorefront.
However, if you want to beat the heat, you can take a tuk-tuk to reach the beach from Keerimalai.
Manalkadu Sand Dunes: The Hidden Gems Near Jaffna
Manalkadu sand dunes are the ideal location for an off-the-grid camping experience in Jaffna. Also, at times, I want absolute silence around me. Being an introvert, too many interactions and activities often drain me.
Stargazing in those moments works like a therapy for me. If you are also like me and want the world around you to “Shut Up,” you must try stargazing at Manalkadu.
The long chain of sanddunes here stretches to meet the sea, and this is a geologically striking feature. The desert-like setup and the sand dunes offer some “interesting perspectives” for photography, especially while watching the sunset.
And the best way to experience stargazing at Manalkadu? Try off-grid camping here.
Camping At Manalkadu And Stargazing
I set up my tent on the Manalkadu beach, and the wild, open area with almost no light pollution offered the best stargazing experience. Of course, it was not as vivid as stargazing in Great Barrier Island.
Still, the spontaneity and simplicity won me over.
However, Manalkadu is not a formal camping or stargazing site. So, you will need to bring your tent, telescope, red light, water, and other essentials.
Also, we spotted some fishing huts on the beach. We sought their permission, and they happily agreed. In fact, they shared their meal with us, allowing me to spend more time stargazing and enjoying the silence.
Things To Pack For Camping At Manalkadu
Manal Kadu means sand jungle in the Tamil Language. True to its name, it is a pristine place where desert, jungle, and the sea co-exist.
Also, it is called the “Swimming Pool of the North.” Nevertheless, since it has a primitive setup, you need to carry some essentials.
Tent
Sand Anchors or Stakes
Plenty of Food and Water Nearby
Portable Stove
Cooking Gear
Headlamp or Lanterns
First-Aid Kit
Power Banks
Trash Bags
The Quiet Alternatives: Jaffna Beaches
Do you want to enjoy a sunset stroll by the water with no one around? Visit the quieter alternatives such as the Charty Beach and Akkarai Beach.
1. Charty Beach
The Charty Beach is on Velanai Island, and it is a 15 km drive from Jaffna City. You will reach the beach from the city within 30 minutes after a journey through the Jaffna–Pannai–Kayts Road.
The warm water here is ideal for swimming, and you can even try near-shore paddling.
Changing Facility
• Nearby Huts • Rest Shades
Food And Snacks
• Local Eateries
Accomodation
• AC and Non-AC Rooms at Charty Beach Resort
Lifeguard
• Not Available
Ideal Season
• May to September
Best Time to Visit in a Day
• Early Morning • Late Afternoon
2. Akkarai Beach
Take a drive for around 30-40 minutes to reach the Akkarai Beach in Thondamanaru. Lying along the Palk Strait, it stretches toward the Indian coastline.
It is very close to the Lord Murugan Temple and the Thondamanaru Bridge.
Parking Fee
Free
Resting Areas
Benches and Shaded Spots
Washroom
Freshwater Wash Areas
Swimming Condition
Near-Shore Swimming with the Sandy Bottom Deepening Gradually
Lifeguards
Not Available. So, Don’t Swim when the Current is Strong.
Best Months
May to September
Best Time to Visit in a Day
• Early Morning • Late Afternoon
Beach Amenities And Safety Guide
Once again, the Jaffna beaches are not the luxury tropical getaways you are looking for. So, you must have a clear idea about what to expect at these pristine beaches.
Also, learn about the safety infrastructure before getting into the water.
1. Basic Beach Amenities
Casuarina Beach has paid changing rooms. However, other beaches have no makeshift provisions for changing and resting.
So, you must carry beach umbrellas and folding chairs if you don’t want to sit on the sand.
There is no official presence of a lifeguard or support on these beaches. Network coverage is decent. However, you can face connectivity issues if the weather deteriorates.
The beaches in Jaffna are accessible from Jaffna City by tuk-tuk and other vehicles. However, in Casuarina Beach, you will have to pay a small fee for entrance and parking your vehicle.
2. Safety And Norms
Do not go very far into the ocean water, as there can be strong currents, and there is no formal lifeguard support.
Also, be careful while walking barefoot on the sand,d as there can be seashells and seaweeds.
In addition, dress modestly, shorts and T-shirts are fine! Also, do not leave trash behind.
Exploring The Jaffna Coastline: Know The Expert Tips
Want to explore the coastal beauty of Jaffna to the fullest? Follow these expert tips.
1. Go On Weekdays
You will find local buses packed around the Casuarina Beach, and the noise of loud music can be an annoying factor.
Choose a Monday or Tuesday for your ocean visit to spend some moments of quietude.
2. Bring Reef Shoes
The Charty and KKS beaches have sharp dead coral very close to the water’s edge. So, your feet may get a cut if you don’t wear reef shoes.
3. Have Navy Food
When you are visiting the Kankesanthurai (KKS) beach, you don’t need to eat at a beach shack. You can walk into the Thalsevana Holiday Resort run by the military.
Enjoy a hygienic and tasty lunch and cold beer there while enjoying the ocean view.
4. Riding On Manalkadu? You Will Need A 4X4
You can drive a scooter to Manalkadu. However, you have to park it on the hard road. You cannot take it to ride onto the sand dunes, and the wheels will get stuck.
5. Morning Is The Best Time For The Beach Visit
You cannot visit a beach in Jaffna at noon. The Northern Sun is scorching. So, plan a visit between 7 AM and 8 AM or after 4 PM.
6. You Can Wade In Akkrai But Cannot Swim
The water at the Akkarai Beach is usually knee-deep. So, you can wade through the water of this beautiful beach.
However, swimming does not look like an ideal activity here.
7. Changing Rooms Are Basic
The Casuarina Beach has changing rooms. However, these rooms are just concrete stalls with a bucket of water.
You will have to bring your towel and toilet paper.
8. Respect The Fishermen
Most beaches in Jaffna are like a workspace for the fishermen. So, there will be fishing boats and nets on the shore.
You cannot step on or lie on them. Do not tamper with them.
9. Drink Thambili To Stay Hydrated
Jaffna beaches do not have places serving fancy cocktails. The best refreshment is to drink the King Coconut or Thambili water.
It replenishes the micronutrients, and it is a must-have when the Sun is scorching.
What Are The Authority Voices On Jaffna Beaches And Coastline?
“Casuarina Beach is named after the shady trees that line it, offering a rare respite from the scorching Northern sun. It’s the closest Jaffna gets to a holiday vibe.” – The Lonely Planet.
“Don’t expect the polished tourism of the South. Jaffna’s beaches are raw, working coastlines where fishermen outnumber tourists—and that is their charm.” – Rough Guides.
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Jaffna beaches.
1. Can Foreigners Swim In Jaffna Beaches?
Yes, foreigners can swim in Jaffna beaches. Casuarina and KKS beaches get many foreign visitors.
The KKS beach offers free entry. However, for the Casuarina Beach, the entry fee is 50 LKR for locals and 500 LKR for foreigners.
Also, the amenities at the Jaffna beaches are basic. So, a foreigner looking for a luxury beach experience or the resort vibe can feel disappointed.
2. Is It Safe To Wear A Bikini At Jaffna Beaches?
There is no formal restriction regarding wearing bikinis at Jaffna beaches. However, the social setup of Jaffna is conservative.
So, there can be stares, and you may feel out of place. So, wear shorts and T-shirts while swimming.
3. Are There Sharks In Jaffna?
You will rarely see sharks in the waters of Jaffna. However, you will find sea turtles and coral reefs in the waters here. The water here is very shallow.
4. Which Is The Cleanest Beach In Jaffna?
Kankesanthurai (KKS) is a navy-maintained beach, and it is the cleanest in Jaffna. It also has the Thalsevana Holiday Resort, run by the military. You can have food and drink here.
5. Can I Surf In Jaffna?
No, you cannot surf in Jaffna. The water here is shallow and calm like a lagoon. If you want to surf in Jaffna, you can go to Arugam Bay on the East Coast.
6. Are There Hotels On The Beaches Of Jaffna?
Yes, though not frequently, there are some hotels on the beaches of Jaffna. For example, KKS has the Thalsevana Holiday Resort and the Charty Beach has the Tilko Charty Beach Resort.
Furthermore, there are smaller guesthouses near the Casuarina beach.
7. What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Jaffna Beaches?
May to September is the ideal time for exploring the northeastern beaches of Jaffna. Jaffna has dry weather conditions in these months, and the calm water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Jaffna experiences heavy rainfall from October to December. So, avoid these months.
Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.
The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, or Dehiwala Zoo, is one of the first zoos in Asia.
So, if you have enjoyed the Kaudulla National Park safari, you will also love a visit to the Dehiwala Zoo.
This zoo has an area of 26 acres, and it is home to more than 2000 animals. Furthermore, you will find fountains, orchids, and peaceful lakes here.
Moreover, it offers a unique Night Safari experience. On this night safari, you can spot the mysterious nocturnal animals.
In addition, you can join the educational workshops here to learn about wildlife conservation.
So, come and have a thrilling wildlife experience at Dehiwala Zoo. However, before I talk about its location, how to travel, things to do, and the best time to travel, here is a quick look at the essential details.
Dehiwala Zoo In Colombo: Quick Info
Address120 Galvihara Road, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri LankaTimings8:30 AM to 6 PMTicket- LKR 100 for Local Adults- LKR 2,500 for ForeignersFacilities- Souvenir Shops- Restaurants- Boat Rides- Icecream Stalls- Zoo Aquarium- Butterfly Garden Pony Rides- Elephant Rides- Flowers- Fountains
How To Reach Dehiwala Zoo?
Dehiwala Zoo is well accessible by air, train, bus, taxi, and ride-hailing apps. While the easiest option is to take a taxi or private car, traveling by bus is the cheapest way.
1. By Air
Dehiwala Zoo is just 40 km away from the Bandaranaike International Airport.
Furthermore, you will easily get a ride-hailing service or a taxi to reach the Dehiwala Zoo within 45 minutes.
2. By Train
The Dehiwala Railway Station is the closest to the zoo. So, if you are traveling from the north, you have to take a train from Colombo Fort Station to Dehiwala Railway Station.
Also, if you are traveling from the south, you can stop at Mount Lavinia Railway Station. The beautiful Mount Lavinia Beach is just 1.4 km away from the railway station.
Tuk-tuks are available from both these railway stations, and the train ticket price will be between 40 and 100 LKR.
3. By Taxis Or Ride-Hailing Apps
The easiest way to reach Dehiwala Zoo is to take a ride-hailing service or a taxi. Uber and PickMe are the main ride-hailing services here.
You can book vans, tuk-tuks, or cabs using these apps.
Furthermore, the travel cost in this way is between 1700 and 2400 LKR.
4. By Bus
You will get buses to Dehiwala Zoo throughout the day. You can take bus 176, 100, and 101.
Furthermore, the ticket prices are between 30 and 50 LKR.
What Are The Best Things To Do At Dehiwala Zoo?
From watching the elephant performance to taking a ride in the zoo train, the activities in the zoo are diverse and ideal for tourists of all age groups.
However, for me, the most delightful part was watching the elephants in action.
Here is more about the things to do at Dehiwala Zoo.
1. Watching The Animal Shows
Located on the Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Dehiwala Zoo has monkeys, animals, fish, birds, reptiles, and other animals.
The zoo further hosts animal shows.
So, you will love seeing an elephant dancing or a seal playing with a ball.
2. A Walk Through The Zoo
The zoological garden has a reptile house, aviary, aquarium, and butterfly garden. So, you can take a walk through the garden.
The zoological garden area also has a dedicated botanical garden.
However, if you don’t want to walk much, you can take a ride on the zoo train.
3. Learn About The Flora And Fauna Present Here
If you want to know about the animals and plants here, you have to take a guided tour. Furthermore, you can learn about the flora and fauna and the rich history of the zoo from the Educational Center.
Moreover, the zoological garden has an animal hospital. You will find veterinary doctors and caregivers at work there.
4. Take A Part In The Night Safari
The zoo has a dedicated Leopard Trail for night safaris. You can watch the nocturnal animals in action during the safari.
Furthermore, you can arrange a picnic or explore the local Dehiwala Market. Furthermore, if you want a spiritual experience, visit the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya.
If you want to explore more Buddhist places of importance in Sri Lanka, you can visit the Ritigala Forest Monastery and Sigiriya Rock.
What is the Best Time to Visit Dehiwala Zoo In Sri Lanka?
December to April is the best time to visit Dehiwala Zoo. This is the dry season and hence is ideal for outdoor exploration and wildlife spotting.
However, it is also the peak season. So, plan a visit early in the day and avoid weekends.
Furthermore, May to November is the wet season in the garden, and the zoo looks lush and green. However, the animals can be less active in these months.
Things To Keep In Mind For Visiting The Dehiwala Zoo In Sri Lanka
Irrespective of the season of your visit, you have to keep the following things in mind.
You have to wear comfortable footwear with a good grip as you have to walk a lot through the zoo.
Furthermore, you have to be respectful to the animals and follow the rules of the zoo.
Is A Trip To Dehiwala Zoo Worth The Experience?
Yes, Dehiwala Zoo is a place worth visiting because you don’t just spot animals here, but learn about their livelihood and nature.
Furthermore, this is one of the oldest zoos in Asia and was built in 1936.
However, the zoo authority must be more focused on the preservation of the zoo, as the last time I visited, certain things drew my attention.
Seeing the animals here, the night safari, and the performances by animals have become more like a curriculum, and they show a lack of infrastructure.
So, you may feel sometimes disappointed if you are planning to visit the zoo to see a performance of the animals.
Still, many people visit this zoo because of its heritage.
The historical Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is going to play an important role in the tourism growth of Sri Lanka in 2026.
Its colonial-era landmarks, such as the Groote Kerk, the Dutch reformed church or the Galle Clock Tower, the living heritage, and the rich maritime history make Galle Fort such a prominent landmark in the landscape of cultural tourism in Sri Lanka.
It is also easily accessible from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, at a distance of around 153 km.
Various bus routes between Colombo and Galle, and the train connectivity ensure a smooth journey.
Here are more details about how to get from Colombo to Galle.
How To Get From Colombo To Galle? Know The Transport Options
The best way to get from Colombo to Galle is to enjoy a scenic train ride.
However, if you miss the train, you can also opt for a local bus ride.
Also, if the budget is not a constraint, you can book a ride from a ride-hailing app or book a cab to travel the distance by road.
Here, I will decode the train, bus, and private transfer journeys along with details such as the travel duration, ticket pricing, and amenities.
Moreover, the journeys in buses and local trains offer distinct cultural experiences, as I have mentioned in my Kandy to Ella train journey blog.
1. How To Get From Colombo To Galle By Train?
To get from Colombo to Galle, you can plan a coastal train ride.
Here, the railway track runs along the palm-fringed coasts for most of the journey.
Moreover, the ocean waters here will crash just meters away from your open window.
So, overall, it is, in no way, a mundane commute experience. You are going to have an experience of a lifetime.
You can have a look at the table below to know about the train timings. (Source: Sri Lanka Railways).
Departure From Colombo FortAvailableArrival In Galle 6:17 AM Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 8:32 AM6:50 AMEveryday9:29 AM8:35 AMEveryday10:49 AM10:30 AMEveryday12:49 PM2:40 PMEveryday4:57 PM3:50 PMEveryday5:57 PM4:47 PMEveryday7:04 PM5:32 PMMonday to Friday (Except Holidays)8:25 PM5:31 PMSaturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 8:05 PM5:51 PMEveryday9:29 PM6:16 PMExcept Saturdays and Sundays8:40 PM7:30 PMEveryday11:10 PM
The trains have second-class and third-class sections.
The ticket price for the second-class commute is LKR 500, and for the third-class commute it is LKR 240.
How To Book The Tickets To Get From Colombo To Galle By Train?
You can book the ticket from Colombo to Galle online (reserved) or offline (unreserved).
If you are traveling between December and April, it is the peak season for a trip to Sri Lanka. So, you must book the tickets at least 32 days in advance from the Sri Lanka Railways online seat reservation portal.
However, in the off-season, you will get the tickets a few days before.
In addition, you can book a train ticket from the local counter at the Colombo Fort Railway Station.
2. The Colombo To Galle Express Bus: Speed And Comfort
If you want a more comfortable journey to get from Colombo to Galle without spending much money, you can try the bus routes.
Express Highway Bus (EX01)
Duration: 2 hours to 2.5 hours
Route
The bus travels through the Southern Expressway (E01).
Moreover, if you choose this route, you will be able to bypass every coastal traffic, and you will reach faster than the coastal route buses.
Traveling Experience
The buses are usually fast and relatively smooth.
Additionally, the buses are very comfortable, usually air-conditioned, and have comfortable cushioned seats.
Moreover, the journey through this route is through the highway, which means that you will not be able to see any ocean views.
Where To Catch The Bus From
These buses depart from the Makumbura Multimodal Center or the Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal.
Additionally, these buses are frequent you will be able to catch a bus every 20 minutes to 30 minutes.
Coastal Route Bus (Route 02)
Duration: 3 hours to 4 hours
Route
Buses of this route pass through the coastline, giving you an amazing coastal view.
These buses pass through some magnificent towns like Mount Lavinia, Wadduwa, and Hikkaduwa, which enhance the beauty of the journey.
Traveling
These buses will provide you with an authentic and local Sri Lankan ride.
Sometimes the ride can also be chaotic but enjoyable. Moreover, if you choose these buses, be prepared for a bold and rapid ride.
These bus rides are often characterized by a stop-and-go rhythm because of their sudden bursts of speed.
Furthermore, these bus rides are enjoyable with loud, crowded, and vibrant locals hopping on and off, and street vendors selling snacks.
Finally, the most amazing part of this bus ride is the spectacular views of coconut palms and the Indian Ocean. You can also jump off and go around the beach towns along the way.
Where To Catch The Bus From
You can catch these buses from the Central Bus Stand near the Colombo Fort Railway Station.
Some Tips For Your Ride
Here are some other details you need to know if you want to get from Colombo to Galle.
Ticket Prices
These buses are very affordable. The ticket prices depend on whether you take a local non-AC bus or an AC highway bus. The ticket prices usually range between LKR 300 and LKR 1000.
Luggage
You usually won't find a cargo hold on coastal buses. In such situations, you will need to keep your backpack on your lap or squeeze it into overhead racks.
Music And Noise
If you have never been on a Sri Lankan bus, this is going to be a light-and-sound journey for you.
Public buses in Sri Lanka are known for their lively atmosphere, featuring Sri Lankan pop music and colorful interiors, which you can enjoy throughout the journey.
Private Transfers And Taxis: Seamless Door-To-Door Service
Suppose you are traveling with family or small children.
Or, if you are part of a group where everyone is carrying heavy luggage, you can choose a private transfer.
Also, a private transfer can be of two types.
Taking A Private Taxi
A private taxi will pick you up from the Bandaranaike International Airport or your hotel in Colombo and drop you off outside your accommodation inside the Galle Fort ramparts.
You will enjoy the ride through the Southern Expressway.
A private taxi ride on this route will take between 1.5 and 2 hours.
However, the charges will be really high as a standard sedan will cost between LKR 15000 and 20000.
Using Ride-Hailing Apps
If you are traveling to Sri Lanka for the first time, you can avoid negotiating with unpredictable street drivers.
You can book a cab using local ride-hailing apps such as PickMe. It is the premier local Sri Lankan ride-hailing platform.
Furthermore, you can also use Uber to operate reliably and extensively throughout the Colombo metropolitan area.
The price range for these cabs from Colombo Fort to Galle is between LKR 8000 and 12000.
A trip to Nara was long overdue, and as the first permanent capital of the country, it is a must-visit.
Furthermore, this Japanese capital, before 794 AD (then Kyoto became the capital), has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Todai-ji Temple is the most famous among these 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will find one of the largest Buddha statues in the country here, and the statue is made of bronze.
Of course, the deer roaming in the city are beautiful, and you feel like getting transported to a bygone era.
It reminded me of one of the most famous literary works in our country, Shakuntalam Abhigyan, an immortal love story between King Dushyanta and Shakuntala, written by Kalidasa in Sanskrit.
Also, this is a place that will ask you to come back, and most people plan a day trip to experience its historical charm and natural beauty.
But, smitten by its beauty, I chose a 2-day trip, and here is the list of things to do in Nara. Also, I will discuss how I can get to Nara.
How To Reach Nara?
Nara is easily accessible from Kyoto, which is also famous for its history and cherry blossom season.
You can also visit Nara from the Osaka prefecture.
So, overall, a visit to Nara can fit well into your itinerary of visiting the Kansai region of Japan.
Also, the robust railway system of Japan makes it easy and budget-friendly to visit Nara. A Japan Railway Regional Pass will be the best for traveling across Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, and the entire Kansai Region.
Also, when in Osaka, don’t forget to explore the street food stalls and have the best Osaka food, including Mochis and seafood delicacies.
Here is how you can travel from Kyoto to Nara.
1. Traveling From Kyoto To Nara Through The JR Nara Line
You will get an express train or a local train from Kyoto to Nara every hour.
Furthermore, if you opt for the Miyakoji Rapid Service on this line, you will reach Nara within 45 minutes, and the ticket price will be 720 JPY.
Also, the local train services, with the same ticket price, will take about 70 minutes.
Once you reach the JR Nara station, you will get buses to the Nara Park and other top attractions in Nara.
2. Take The Kintetsu Railway To Reach Nara From Kyoto
This is the most convenient way to reach Nara from Kintetsu Railway Station.
The train journey is the fastest, and the journey takes about 35 minutes by the express trains, and the ticket price is 1280 JPY.
Also, the regular trains take about 45 minutes to complete the journey. The ticket price is 760 JPY.
What Are The Things To Do In Nara?
From a visit to the Nara Park to exploring Heijo Palace and the temples, there are many things to do in Nara.
Here are the things I did during my 2-day stay.
1. Day 1 In Nara: Exploring The Nara Park
With deer passing by, Nara Park, the home to the main attractions in Nara, is a place you cannot simply miss.
The park is free to enter, and it remains open for 24 hours.
However, many attractions in the park close after 5 PM. So, you have to be early when visiting it.
Also, here are the attractions you will come across in the Nara Park, along with the deer passing by.
• Kasuga Taisha
One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nara, Kasuga Taisha, takes us back to the Nara Period from 710 to 794 AD.
It is the most revered shrine among the Fujiwara clan as the tutelary shrine.
Furthermore, the main attraction of the shrine is the “Hall of Lanterns.” There, I saw many bronze lanterns illuminating the darkness.
During the special festivals, Setsubun Mantoro in February and Chugen Mantoro in August, all these lanterns are lit.
Moreover, you will find a cider tree in the inner shrine, and it is 1000 years old.
• Mt. Wakakusa
I took the back road from Kasuga Taisha on the way to the Todai-Ji temple.
I came across many small shrines there. However, the highlight was Mt. Wakakusa.
This hill between the two shrines has a height of 350 meters. Also, on the 4th Saturday of January, it becomes the venue for the Wakakusa Yamayaki celebration.
People burn dead grass on the slopes, and this is a ritual that has been celebrated since the 18th century.
• Todai-Ji
Todai-Ji is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.”
It was built in 752 AD, and it was the head of all the temples in the province. It even had a strong influence on the royal family.
In fact, with Todai-Ji being the seat of control even in the royal decisions, the emperor decided to move the capital to Nagaoka in 784 AD.
However, the main attraction of the Todai-Ji Temple is the massive Buddha statue, or Daibutsu.
A depiction of Dainichi Nyorai, it represents the primordial Buddha in the orthodox East Asian Buddhist philosophy.
You will also find two similarly sized Bodhisattva statues here.
However, the temple and statues you see today were burned down, and they were rebuilt during the Edo period (1603–1868).
2. Things To Do In Nara: Day 2
I visited the Heijo Palace and many other temples of Nara on day 2.
• Visiting The Heijo Palace
When Nara was the capital, the Heijo Palace was the seat of power for the chrysanthemum throne.
It had a dimension of 1 kilometer, considering the other palaces and architecture of that time.
However, the remains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nara are now at the Toshodai-ji Temple, nearby.
However, since the 1950s, archaeologists have been studying the remains of the Heijo Palace, and this has evoked further public interest.
That is why you can now see many placards there and read about the history and legacy of the site.
Moreover, the audience hall and two other parts of the palace were rebuilt. The restoration of the largest part, the audience hall, happened in 2010.
It was an ode to the 1300th anniversary of Nara as the capital of Japan.
• Toshodai-Ji
As I have mentioned, the Toshodai-ji Temple has the remains of the Heijo Palace.
This temple dates back at least a millennium. Ganji, a Chinese monk, built this temple in 759 AD.
Monk Ganji brought Buddhism to Japan, and the Toshodai-Ji today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Yakushi-Ji
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and people here worship Lord Buddha as Yakushi Nyorai or the Medicine Buddha.
The dual main halls here have unique architecture, and each has a dedicated 3-story pagoda.
• Horyu-ji
Horyu-Ji is older than most temples in the Nara region, and Prince Shotoku founded it in 607.
Furthermore, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands out with its wooden edifices, which are some of the oldest in Japan.
This time, I missed many attractions such as Asuka, Omiwa Shrine, and Mount Yoshino. Some day for sure!
And till then, Sayōnara, guys!
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