What Is The Colombo To Kandy Distance? Know How To Travel By Car, Bus, Tuk-Tuk And Train 

BY  Sibashree Jan 9, 2026

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!  1. Casuarina Beach (Karainagar) Casuarina Beach Entrance Fee: 500 LKR (Foreigners), 50 LKR (Locals) Distance from Jaffna: 21 Kms 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 ShadesFood And Snacks• Local EateriesAccomodation• AC and Non-AC Rooms at Charty Beach ResortLifeguard• Not Available Ideal Season • May to SeptemberBest 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 FeeFreeResting AreasBenches and Shaded SpotsWashroomFreshwater Wash AreasSwimming ConditionNear-Shore Swimming with the Sandy Bottom Deepening GraduallyLifeguardsNot Available. So, Don’t Swim when the Current is Strong.  Best Months May to SeptemberBest 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.  Jaffna Beach Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  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.

BY  Sibashree Mar 24, 2026

After spending time in the northern city of Jaffna exploring everything it has to offer, I was looking forward to relaxing.  Jaffna has some beautiful temples, and despite being a slow travel destination, the rich Tamil culture and history offered a fulfilling experience.  However, I needed a place where I could relax and soak in the memories I have collected there. I intended to enjoy just those "beachy" times when I arrived at Trincomalee, and that is exactly what I found on the Uppuveli Beach.  This was the ultimate "holiday within my backpacking trip," and completely different from the beaches in Jaffna. Where Is The Uppuveli Beach? Uppuveli Beach is in Trincomalee. On the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka, it is further the epicenter if you are exploring the things to do in Trincomalee.  The distance between the Uppuveli Beach and the Trincomalee city center is just 6 kilometers. So, you can reach within a drive of just 15 minutes.  Moreover, it is famous for the beauty of the Bay of Bengal, and from here you can explore nearby attractions such as the Pigeon Island Marine National Park and Swami Rock. How To Reach Uppuveli Beach From Trincomalee? The Blue Bus Experience? You can travel from Jaffna to Trincomalee by bus like me. Trincomalee, anyway, is a major transport hub.  Furthermore, it is well-connected to Colombo, Kandy, and even Habarana, which is the major gateway to many other things to see in Sri Lanka, such as the Hurulu Eco Park, Sigiriya Rock, the Pidurangala Rock, and the Kaudulla National Park.  I reached Trincomalee from Jaffna by bus within 4 hours and 50 minutes. However, our driver, Ahoy, said that on days of dense traffic, it can take up to 5 hours and 30 minutes.  Travel From Jaffna To Trincomalee By Bus The blue buses from Jaffna to Trincomalee are the cheapest mode of transport. The ticket cost roughly 1100 LKR.  From Trincomalee To Uppuveli Beach  From the Trincomalee Bus Station, I took a tuk-tuk to the Uppuveli Beach. The tuk-tuk driver charged me 500 LKR.  The Experience At Uppuveli Beach  Uppuveli Beach is the place that offers you simplicity, and here, you will forget keeping track of your time.  You can swim, sunbathe, or just soak in the beauty of the golden hour, or just soak in the beauty of golden hour or count the waves like me.  The Golden Hour See a sunset on the beach while it’s still dark out.  Uppuveli faces the east, and it offers an amazing view of the Bay of Bengal when the sun rises.  The sky looks like it’s on fire with shades of pink and gold lighting up the clouds.  The Waves The waves were huge when I was there in July. The waves here rise really high above your head and can definitely knock you over if you don’t pay attention to them when swimming.  If you can catch the waves just right, they are also great for body surfing. As always, be respectful of the Indian Ocean.  What Are The Things To Do At Uppuveli Beach? Uppuveli offers a serene alternative to the more crowded southern beaches.  Boasting breathtaking turquoise waters and palm trees swaying in harmony with one another, Uppuveli is a welcoming community that exudes a sense of calm. 1. Marine Adventures At Pigeon Island Marine National Park The number one attraction in Uppuveli is Pigeon Island Marine National Park.  A 20-minute boat ride from the beach will take you to Pigeon Island, a protected sanctuary surrounded by colorful and lively coral reefs.  Pigeon Island is famous as one of the three places in the world where you can see black-tip reef sharks and giant sea turtles in the shallow waters (up to 12 feet).  You may also dive deeper by visiting several local dive shops that operate daily excursions to the Uppuveli Pinnacles and the famous shipwrecks in and around Uppuveli.  Local dive shops also provide excursions between March and September to boat watch for blue whales and pods of spinning dolphins. 2. Visit The Cultural Landmarks Of Swami Rock You may take a short tuk-tuk ride to the Swami Rock Temple located in Trincomalee town.  Swami Rock is perched on a cliff and provides some of the best views of the ocean as you look towards the Koneswaram Hindu Temple, which is located in the middle of the cliff and overlooks Trincomalee Harbor. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and is a great example of intricate Dravidian-style architecture.  In addition to the temple at Swami Rock, you will also see Lover’s Leap, which is nearby and steeped in local folklore. 3. Visit Fort Frederick And Find Spotted Deer On your way to the Koneswaram Temple, be sure to visit Fort Frederick. It is a 17th-century fortress built by the Portuguese.  Fort Frederick today is a peaceful area. It has many spotted deer, and you can see them roaming freely between colonial buildings and massive banyan trees. 4. Kanniya Hot Water Springs For something unique, head inland to the Kanniya Hot Water Springs.  There are seven stone wells here, each producing water at a slightly different temperature.  It’s a traditional site for ritual bathing. Also, people believe that water here has healing properties. Moreover, at Uppuveli Beach, you can have the best dining and drinking experience thanks to places such as Fernando’s Bar, Rice 'n' Curry, and Cafe on the 18th. Also, you will find Wanderers Hostel and other budget-friendly places to stay near the Uppuveli Beach.  When Is The Best Time To Visit Uppuveli Beach?  The best time to visit Uppuveli Beach is between February and August, and July is the peak month.  From August, the ocean starts getting a little rougher.  Moreover, as I have mentioned, it is best to hit the beach when it is still dark. Thus, you can enjoy the magic of the sunrise.  Also, if you want a drink by the sea, 3:30 PM to 4 PM will be the best. As you gulp down some cold Lion Lager, the Sun prepares to go to rest for the day.

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

If you want to explore offbeat Japan, you can surely visit Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido Island.   Hokkaido Island,anyway, teaches the art of slow living and slow traveling.   The scenic beauty here is amazing, the winters are snowy, and the food and beer here are amazing.   Also, it is an amazing year-round destination, and the things to do in Sapporo are as diverse as they can be.   And here are the details. However, before that, let us talk about the best time to visit Sapporo.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Sapporo?   As I have mentioned, you can visit Sapporo throughout the year. However, December to February is the best time to plan a visit.   Especially, February is the month of the winter festival in Sapporo.   Moreover, April to May is the ideal time if you want to experience the Cherry Bloosm Season from the Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park.   Also, the warm and humid summer months are ideal for enjoying the “beer garden events.”   In addition, from September to November, or the autumn months, are great for seeing the fall foliage, hiking, and attending the food festivals.   What Are The Most Unique Things To Do In Sapporo?   More than ticking the bucket list, in Sapporo, you need to soak in the laid-back vibe.   It is way less crowded than Osaka and Tokyo, and despite that, it has an important role to play in the tourism industry of the country.   That is why many people travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido.   1. Visiting The Parks And Gardens  As a nature lover since forever and daily walking the streets and parks of Sapporo, I have learned that Sapporo has lots of green spaces where you can enjoy nature.  The parks of Sapporo are the city's heart.   Odori Park is my usual starting point in the morning when I first walk.   This park is located in the center of downtown and is an ideal and convenient place to take a refreshing morning walk before starting your day.   On days when I want to be more active, I cycle, jog, or photograph all the amazing trees and flowers at Moerenuma Park. It is absolutely stunning how vast the area is!  You will probably find me at Maruyama Park, located next to Hokkaido Shrine, during the spring and fall months.   It’s an incredible place to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, and it’s usually very pretty to see the fall leaves change color from green to red.   During the wintertime, it becomes a wonderful family-oriented ski resort that I simply love!  For a bit of a deeper dive, I love visiting the Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens. It’s a peaceful retreat where I can admire rare plants and learn about the indigenous Ainu culture.  2. Exploring The Galleries And Museums  Upon arriving in Sapporo, I did not take long to figure out that this is a city that has beautifully integrated its history with modernity, which is a masterclass.   I spent the first day of my trip exploring the history of the island of Hokkaido by visiting the Hokkaido Museum.  Then, I went to the Historical Village, which showed how the early infrastructure and primitive architecture were examples of the area's strength.   The Hokkaido University Museum is also a majestic place, with its enormous collection of extensive academic research and archaeological artifacts through the ages.  Of course, I couldn't resist a detour to the Sapporo Beer Museum. Learning the history of Japan’s iconic brew made that final tasting session feel well-earned.  As a fan of art, I was spoiled for choice with several locations from which I could pick my favorites.   The JR Tower Art Gallery has an impressive array of artwork, and at the Sapporo Art Park, there are some unbelievably large sculptures sitting throughout the grounds.   I was amazed at how much creativity and energy could be found in the city of Sapporo.   While looking at all the galleries, you can also plan a trip to Uji, located approximately 500 km south.   A visit to Japan would not be complete without enjoying a cup of matcha at this city's matcha capital.  3. Visiting The Shrines And Temples  Kyoto may have the most amazing shrines, but Sapporo also has some beautiful ones.   The Hookaido Shrine is the most popular among them, and you will find it just next to the Maruyama Park.   Furthermore, the Sapporo Suitengu Shrine is another place where families and pregnant women visit for a healthy baby.  Moreover, if you are a seeker and want some spiritual guidance, Joganji Temple is your place. It has the most meditative environment.  4.  Exploring The Historical Landmarks Of Sapporo  Sapporo has many historical places to visit, and you can start with the “Former Hokkaido Government Office.”   It has beautiful gardens, and with its insightful exhibitions, it offers a deep understanding of the local history.   The next place you can visit is the Sapporo TV Tower. It is an important landmark for broadcasting and tourism.   Furthermore, from the TV Tower, you can enjoy an amazing view of Odori Park and its surroundings.   The Clock Tower is another important landmark in Sapporo. It has been standing there since 1878.   However, for me, the most iconic historical landmark in the city was the Hoheikan Guest House.   This 1880 guest house in Nakajima Park had many important guests, including the royal family and important foreign guests.   In addition, for a culturally immersive experience, you can explore the Hokkaido historical village. It is like an open-air museum with distinct architecture, buildings, and Japanese townscapes.  5.  Souvenir Shopping   It’s a sin to visit Sapporo and not do some serious shopping.   Furthermore, souvenir shopping is one of the best things to do in Sapporo because of the diversity of stuff you can procure.   Firstly, the sweets here are amazing. You must try Marusei butter sandwiches and Royce chocolates.   Also, you will find skincare products made of horse oil.   In addition, you will love local crafts such as Ainu crafts and Otaru glassware.   Moreover, the best places for shopping in Sapporo are “Ario Sapporo Mall,” “Apia Mall,” “Sapporo Stellar Place Mall,” and “Tanukikoji Shopping Street.”