Must-See Attractions While Camping on Everest Base Camp Trek

BY  Sibashree Oct 24, 2025

You know what’s so special about visiting quaint and offbeat places? These are the places to make quirky and personal connections.  Jaffna has not been an exception. Let me share a story! It was exploring the Jaffna Public Market. An old lady jokingly refused to sell a tourist a kilo of dried fish. She said, “You don’t look like someone who appreciates the smell of sun-dried fish!” By the end, she laughed and gave him a small bundle for free. The whole thing was so warm. An old lady, who is probably talking to a person for the first time, is very cordial in her behavior. You will not get this shopping experience in any shopping mall or supermarket. Another highlight was when a priest offered me some sweets at the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. There were hundreds of visitors, and I don’t know why he came up to me and offered the sweets. He said, “For you, even if you are a stranger, my blessings are for you!” I had tears in my eyes. With moments like this, Jaffna will always remain one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s not just about the scenic beauty, but the warmth and inclusivity.  In addition, the recent inauguration of the International Cricket Stadium at Mandaitivu Island will be a new landmark of the city. With a capacity of 40000 spectators, it will promote national integrity and more tourism through sports.  Here, I will talk about how to reach Jaffna, the places to visit, the safety quotient, cultural exploration, and more! Keep reading this Jaffna, Sri Lanka travel guide.  Cultural Exploration In Jaffna, Sri Lanka: Why Is It So Special? The origin of Jaffna’s name takes us back to its Tamilian roots. There was a blind musician called Yalpanan who used to play an instrument called Yal. Thus, the place got its name as Yalpanam or Yalpanapattinam, meaning the Port of the Iyre.  Furthermore, the historical evidence suggests that Tamil Presence here dates back to at least 300 B.C. Archaeological sites such as Pomparippu are a telltale of the Tamilian presence.  Jaffna was the capital of the Jaffna Kingdom in the medieval days before European colonization happened here.  Moreover, thanks to the Tamilian cultural presence here, in recent times, it has become a favorite destination of Indian travelers. A Tour and Travel World report suggests a 325% increase in the searches among Indian travelers.  Direct accessibility to Jaffna from various parts of South India via flights is another reason why Jaffna is so popular among Indian tourists.  You will get flights to Jaffna from cities such as Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai, and Chennai.  Top 10 Unknown Cultural Things About Jaffna, Sri Lanka 1. Traditional Tamil musical performances during temple festivals.2. Unique Jaffna-style architecture in homes and temples.3. Palmyrah palm-based crafts and products.4. Indigenous Tamil martial arts demonstrations.5. Local storytelling traditions passed down orally.6. Community-led cultural tours and workshops.7. Traditional Tamil wedding customs.8. Seasonal harvest festivals like Thai Pongal.9. Local folklore and legends tied to historical sites.10. Ancient Tamil inscriptions found in temple ruins. Food Culture And Culinary Tours In Jaffna, Sri Lanka  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kandy Bites by Chef Ceylon (@kandy_bites_) Jaffna cuisine is known for its spicy flavors and unique Tamil dishes. Popular items include Jaffna crab curry, Kool (seafood soup), Odiyal Kool, and Palmyrah jaggery sweets.  Culinary tours offer cooking classes, market visits, and traditional meal experiences with local families. However, the traditional delicacies of Jaffna tell the stories of the tradition, history, and resilience of Northern Sri Lanka. In addition, Jaffna City, in recent times, has played an important part in changing the food trends of the country and ensuring a lesser reliance on expensive imports.  The increased use of Palmyrah jaggery, palmyrah flour, or even palmyrah vinegar, typical Jaffna ingredients, in Colombian food is an example of how Jaffna is emerging as a crucial destination in the country's food landscape.  Colombo, in fact, now has a Kaachai Varai or Jaffna Market from where seafood, spices, and other ingredients are sourced. This endeavor supports the local fishermen, farmers, and producers.  Moreover, Jaffna is an important location for hands-on culinary tours in northeastern Sri Lanka. For example, celebrated Australian chef Peter Kuruvita conducts a culinary tour in the northeast part of Sri Lanka, and Jaffna is one of the destinations.  On this tour, you will get to know about the art of cooking in clay pots over an open fire. Overall, getting familiar with the local food is one of the top cultural things to do in Jaffna Sri Lanka.  A 3-Day Culinary Tourism Itinerary In Jaffna View this post on Instagram A post shared by ALIYAA (@aliyaa_kl) It’s time to experience the eclectic nature of Jaffna food, where Tamilian, Muslim, and European influences have merged. Here is a 3-day culinary tourism itinerary in Jaffna.  DaysActivitiesDay 1• Arrival in Jaffna and checking in• Having Jaffna-style idiyappam with coconut sambol and mutton gravy• Exploring the Jaffna Market, a gold mine of dried fish and palmyrah jaggery, tamarind, and spices unique to the region.• Trying palm treacle sweets, vadai, and murukkuDay 2• Having Jaffna crab curry or nandu kool (crab soup) with red rice• Pairing the food with poriyal and rasamDay 3• Visit Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and try nelli juice or Indian gooseberry drink• Booking an Airbnb or a local guide experience and learning to cook pittu, prawn curry, and other local delicacies If you want to extend your culinary tour in Jaffna, you can plan a day trip to Delft Island, where you will find the best coconut toddy and island-style seafood delicacies. Also, you can attend a palmyrah tapping demonstration or explore the northernmost markets in Point Pedro.  A 5-Day History-Focused Itinerary In Jaffna View this post on Instagram A post shared by VIEW LANKA TOURS (@viewlankatour) Mentioned in the ancient Tamil scripture as Naga Nadu, or the land of the Nagas, Jaffna has been ruled by the Pandya, Chola, and Rajarata kingdoms. Later, it also became a colony of the Portuguese and British.  Here are the historical places in Jaffna to see within a 5-day travel itinerary.  DaysActivitiesDay 1• Arrive in Jaffna from Colombo by car or train• Checking into the hotel• Breakfast with traditional Tamil food• Visiting the Jaffna Fort (1618)• Lunch• Visiting the Jaffna Public Library• Walking along the Jaffna Lagoon waterfront near the Dutch Fort AreaDay 2• Breakfast and a visit to Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil• Visiting the Minister’s House or Manthiri Manai• Lunch• A drive to Keerimalai Springs and Naguleswaram Temple• Return to Jaffna TownDay 3• Travel north to Dambakolapatuna Temple, at a distance of 35 km• Lunch and exploring Kankesanthurai• Visiting the 2000-year-old site of Kandarodai (Kadurugoda) Buddhist Monastery• Visiting the St. Mary’s CathedralDay 4• Taking an early ferry to Delft Island (Neduntheevu) from Kurikadduwan Jetty.• Visiting the Delft Fort (Portuguese-Dutch) ruins, Queen’s Tower lighthouse, and Baobab Tree• Spotting the wild ponies• Having local seafood for lunch• A ferry ride to Nainativu Island and spotting places like the Nagapooshani Amman Kovil and Nagadeepa Viharaya• Return to JaffnaDay 5• Breakfast and visiting the Chunnakam Market• Visiting the Jaffna Archaeological Museum• Visiting Point Pedro and attractions such as the Old lighthouse• Farewell dinner A 5-Day Cultural Itinerary In Jaffna Attending the Palmyrah workshop was a memorable event in my Jaffna tour. Also, Point Pedro, the northernmost part, offered the most culturally vivid experience. DaysActivitiesDay 1• Arrival in Jaffna• Exploring the Jaffna Public Library after breakfast• Walking through the Old Park• Exploring Jaffna Fort• Visiting Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in the eveningDay 2• Visiting Point Pedro Market• Driving to the Palmyrah Handicraft Centre• Having a home-style Tamil Meal• Visiting Manthiri Manai (Minister’s Palace) and Sangilean Thoppu, believed to be the remains of the ancient Jaffna Kingdom’s royal complex.• Attending a Bharatanatyam or Naddu Koothu performanceDay 3• A ferry ride from Kurikadduwan Jetty to Nainativu Island (Nagadeepa)• Visiting Nagapooshani Amman Kovil (Hindu temple) and Nagadeepa Viharaya (Buddhist temple)• Trip to Delft Island (Neduntheevu)• Exploring colonial ruins: the Delft Fort, Queen’s Tower, and Baobab Tree• Ferry ride to JaffnaDay 4• Having kothu roti and Sombol for breakfast• Visiting St. Mary’s Cathedral and Ariyalai Hindu Temple• A visit to the Jaffna Archaeological Museum• Exploring the Chavakachcheri Heritage Houses• Taking part in a home-cooking demonstration with a local familyDay 5• Attending a Palmyrah workshop• Visiting the Kandarodai (Kadurugoda) Buddhist Monastery• Exploring Keerimalai Springs and Naguleswaram Temple• Seafood meal• Shopping in the afternoon Cultural Etiquettes For Foreign Tourists Tourists should dress modestly, especially when visiting temples.  Shoes must be removed before entering religious sites.  Photography should be respectful, and permission should be sought when capturing images of locals or ceremonies. Must Visit Destinations In Jaffna, Sri Lanka If you want the best cultural and historical experience in Jaffna, don’t miss a visit to the following places.  1. Nallur Kandaswamy Temple Nallur Kandaswamy Temple is the cultural and spiritual epicenter of Jaffna. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, it shows a unique Dravidian-style architecture. Also, the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple festival in July-August attracts a lot of visitors.  2. Jaffna Fort Built by the Portuguese in 1618, the fort is an example of quintessential European military architecture, and it was later occupied by the Dutch.  It overlooks the Jaffna Lagoon, and it is a favorite of photo enthusiasts.  3. Delft Island View this post on Instagram A post shared by Audrey Potvin (@audreypotvin) A popular day-trip destination, Delft Island in the Jaffna Peninsula is known for its Dutch remnants, and it is a great place for spotting ponies.  4. Casuarina Beach As the person in charge of our hostel said, I visited the Casuarina Beach after 5 PM. He said, “The quiet at the beach just before sunset is something unbelievable.” I experienced the magic.  The birds were coming home, and the soft white sand, like a blank canvas, was changing colors every second.  5. Keerimalai Springs Located by the sea, the Keerimalai Springs and Keerimalai Naguleswaram Temple are a unique combination of spirituality and scenic beauty.  The water of these springs has healing properties.  6. Point Pedro View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meerza Iqbal (@meerzaiqbal) Point Pedro has a historic lighthouse, and it is the northernmost tip of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, it has the most vibrant markets for buying fresh seafood produce.  Here, you can also meet the fisherman and have an understanding of their unique ways of living.  7. Jaffna Library Tragically destroyed in 1981, the newly built Jaffna Library stands as the symbol of resilience. It is one of the most revered libraries in Asia, and it was first built by the Jaffna Town Development Board on 1st January 1935.  It has a collection of 844 books, 30 magazines, and newspapers.  8. Nagadeepa Vihara View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thambu Illam~Hotel in Jaffna🌴 (@thambu_illam) Nagadeepa Vihara is the place where Lord Buddha visited for the second time. He also ended the dispute between two Naga Kings fighting over the ownership of an ornate throne.  Mahodara and Chulodara, these two Naga kings, became devoted followers of Lord Buddha.  9. Manthiri Manai View this post on Instagram A post shared by FOX Resorts (@foxresorts) Manthiri Manai, or the Minister’s Mansion, stands out thanks to its unique Indo-Islamic and European architecture. Located at a distance of just 1 km from Point Pedro, Manthiri Manai is an archaeologically protected site, and it is said to be the residence of the minister of the medieval Jaffna Kingdom.  How To Reach Jaffna, Sri Lanka? Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo is the gateway for Jaffna to the rest of the world. From there, you can take a flight to the Jaffna International Airport. Buses and trains are also available from Colombo to Jaffna.  I took the Jaffna train from Colombo Fort. The journey is scenic. However, I remember the 7-8-hour journey for the social experience. People are talking about cricket, sharing coconuts, or humming local tunes.  However, buses departing every 3-4 hours from Colombo to Jaffna are the cheapest option. The ticket price starts at around 1,348.26 Sri Lankan Rupee.  Top Hotels, Resorts, And Stays In Jaffna, Sri Lanka  1. Jetwing Jaffna – Centrally located with modern amenities and rooftop dining.2. North Gate by Jetwing – Offers luxury accommodations near the railway station.3. Subhas Hotel – Historic hotel with spacious rooms and traditional cuisine.4. Thambu Illam – Boutique guesthouse with cultural ambiance.5. Green Grass Hotel & Restaurant – Budget-friendly with local food options. 10 Sustainable And Ethical Travel Tips For Jaffna Sri Lanka 1. Support local businesses and artisans.2. Use refillable water bottles.3. Avoid single-use plastics.4. Respect cultural norms and dress modestly.5. Participate in community-led tours.6. Stay in eco-friendly accommodations.7. Minimize energy and water usage.8. Avoid disturbing wildlife.9. Learn basic Tamil phrases.10. Share positive travel experiences to promote responsible tourism. Jaffna Nightlife And Evening Activities The nightlife in Jaffna is about rejuvenation and introspection. This is the best time of the day to attend temple rituals, enjoy local dining experiences, and attend cultural performances.  Furthermore, Evening walks along the beach and exploring the markets are some delightful experiences in the evening. Best Seasons To Visit Jaffna, Sri Lanka The best time to visit Jaffna is from December to March. You must avoid the monsoon season from October to November due to heavy rains.  Festivals like Thai Pongal in January offer cultural immersion opportunities. Also, July-August is the month of the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple festival.  Budget And Affordability For A 7 Day Travel Vacation in Jaffna, Sri Lanka Jaffna is a budget-friendly destination. You will get diverse food, transportation, and accommodation options. The entry fees to the museums and cultural places are also quite reasonable.  Furthermore, the travel expenses will depend on the type of traveler. Here is a quick breakdown. Types of TravelerExpenses (Approximately)Solo Traveler$300–$400Couple$600–$800Family of 4$1000–$1200 Crime Rates And Safety Tips For Tourists Jaffna is a safe place to travel. The crime rate in different aspects is low to moderate, and here are some essential data (Source: Numbeo) related to crime in Jaffna.  Crime Index46.64Safety Index53.36Level of Crime50:00Armed Robbery35.71Things from Car Stolen46.43 Is Visiting An Off-Beat Location Like Jaffna Worth It? Yes, Jaffna is a must-visit destination to experience the rawness and cultural richness of Northern Sri Lanka. It is a budget-friendly destination with a Tamil origin and a colonial past.  Furthermore, food here is an extension of who the people are. Simple and soulful! Also, the Jaffna tells the story of human resilience and how it has survived a war-torn past! Jaffna Travel Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Jaffna travel guide. 1. How Many Days Are Enough In Jaffna? Three to four days are enough if you want to explore the major cultural and historical sites. However, if you want to explore the local markets and have a deep cultural connection with the local people, you will need at least 5 to 7 days.  2. Which Part Of Sri Lanka Is Most Beautiful? I cannot pick any particular part of Sri Lanka as the most beautiful, as it has the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the other hand, Kandy, a significant religious hub, is a popular tourist destination.However, Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka stands out with its spiritual vibe, history, and cultural richness. It is a coastal destination with a diverse tourism profile. 3. What Language Is Spoken In Jaffna?  Tamil is spoken in Jaffna. However, it is a little different from the Tamil language spoken in India. The Tamil language here is heavily impacted by the Jaffna dialect.  Read Also: Luang Prabang Travel Guide: Why I Loved It? 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BY  Abdul Aziz May 17, 2023

Travel is not a thing to be taken lightly. The ability to explore the world is well and truly a privilege, born of new travel capabilities and ever-more global communities. Travel is a gift – but choosing where to travel can feel like something of a course. Say you’re looking for somewhere utterly beautiful to visit; where should you go? Any list of this nature is unavoidably subjective; beautiful places are often bucket-list places, fanned out across a wide-open world and which appeal to very specific sensibilities. Someone who sees the delicate nature of life through the coral reefs of Sharm El-Sheikh might not find that same sublimity in the harsh expanse of the Grand Canyon. As such, this list doesn’t seek to define or even rank ‘beauty’ from destination to destination. Rather, it’s designed to be a crib sheet – a handy guide by which to inform your own decision-making, should you be planning the trip of a lifetime. And these are just a handful of suggestions, too! The Azores, Portugal The Azores are Portuguese territory, but a far cry from the Iberian Peninsula. These nine volcanic islands are way out in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, boasting some of the most incredible island landscapes of the entire world. Secluded bays, beautiful villages, unspoiled sands and so much more await the intrepid traveler. A private jet rental can bring you to the quiet runways of Ponta Delgada in consummate luxury – from where you can enjoy the unusually lush green landscape that surrounds you. The Lago das Sete Cidades, a crater lake of indescribable magnificence, is a short hop away and unlike anything you have ever seen before. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Kyoto, Japan On practically the opposite side of the globe, Japan plays host to an incredible array of stunning views and sublime locales. It is especially hard to choose between them, particularly when so much of Japan’s landscape is forever immortalized in art and pop culture. One stand-out bucket-list location is an unassuming one in comparison, but no less popular for its size. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, nestled in the suburban northwest of Kyoto, is a stunning forest of pure green bamboo. Paths run through the trees, allowing you to soak in this utterly unique forest experience – with an outside chance of meeting a few monkeys in the process. Reynisfjara, Iceland I challenge you to find any destination in Iceland that is not an emotionally moving location or landscape. Reynisfjara stands apart from the jagged volcanism of the inland, though, being a black sand beach that is every bit as mesmerizing in person as it is in the pictures. Iceland is worth a tour of its own, but Reynisfjara should be high on your list of places to visit. Banff National Park, Canada While globe-hopping can help with getting up close to the best sights on the planet, there are those that are little more than a stone’s throw away. A brief stint north of the border could take you to Banff National Park in Canada, where you can explore the Rockies like nowhere else: above and below. This mountainous terrain hides incredible views, stunning glacier lakes, and a network of caves and basins that defy your eyes. Read Also: How To Plan A Best One-Day Trip To Atlanta With Family? What Is Most Likely To Cause Someone To Fall Overboard? Top 10 Scenic Snowflake Cities In The U.S. To Travel To This Winter

BY  Ankita Jan 30, 2024

Langkawi RORO offers a wide range of on-board ferry services to passengers for their ferry trip to Langkawi. The ferry operator company is constantly making efforts to provide a reliable and speedy service for passengers. Langkawi Kedah RORO Service has trained staff who have been providing services to passengers for a long period of time. Book your Langkawi RORO ferry tickets and enjoy a fantastic sail experience between Kuala Kedah and Langkawi Jetty.  Langkawi RORO Ferry Ticket Online Booking Langkawi, a captivating island located in Malaysia's Kedah state. It is a sought-after travel destination that attracts tourists with its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and lively culture. The most effective method to get to this paradise is to take the LK Roro Ferry. The greatest part about this ferry is probably the fact that you will be able to board it along with your cars. The Langkawi Kedah RORO Management Sdn. Bhd. is completely committed to offering extraordinary travel experiences to our loyal customers. Their focus is on providing an unrivaled passenger ferry that bridges Langkawi and the mainland. It operates all day and every day of the year. With more than two decades of experience in the field of ferry, Langkawi RORO ferry remains constant. Its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards throughout every ferry operation. Amenities on the Langkawi RORO Ferry Services The Langkawi Kedah RORO ferry can accommodate a capacity of 400 passengers. They aim to reduce delays and wait times to ensure a relaxing environment for all of our guests. The ferry is designed to meet all demands for cargo and freight of passengers! catering completely to commercial and non-commercial needs. The journey by boat to Langkawi is distinguished by luxury and comfort. The vessels are outfitted with modern conveniences, which ensure the smoothest and most enjoyable trip. Popular Langkawi RORO Ferry Services Routes Kuala Kedah-Langkawi, as well as Langkawi-Kuala Kedah, is the most well-known route that is served using the RORO ferry. The Kuala Kedah Jetty has been serving as the beginning point for your Langkawi excursion. The busy jetty is a bustling hub, brimming with tourists eager to discover the island. Kuala Kedah to Langkawi : Travel Duration The length of your trip to Kuala Kedah to the Langkawi Jetty is contingent on a variety of elements, such as weather conditions and ferry speed. In general, the Kuala Kedah to Langkawi ferry ride takes between 1 45 minutes and 1 hour, giving you plenty of time to take in the views from the beach and prepare for the exciting experiences that lie ahead in Langkawi. Langkawi RORO Ferry Schedule 2023 Planning is the key to organizing a trip that is well-organized. This is also true for Langkawi travel. The timetable you check in advance lets you align your travel plans to the ferry schedule, which will ensure that you have a smooth experience. Langkawi RORO ferry departs daily at 01:30 pm. Langkawi RORO ferry sets off every day at 01:30 pm and departs from Kuala Kedah Jetty to get to Kuala Kedah on its Langkawi journey. The ferry leaves at 9:15 AM at the Langkawi Tanjung Lembung Port for the return trip via Langkawi up to Kuala Kedah. For more info, contact: Kuala Perlis: 604-985 1899 / 604-9852539 / 604-985 2690Langkawi: 604-966 1125 / 604-966 1126. Getting to Langkawi By Air If you are coming to the island from Singapore, traveling by air is your safest and most hassle-free choice. It will take a mere hour and a half if you take a direct flight in order to reach the island. You have the option of Air Asia and Scoot. They both offer direct as well as affordable flights from Singapore to Langkawi each day of the week. If you do not have a problem with connecting flights, Malaysia Airlines and Malindo Air both stop at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Getting to Langkawi By Road There are no roads connecting Langkawi. But you can drive from the Malaysian mainland, such as Kuala Lumpur, using a car or a bus to any of the following spots.  Ferry Terminal in Kuala Kedah is located on the northwestern coast of Malaysia. If you are planning to ride along the North-South Expressway, you must take the exit at Alor Setar Selatan and then follow the road signs. It could take around 6 hours to reach Kuala Kedah via a car from Kuala Lumpur. The ferry terminal at Kuala Perlis, which is further up, will take you about an hour longer.  The regular coaches and buses are available between KL and Kuala Perlis, and it takes about 8 hours. The buses usually leave from the Pudu Sentral bus station or even the Hentian Duta bus station in KL. You will find the bus stand within walking distance from the ferry clock at Kuala Perlis.   Getting To Langkawi By Train If you're traveling from Kuala Lumpur, it's advisable to book an ETS (Electric Train Service) ticket to Arau. Being the royal capital of Perlis, Arau is regarded as the starting point for the journey to Langkawi and Thailand, where every adventurer begins their journey to the island via Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal. Choosing Arau as your final stop is recommended as it is closer to the port, and the ferry ride's duration will be shorter.  The journey takes approximately four hours and 49 minutes and is considered the fastest inter-state train service in Malaysia. If you want to enjoy a picturesque journey and are not in a hurry to reach your destination, this is a great travel choice. Ticket prices range from RM72 to RM92, and you can book your journey on the official website. Upon arriving at your destination, you can hire a Grab car or a taxi to reach the ferry terminal, which operates from 7 am to 7 pm. Wrapping Up You must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, and you will need one blank page to make an entry of the immigration stamp. Furthermore, you will not need a visa to enter the country. You could be visiting for business or pleasure for a period of 90 days or less, and still, you wouldn’t need a visa. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: 5 Best Temples To Visit In Bangkok Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Travel A Country By Ferry The Reasons To Choose A Tropical Island Vacation Every Year