What Are The Tangalle Beach Places To Visit? Is It Worth It? 

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 27, 2026

Osaka food is slowly and steadily surpassing Tokyo as the poster for Japanese cuisine.  Furthermore, it has been just a few days since La Cime in Osaka became the best restaurant in Japan in the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2026.   However, the soul of the Osaka food lies in the streets. The Dotonbori neighborhood was especially the best when I visited.  In fact, I was so much in love with the street food here that I chose to cancel the previous booking and chose a hotel in Dotonbori instead.  Also, the Dotonbori Market was the epicenter of my food exploration in Osaka.  Moreover, how can you ever forget what Anthony Bourdain had to say about food in Osaka? He said,  “I’m a big believer in winging it. I’m a big believer that you’re never going to find the perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one.  Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I’m always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary.” So, let’s explore Osaka food at its best in Dotonbori. What Are The Best Osaka Food You Can Try On The Streets?  Osaka, despite its funky and vibrant appearance, has a history that goes back to the Edo Period in the 17th century.  Furthermore, it was a major trading hub during that period. Also, it was the same time when Osaka earned the nickname “Japan’s Kitchen.”  Moreover, Dotonbori extends across a canal that reaches out to the sea. So, you will always find fresh seafood in the local delicacies.  Ramen Udon Torikara Takoyaki These are some of the delicacies served by the local vendors in Osaka.  However, just mentioning these names does not justify the tangible experience of Osaka food.  I saw a big red octopus getting dressed and served, and the lobsters were irresistible.  Nonetheless, these are the best street foods you can try in Osaka.  1. Mitarashi-Dango Pocket-Pinch: 150 JPY  Mitarashi-Dango is the most comforting street food you will try in Osaka. Furthermore, these are great for budget-friendly travelers and backpackers like me.  These rice balls are sweet and chewy, and have a hint of burnt taste due to the unique browning process that takes place once the rice balls are boiled and cooled.  Furthermore, the glaze of the sweet soy sauce makes it perfect!  2. Okonomiyaki Pocket-Pinch: 400-450 JPY  Do you like frittata? Then, you will love these Japanese savory pancakes even more.  Okonomiyaki has all the flavors. However, you never feel heavy after having them. Furthermore, these pancakes are simple, as cabbage, flour, and eggs are the main ingredients.  However, the local street vendors add seafood and scallions to the dish for more flavor and color.  Also, they serve it with barbecue sauce.  3. Daifuku Mochi Pocket Pinch: 350-400 JPY Mochi, the round rice cake, is a staple Japanese delicacy.  It has the chewiness of Mitarashi-Dango. However, it has filling as the daifuku part of the name suggests.  I loved the ones with strawberry filling, and you can also try them with other fruits.  4. Torikara Pocket-Pinch: 300-400 JPY If the USA has its deep-fried chicken, Japan also has Torikara.  I loved them, and the fried potatoes and the variety of sauces will be the most amazing additions.  5. Takoyaki Pocket Pinch: 700-800 JPY  Takoyaki is probably the most famous street food of Osaka and Japan.  Japanese people love these octopus balls, and that’s why the Takoyaki stalls in Dotonbori are countless.  Furthermore, the scallions and flakes of dried fish sprinkled on top make the dish really amazing.  Moreover, the batter is gooey, and it will melt in your mouth.  6. Taiyaki Pocket Pinch: 300 JPY This is a fish-shaped pastry and my silent favorite among everything I tried in Osaka.  The smell is irresistible, and the main attraction is to see it getting ready in front of your eyes.  You can have this vanilla-flavored pastry with cheese, custard, and hamburger meat. However, the red bean paste is the ideal choice if you want to follow the grammar of East Asian cuisine. 7. Udon Pocket Pinch: 650 JPY The hot broth and noodles! I know that I have kept you waiting for the longest time to find this lethal combination on my list.  The noodles in Udon are thick, and with the right seasoning, their taste grows on you. That’s why you can eat udon every day and not get bored.  Furthermore, there are many variations of udon, such as the curry udon, yaki-udon, nabeyaki udon, and tempura udon.  8. Soba Pocket Pinch: 400 JPY Soba has buckwheat noodles in hot broth. Furthermore, these noodles are darker and thinner.  Furthermore, the simplicity of the dish and flavors make it a perfect palate cleanser.  I loved a bowl of soba with scallions.  9. Ramen Pocket Pinch: 700-800 JPY Ramen, of course, is the quintessential wheat noodles the whole world has been eating for quite some time now.  I tried different variations of ramen in Osaka. However, I loved the one with pork the best.  10. Yakitori Pocket Pinch: 1000-1100 JPY Yakitori is the Japanese take on grilled meat.  Furthermore, you will get many variations in the meat used here. You will get bone meat, chicken skin, seafood, and many other varieties here.  11. Sushi  Pocket Pinch: 1200 JPY If Sushi is an emotion, then it runs in the veins of Osaka.  From sea urchin to tuna, eel, and salmon, Osaka spoils you with choices in sushi.  Furthermore, the art of eating sushi is something that you need to understand. It is just not about gulping down some food.  It’s also about being a part of the Japanese culture.  12. Taiko Manju Pocket Pinch: 100-150 JPY You may think that Taiko Manju and Taiyaki are the same, but the origin and texture are very different.  Despite the use of the same ingredients, Taiko Manju is fluffier. Furthermore, their drum shape is inspired by the taiko drums, which are integral parts of Japanese festivals.  Read Also: What Are The Best Day Trips From Tokyo? Most Popular Ones You Will Love Cherry Blossom Kyoto Japan: 2026 Season And The Top Viewing Spots Is an Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo Worth It? How To Plan It?

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.”