Kankasanthurei

Nearby Attractions

• Kadurugoda Historical Temple

It is believed that Buddha has visited here during his second visit to Sri Lanka. The temple was built sometime after his visit, most likely between 307 and 267 BC.

There are 20 little stupas (pagoda) with small holes all over them, and this unique feature can be seen nowhere else in Sri Lanka. Along with these, there are 36 foundations of stupas seen here.

Distance: 12 Km

• Jaffna Dutch Fort

The fort is undoubtedly Jaffna’s most popular tourist destination.

The Portuguese erected the fort in 1618, and after 40 years, the Dutch acquired control of it, leaving the Portuguese from their last stronghold. The Dutch expanded the fort to form a pentagon.

The British, the island’s last colonial power, then conquered it.

The fort is the second largest Dutch fort in Sri Lanka, after Galle Dutch Fort. A moat surrounds the fort on three sides, and the exterior limestone walls are mostly intact.

Distance: 19 Km

• Nallur Hindu Temple

The temple was first built in 948 AD. In 1624, the Portuguese demolished the temple and replaced it with a slew of churches. Don Juan, the first Christian ruler in Sri Lankan history and the final king of the kingdom of Kotte, erected the existing temple in 1734 AD. The St. James Church is on the former site.

The most important Hindu temple in Jaffna is the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. Visitors are required to remove their shoes, and males must remove their shirts and enter bare-chested.

Distance: 20 Km

• Sangiliyan Thoppu

The Sangiliyan Thoppu is an old arch that served as the outside facade of the king’s palace in the past. The famed Nallur Kandaswamy Hindu Temple is only a few meters away.

Distance: 20 Km

• Casuarina Beach

The beach with shallow, crystal-clear water is a safer spot to take a dip and the beach itself is unique from other Sri Lankan beaches.

The beach is said to have gotten its name from the Casuarina trees that are planted alongside the beach. This stunning white sand beach is located on Karativu island, the largest island on the peninsula, that is connected to the main island by a causeway. Ideal for a day trip.

Distance: 29 Km

• Charty Beach

The beautiful beach blends brilliant blue seas with lovely white sand.

It’s a lovely small location away from the crowd and noise, perfect for unwinding on a day trip.

Distance: 30 Km

• Naguleswaram Hindu Temple and Keerimala Hot Springs Pond

Naguleswaram Hindu Temple is a historical shrine devoted to Lord Shiva and one of Sri Lanka’s most important Hindu temples. The shrine was substantially damaged during the Portuguese colonization of Sri Lanka. It was restored to its current state in 1894.

Keerimale Hot Spring is situated next to the Hindu temple. Though the water is not hot it is a freshwater spring on the beach. The walls were built around the hot spring, which is the only thing that separates it from the sea.

Distance: 4 Km

The most popular nearby attraction: Jaffna City (19 Km)