SO SRI LANKA | LMD

NORTHERN CITADEL

Numerous vistas of Jaffna

Nimanthi Bandaranayake visits a metropolis steeped in tradition and historical past

Jaffna – situated within the north of Sri Lanka – is the capital of the Northern Province. Town has been an necessary cultural and financial hub within the island, and is well-known for its wealthy historical past and heritage.

It’s famend for its distinctive delicacies, which incorporates dishes comparable to crab curry, prawn vadai, and Jaffna model mutton curry. Along with all this, the northern citadel can also be residence to a number of historic and cultural landmarks, such because the Jaffna Fort and Public Library, and Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil.

Jaffna has an extended and sophisticated historical past, which is marked by battle and political pressure. It was badly affected by the almost three a long time lengthy civil battle, which resulted in 2009.

Guests can be taught concerning the area’s historical past, and the impression of violent battle at numerous museums and monuments. Regardless of the challenges of the previous, Jaffna has rebuilt itself and is now a well-liked vacationer vacation spot.

The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, which stays one of the crucial necessary spiritual websites in Sri Lanka, is a temple devoted to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan

Reality File

FAMOUS TEMPLE The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, which stays one of the crucial necessary spiritual websites in Sri Lanka, is a temple devoted to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan. Though the historical past of the temple dates again to the ten^th century, the present construction with its gorgeous structure and complicated carvings was constructed solely within the 18^th century. The annual competition held from July to August is likely one of the largest Hindu celebrations in Sri Lanka, throughout which a statue of the deity is carried in procession on a superbly adorned chariot across the temple. The kovil is a ‘must-visit’ for anybody fascinated by Hinduism, in addition to Sri Lankan historical past and tradition.

JAFFNA FORT This 17^th century historic fortress was constructed by the Portuguese; later occupied by the Dutch; and eventually, the British. It was used as a army base throughout numerous conflicts together with the civil battle and sustained injury on the time. Nevertheless, it has been restored since and reopened to the general public. At this time, the fort is a well-liked vacationer attraction and an necessary historic landmark in Jaffna. Guests can discover numerous buildings within the fort together with the Queen’s Home – as soon as the residence of former Dutch governors – and the Garrison Cemetery, which comprises the graves of British troopers who died through the colonial interval.

LOCAL CUISINE Jaffna delicacies incorporates fragrant spices and contemporary, regionally sourced substances. It’s a scrumptious and distinctive culinary expertise that guests to the area mustn’t miss. A few of these dishes embody vadai, which is a deep-fried savoury snack made utilizing a combination of lentils, onions and spices. A essential merchandise at breakfast and dinnertime is dosai, which is a crispy crepe constituted of a batter of fermented rice and lentils – and normally served with sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew) and coconut chutney. The smooth and fluffy steamed cake often called idli can also be constituted of a batter of fermented rice and lentils. Idli too is served with sambar and coconut chutney. And Jaffna crab curry is a spicy and flavoursome dish, which is made with contemporary crab and a mix of spices. It’s usually served with rice or roti.

HOT SPRINGS The Keerimalai sizzling springs are recognized for his or her therapeutic properties, and supposedly comprise numerous minerals which might be believed to have therapeutic properties for pores and skin illnesses and different illnesses. There are two essential swimming pools on the springs – one for males and one other for girls. The water right here is continually refreshed by the circulate of the spring, and the swimming pools are commonly cleaned and maintained. Along with the swimming pools, there’s additionally a small Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva situated on the springs, and plenty of devotees come right here to supply prayers and make choices. Guests to the Keerimalai sizzling springs can get pleasure from a refreshing dip within the effervescent waters there, take within the stunning surroundings and discover the traditional temple.

CASUARINA BEACH This stunning, secluded and peaceable seaside is situated within the Karainagar space, and recognized for its pristine white sands and crystal clear waters. The seaside is surrounded by dense forests of casuarina groves, which give the seaside its identify. Since these bushes present shade and shelter, the seaside is a perfect spot for picnics, swimming and sunbathing. Casuarina Seaside can also be a well-liked vacation spot for water sports activities comparable to kayaking and snorkelling. Guests can lease gear and take guided excursions with native operators. General, this seaside is a soothing and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of on a regular basis life.