We took the early morning train from the Fort railway station to our final destination of Jaffna town. The journey itself was smooth with winding tracks taking you through the central part of the country and scared city of Anuradhapura. The 6-hour train ride is quite comfortable. Getting into Jaffna town was a surprise as the town was a buzz with many tourist busses and it really looked like everyone was taking in the sites.
In my two days of travelling around I visited a few important and unusual sites that are steeped in history.
Point Pedro
The northern most tip of the Island nation comes to a sudden end at this corral strewn beach, ahead is the vast Indian ocean starched on for miles with nothing to break the horizon. There is something about the ground you stand on when you realize if you take one step into the sea you have stepped out of Sri Lanka.
Kandarodei Temple
The grounds of the temple are surrounded by 60 domes said to be the resting place of monks who were poisoned and murdered. Even though the story is macabre this is also said to be holy ground where the Buddha visited on his second journey to Sri Lanka.
Naguleshwaram temple
If you are in search of some tomb raider vibes you will find it right here, the old temple sits right next to the current colorful structure, but let’s not miss out on the beautiful tree grown ruins of the old. Where many of the kovils do not permit photographs inside you will be able to capture some beautiful Insta worthy clicks here. Don’t forget to check out the peacocks in the premises and the largest bull in the country that is said to be treated as the sacred mascot.
Keerimalair springs
Folklore says women who are unable to get pregnant come bath in the springs as it has healing properties. What I liked most was the amazing azure waters of the pond, the Indian ocean right next to it is also a perfect place to take a dip. Just make sure you take loads of sunblock and wide brimmed hats to keep off the blazing sun.
Dambakolpatuna
The grounds are hallowed by Buddhist in Sri Lanka as history says Sangamitha Raniya brought the sacred Bo sapling from the shores of Dambakolapatuna beach. The beach itself is quite beautiful with white sand and bluest of seas.
taking in all this history is quite tiring, one needs to take a break and no better way than to stepping in for some ice cream at Rio ice cream parlor in the heart of Jaffna town. People say it’s the water, but I say forget counting calories and just indulge in some of the sweetest and creamiest ice cream you will eat in Sri Lanka.
