City Hotel

Jaffna & the North


A bare bones restaurant on the main roundabout at the bus station with a range of curry dishes, grilled fish and spicy chicken. There are even simpler options nearby.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Jaffna & the North attractions

1. Dutch Fort

0.23 MILES

An imposing Portuguese-Dutch construction, this fortress is situated right by the causeway to the island and is ringed by a moat. It's a bit shambolic,…

2. Baobab Tree Pallimunai

0.72 MILES

An offbeat attraction, this ancient baobab tree was allegedly planted by Arab traders. It has a circumference of 20m and is believed to be over 700 years…

3. Keeri Beach

2.9 MILES

The island is not endowed with beautiful stretches of sand, but Keeri Beach has good swimming, though no shade. Expect some trash. It's fringed by a small…

4. Thirukketeeswaram Kovil

3.57 MILES

On the mainland, 10km east of Mannar Town, Thirukketeeswaram Kovil is one of the pancha ishwaram, the five historical Sri Lankan Shiva temples established…

5. Lighthouse

15.39 MILES

A lonely lighthouse stands near the old rusty ferry pier.

6. Our Lady of Madhu Church

21.46 MILES

This mainland church is Sri Lanka’s most hallowed Christian monument (though it's thought to be have been constructed over an ancient Hindu shrine). Its…