I was barely two years old when the political unrest took place in the country and as a Sri Lankan Sinhalese, I never imagined that I could visit Jaffna in my life time. However, during the past few years situations got drastically changed (for the better), barricades were thrown away and Jaffna was made unveiled to the world outside.
Thousands of people from all over the places started visiting postwar Jaffna city and found the place remarkable. Today, when the country is celebrating the 06th year of true independence, we still see how eager the people are to explore the less visited region.
This article aims to provide you some detailed information about Jaffna, presuming that it will be a true guide to those who wish visit the place.
Elephant pass:
It is the access point to the Jaffna Peninsula therefore referred to as the Gateway to Jaffna. Due to its strategic location, it has been a military base since 1760. Portuguese built a fort in 1760, Dutch rebuilt and garrisoned it in 1776 and Brits continued to demonstrate power from there until it was handed over to the Sri Lankan Government. Today the Sri Lankan Army takes control of the locale.
The artillery on display speaks a lot about the time passed and the lives taken by the war. Don’t forget capture some pics of the breathtaking views of the lagoon.
Jaffna Library
The Jaffna library was one of the best in Asia before being burned down during the riots. Currently, it’s back to function and it is open for public viewing as well. It is one of the monumental buildings in Jaffna. Don’t miss visiting it. It’s a few minutes from Jaffna town.
Nagadeepa
Nagadeepa temple is one of the three places in Sri Lanka where Lord Buddha has visited. Hence, it is an important destination for Buddhist pilgrims. It’s believed that before the arrival of Buddhism, people in the region worshiped Nagas (serpents) and Lord Buddha visited the place to settle a dispute between two Naga kings Chulodara and Mahodara.
According to Mahavamsa chronicles and the Tamil Buddhist epic Manimekalai, a gem-studded throne which was offered to Buddha by the kings, was returned to them again and was later enshrined in the stupa located next to the temple.
Pilgrims have to get in and out to the island by boats which are provided by the Sri Lanka army. Importantly, one should expect the least during this short boat trip. The boats can be heavily packed by pilgrims and you might feel the need of more air to breathe in the middle of the sea…. Luckily, the journey is short hence one can hold on until s/he gets down. Take sufficient water and snacks to survive in the island as the island is almost barren except for the religious places. A hat will save you from the harsh sun and covered shoes will put your feet at ease. ( My rubber slippers got melted and started sticking on the floor a few minutes after disembarking from Nainatiuv Jetty !!! )
Caution:- If you are hiring Jeeps / mini tractors in the land to look around, it’s important that you check the vehicles and agree on a price before getting in. There can be people who try to demand for extra money, blaming you for the damages in the vehicles. (broken seats / cushion or jeep covers.)
Nallur Temple
Nallur Kandasamy Kovil is Jaffna's premier place of Hindu worship. While the gopuram (golden arch) attracts hundreds of pilgrims and worshippers, the present building of the kovil goes back to the eighteenth century. The temperature is very high during the day time hence if you feel tired and thirsty, don’t forget to try out ice creams from the famous ice cream shop (Lingan Cool bar) nearby. The kovil is about 1Km from the Jaffna town.
Casuarina beach
It is one of the best beaches in the Jaffna peninsula with shallow waters and very gentle waves. Hence, it’s considered as an ideal place for safe sea bathing. You can walk a long way towards the sea in the clear water.
Check out the sand on the beach. It’s simply white. Pearl white.
There are houses for rent if you want stay in this area, and it is around 15 Km away from Jaffna Town. You get a few local restaurants on the beach but it’s best not to expect too much than a full tummy.
Keerimalai pond (fertility pond)
Keerimalai is renowned for its natural water spring where illnesses and sicknesses are cured miraculously after bathing in it. It’s also called as the fertility pond as it’s believed that the women who do not have children get conceived if /when they take a dip in the pond. Only a stone wall separate the pool from the sea but the water is very fresh.
There is a Hindu Temple called Naguleeswaram Temple is situated near to the Keerimali pond and is very popular among Hindu’s. The nearest place is Kankeesanthurai and situated northern tip of the Jaffna peninsula around 15 Km away from Jaffna Town.
Jaffna Fort:
The ancient fort in Jaffna which is situated on the south side of the Jaffna peninsula is the second largest existing fort in the Island. Originally built by the Portuguese in 1619 and re-built and expanded by the Dutch during the second half of the 17th and the 18th centuries to facilitate trading activities of Sri Lanka’s northern region indicate not only of Jaffna’s strategic importance to Europeans but its significance throughout Sri Lanka’s history.
Bottomless well:
Nilavarai Well – a natural underground water well – thought to be bottomless has many fascinating legends adding to the mysteries that encircle it.
Almost all legends are connected with the Ramayana, which includes the chronicles of Rama – the seventh avatar of God Vishnu. According to legend, Seetha, wife of Rama, while on the return journey to India was overcome with thirst and as there was no water to be found, Rama had bravely shot an arrow on to the earth creating a well. Many believe this to be the origin of Nilavarai. It is also a known fact that the Well has been a source of fresh water since the olden days and has never seems to deplete. It is also used for irrigation activities in the area.
People around the area claim that the first 40 feet of the Well contains fresh water while the water after this point is deemed to be salty, probably attesting to a connection to the sea at Kankasanturai. The Well has two tunnels and some say that these tunnels are connected to the Keerimalai ponds located near Naguleswaram Temple in Jaffna, while others say that the Well has a connection with an underground tunnel in Matale (central province), which is hundreds of miles from here. Some say that a gentleman has put a marked lemon in the waters to find that it surfaced at the Keerimalai ponds.
Adding to the Well’s enigmatic aura, according to the folk who live in the area, some foreign scuba divers had attempted to explore the Well with the aid of ropes and oxygen tanks. Yet, they all have turned back without being able to find the ending point of it.
Having listened to all mysteries, I too looked deep into the water to see if I can see any trace of the bottom of the Well. Thereafter, I decided to remain silent. Silent, like the Well itself…but I could not stop wondering if all the legends are related to the deities, one of them must have surely sprinkled a pinch of magical blue in to the water as well?
Delft:
Though thousands of people visit Nainativu island on daily basis, a few show interest to explore the Delft island. We believe it’s due to the bumpy roads and the tough route one has to take before getting into ferry. Even the ferries are less in number and sea is rough. However, if you go there I am certain you will not regret.
The island has a very small population who live harmoniously with the soldiers of Sri Lanka Army. In the island, weather is extremely harsh and finding fresh water to drink is a huge challenge. During the time when Dutch ruled the country, the island was used for breeding horses and the wild ponies are a legacy left behind by them. You will see wild ponies all over Jaffna, but not as many as you see in Delft.
One can also see the ‘growing stone’, ruins of a castle built by Portuguese ,a pigeon house and a fort built by Dutch with dead coral rock in this partially deserted island.
Website: http://www.holidaysinsrilanka.net/ for further information on touring Sri Lanka
Contact: 020 7100 2323
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elephant.island.lk
No comments:
Post a Comment