Jaffna

Jaffna is the largest Northern town and the unofficial capital for Sri Lankan Tamils. Entering Jaffna can feel like visiting a different country, and it has a noticeable South Indian feel; from the tall and vivid Hindu temples to the sharp intonations of Tamil speakers, this is definitely a different experience from the rest of the island. Jaffna is particularly interesting to visit during the annual Nallur festival, running for 25 days and ending on the poya (full moon) day in August. Nallur is the most auspicious time of year for the Hindu Tamils, and thousands flock from across the Northern region (and further afield) to pray and celebrate. On the 24th night, a huge chariot is pulled through the streets and into the grounds of the Nallur Kandaswamy temple, one of the biggest and most impressive temples on the whole island.