The Northern Province is in Sri Lanka. This Tamil-majority region was decimated by years of war but much rebuilding has already been done. You will find untouched beaches here, Hindu temples, ancient ruins and some useful northward travel connections.

Map of Northern Province (Sri Lanka)

• 9.66472280.0166671 Jaffna — former beach resort and Tamil Tiger capital, gutted by decades of civil war
• 8.97724479.9137792 Mannar — beaches and bird-watching
• 9.38333380.4086113 Kilinochchi
• 8.7580.4833334 Vavuniya
• 9.28333380.85 Mullaitivu

• 9.51666779.6833331 Neduntheevu (Delft Island) — An island in the far west of the province, known for its wild horses and Dutch colonial ruins
• Casuarina Beach — the best beach in the province, on the island of Karaitivu

The Northern Province is Sri Lanka's Tamil country which from 1983 to 2009 was mostly under the control of the Tamil Tigers. With their defeat in 2009, the province's major cities were gutted, its beaches and jungles strewn with unexploded ordinance, and most of the population lived in squalid refugee camps.

This province is the centre of the former Jaffna Kingdom, a powerful Tamil kingdom founded in 1215 which became wealthy through the trade of pearls and elephants. It was conquered by the Portuguese in 1619.

There are two daily trains from Colombo to Jaffna, including air-conditioned first class cars (although reserved seats in second class may be more enjoyable, with open windows and snack vendors). The journey takes approximately eight hours and costs Rs. 580 for 3rd class, Rs. 1150 for 2nd class, and Rs. 2250 for 1st class. The 05:45 train from Colombo has all three classes, but the night train leaving Colombo at 20:00 and arriving at Jaffna at 04:00 only has 2nd and 3rd class seating.

A great variety of private & luxury buses can be booked on the Bus Seat website.

Jaffna International Airport (JAF ^IATA) has two fights per day from Chennai and one daily flight from Tiruchirappalli (2025).

Ferries connect Kankesanthurai Harbour (a suburb of Jaffna) with the Indian town of Nagapattinam daily (4 hours, INR 6500 + tax).

To get to Delft Island, take the 776 bus from the red bus stand outside the HNB Metro branch. Buses depart every 40 minutes, journey time 1 hour to the Kurikadduwan jetty where boats leave for Delft. There are 3 boats per day, demand often outstrips supply so preference is given to local residents during busy times, especially weekends and holidays.

9.5241979.703811 Delft Village Stay, ☏ +94771024032. Tent-style eco huts in a communal atmosphere minutes from beach. Basic but friendly. Cash only. Dorm bed Rs 2500, tent accommodation Rs 3500-5000, A/C room Rs 4500 per night. (updated Jun 2025)

Ferries to the islands can be overcrowded.

Land mines still exist in this region, owing to their use in the Sri Lankan Civil War. Do not stray from paths in remote areas.

Head north across the Palk Strait to Tamil Nadu, India by plane or ferry.