The magnificent Jaffna Fort is a structure that is still standing in history. The Jaffna Fort Sri Lanka is among the many structures that tell the tale of a historically rich past. The Fort stands tall amidst the surrounding with lush green grass surrounding it. The Portuguese built the Fort. Philippe de Oliveira built the magnificent Jaffna fort after the Portuguese invasion of Sri Lanka in the 17th century. Located near a coastal town named Gurunagar, the Fort is 405 kilometres from the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. The Fort, with all its magnificence, is a marvel standing still.

Everything You Need To Know About Jaffna Fort

Immerse yourself in the history of the Jaffna Fort Sri Lanka. Here is everything you need to know about the Fort to enhance your understanding and knowledge of ancient times.

History of the Jaffna Fort Sri Lanka

Aerial view of the massive Jaffna Fort

Image Credit: Rehman Abubakr for Wikipedia Commons

The Jaffna Fort is a marvellous structure that was built during the times of the Portuguese. The Fort constructed by Philippe de Oliveira was built in 1618 right after the Portuguese attacked and conquered Sri Lanka. The Fort underwent several ownerships ever since it was built. Soon after the Portuguese, the Fort was captured by the Dutch who undertook its expansions. Then it was taken over by the British in the 18th century and became a garrison under the British. During the turbulent times of the Sri Lankan Civil War, the Fort came under the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The Fort suffered destruction during the Sri Lankan Civil War.

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How to Reach Jaffna Fort

Reach the Jaffna fort by the various mode of transport

Image Credit: Manikanta1973 for Wikimedia Commons

To get to Jaffna Fort from Colombo is very simple. Tourists can take cars to reach Jaffna Fort but if a more cost effective way to travel is being sought then travelling by a bus is more viable.
The bus from Colombo to Jaffna takes 6 hours and is relatively cheaper and better. Another option is taking the train. Trains depart from Colombo and take 8 hours to reach Jaffna. The connectivity of Jaffna to Colombo is a lot. But tourists can be rest assured that reaching Jaffna is no hassle and very convenient and also cost effective.

Timings and Entry Fee of Jaffna Fort Sri Lanka

The gorgeous Sea overlooking this Fort on the entrance.

Image Credit: Yercaud-elango for Wikimedia Commons

The Jaffna Fort is a marvellous structure built during the Portuguese times. The Jaffna Fort in Sri Lanka is among the many structures that tell the tale of a historically rich past of Sri Lanka and its conquest of this area by the Portuguese. The Fort stands tall amidst the surrounding with lush green grass surrounding it. The Fort was built by the portuguese. Philippe de Oliveira built the magnificent Jaffna fort after the Portuguese invasion of Sri Lanka in the 17th century. The Jaffna Fort opens at 8 in the morning and closes at 6 in the evening. The Fort has an entry fee for tourists, which is about 50 INR.

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Things to See At the Jaffna Fort Sri Lanka

A panoramic view of the Jaffna Fort

Image Credit: Ghostface Buddha for Wikimedia Commons

The magnificent Jaffna Fort is surrounded by the beautiful blue Jaffna Lagoon. Tourists can enjoy the clean and clear water of the Jaffna Lagoon, the breeze, and the views. The Fort houses a prison, Kruys church, Queen’s and King’s houses. The grandiose structure was built of lime, brick and coral stones. The structure, now in ruins, does not have a lot of intricate detail and designing surviving that can be explored. Rather the Fort is now in a dilapidated condition and can be covered in approximately 30 minutes or more. The Jaffna Fort is now in ruins, but it is a beautiful historic site.

Things to Do Near Jaffna Fort

Enjoy The mesmerising sunset for a memorable experience

Image Credit: Zameer Akram for Wikimedia Commons

The mesmerising Jaffna Fort is 2 kilometres from the Jaffna city centre. The Fort can be completely visited in an hour or more. After the visit to Jaffna Fort is complete, nearby places can be visited. History enthusiasts who want to delve into the rich history of Jaffna, another fort, the Dutch Fort in the city centre, can visit it. The Fort was built in the 17th century and tells a similar tale of the history of Jaffna. For tourists who want to relax after visiting the Fort, Charity Beach is the perfect place to go. The Charty Beach is located in the city of Jaffna, 2 kilometres from the Jaffna Fort Sri Lanka. The beach offers mind-blowing views of the sea and is the perfect place to spend the evening. The Jaffna Fort is a very beautiful structure to visit.

Further Read: Honeymoon Places in Colombo

The historic marvel, Jaffna Fort Sri Lanka, is a structure standing still in history. The Jaffna Fort in Sri Lanka is among the many structures that tell the tale of a historically rich past. The beautiful blue Jaffna Lagoon surrounds the magnificent Jaffna Fort. Tourists can enjoy the clean and clear water of the Jaffna Lagoon and enjoy the breeze and the views. Located near a coastal town named Gurunagar, the Fort is 405 kilometres from the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. The Fort, with all its magnificence, is a marvel standing still. Plan your trip to Sri Lanka for an experience you would not want to miss.

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Cover Image Source: Yercaud-elango for wikimedia commons

Frequently Asked Questions About Jaffna Fort Sri Lanka

What is the importance of Jaffna Fort Sri Lanka?

The magnificent Fort is important due to its history as a structure built by the portuguese. The Fort was constructed by Philippe de Oliveira and was built in the year 1618, right after the Portuguese had attacked and conquered Sri Lanka. The Fort underwent several ownerships ever since it was built. Its ownership was taken by several other historical invaders of Sri Lanka. Also playing a role in the Sri Lankan Civil War that happened post its independence, the Jaffna Fort Sri Lanka is a very important structure.

Do Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka also known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean is special for its beauty, tranquillity and serenity. The archipelago is famous for its natural beauty, history and its Buddhist Structures and Monasteries. Yes, Indians need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. The application process is fairly simple, and it is hassle-free. Another option for getting Visa for Sri Lanka as an Indian citizen is by opting for a visa upon arrival. While this way is available, it is still advisable to request a visa before planning your trip to Sri Lanka.

What is the special food of Jaffna?

The Coastal town of Jaffna is famous for its seafood. Among the delicacies of Jaffna are the bone Rasam which sheds light on the influence of Tamil food on Jaffna Food. The most sought-after dish is the Fiery Crab Curry. As the name suggests the curry is spicy and is very delicious. Owing to the influence of Tamil culture onto Sri Lankan Culture, a variety of food is born that has both the culture's influence on it.

How to reach Jaffna from India?

Indian tourists can avail three transport options to reach Jaffna. The first is definitely air travel. Reaching Jaffna from India via air is relatively easy, and there are many flights that tourists can take to reach Jaffna. Only one flight is non-stop, the rest all are connecting flights. The other option is a train. And the other option that remains is a ferry, both of which are lighter on the pocket.

Which is the largest Fort in Sri Lanka?

The Largest Fort in Sri Lanka is a world heritage site called the Galle fort. Another historical marvel, the Fort is not only famous for being the largest but also for being the most well preserved.

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