Travel Information
How to reach Jaffna
Jaffna is in Northern Sri Lanka and is connected by air, train, and road. Train seats are popular, so advance booking is strongly recommended.
By Air
Jaffna International Airport, Palaly (JAF) is the nearest airport, with direct flights from Chennai, India. Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Colombo is Sri Lanka’s main international gateway.
Charter flight timing and booking from Colombo to Jaffna: DP Aviation.
By Train
Daily intercity trains run between Colombo and Jaffna. Book in advance through Sri Lanka Railways seat reservation.
- AC Express: 05:45-12:50
- Night Mail: 20:00-04:00, following day
By Road
Long-distance buses, private vans, and hired cars operate from major cities. Buses can be booked online via BusSeat.lk. Please contact local organisers before making any booking.
Travelling within Jaffna
Within Jaffna, Uber and PickMe offer bikes, tuk-tuks, cars, and vans. Motor bike hailing is not recommended for participants.
Accommodation
Places to stay in Jaffna
A range of options is available, from high-end hotels to student-friendly stays. Organisers are working with hotels to secure concessions, and additional options are available via Booking.com.
Jetwing Jaffna
37, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Jaffna 40000, Sri Lanka
Official websiteTilko Jaffna City Hotel
70/6 K.K.S Road, Jaffna 40000
info@tilkohotels.comFox Jaffna
No 257, K.K.S Road, Kokuvil, Jaffna 40000
Official websiteVilla Tharahai
150 Palali Road, Kokuvil East, Jaffna 40000
+94 77 810 3798The Thinnai
No. 86, Palaly Road, Thirunelnveli, Jaffna District 40000
Official websiteBright Inn
No. 51 Sivan Road, Thirunelveli, Jaffna Town
+94 77 424 5986Valampuri Hotel
No. 148/10, Station Road, Jaffna, Northern Province 40000
Official websiteGreen Grass Hotel
No. 33, Aseervatham Lane, Hospital Road, Jaffna
Contact hotel directly for current rates.Travelling Around Jaffna
Food, climate, and local etiquette
Jaffna has been recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the best cities to visit in 2026. The city’s Tamil heritage, coastal setting, and deep traditions make it a memorable place for conference visitors.
Culinary Heritage
Jaffna’s food is often spicier and more aromatic, shaped by roasted curry powders, coastal ingredients, coconut, and palmyrah products.
Dress and Temples
Modest attire is expected at religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered. At some Hindu temples, including Nallur Temple, men may be required to remove shirts or upper garments.
Religious Respect
Remove footwear when visiting Hindu and Buddhist temples. Avoid touching statues, and ask permission before photographing people or religious places.
July Weather
July is dry, hot, and often clear in Northern Sri Lanka. Stay hydrated, wear breathable cotton or linen, and choose bottled water for drinking.
Regional Attractions
Extra time around Jaffna
The Northern Province offers temples, islands, colonial sites, beaches, dunes, wildlife, and coastal viewpoints within reach of Jaffna.
Jaffna Fort
Sunset from the ramparts, the archaeological museum, and a historical walk through the fort. For more information
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple
Worship and cultural visits. Temple website
Nainativu Island
Scenic ferry ride, Nagapooshani Amman Temple, and Nagadeepa Purana Vihara Buddhist site. Know more about the history of this island
Casuarina Beach
Sunbathing, sunsets, swimming, and sea views. For more information
Local tour and experience providers: HiJourné and Jaffna Tourism.
Attractions Around Sri Lanka
Ideas before or after LFG 2026
Participants extending their stay can combine the conference with cultural sites, beaches, national parks, hill-country train routes, and hikes.
Cultural and Historical Sites
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress: climb Sigiriya, see frescoes and the mirror wall.
- Dambulla Cave Temple: cave temple, wall paintings, Buddha statues, and religious history.
- Temple of the Tooth Relic: puja times, main shrine, and museum areas.
- Thirukoneswaram Temple: worship and coastal views.
- Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa: ancient temples, Sri Maha Bodhi, sacred-city walks, and early Sri Lankan history.
Beaches
- Unawatuna: snorkelling.
- Mirissa: whale watching, surfing, Weligama reef snorkelling, Parrot Rock, Secret Beach, and sunset dining.
- Bentota: sightseeing and water sports.
- Hikkaduwa: sunbathing, boat rides, scuba diving, reef snorkelling, and surfing.
- Nilaveli, Passekudah, and Arugam Bay: diving, snorkelling, sunrise walks, and surfing.
National Parks and Nature
- Wilpattu National Park: safari.
- Yala National Park: safari.
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: elephants, river walk, and bottle feeding.
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve: guided rainforest treks, wildlife, birdwatching, waterfalls, and streams.
Hill Country and Hikes
- Ella: Ella Rock, Nine Arch Bridge, and the hill-country train ride.
- Nuwara Eliya: Victoria Park, tea estates, Gregory Lake, Hakgala Botanical Garden, Bamburu Ela waterfall, and the Nuwara Eliya to Ella train ride.
- Kandy and Peradeniya: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Ramboda Falls, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and the Kandy to Ella train.
- The Pekoe Trail: over 300 km of walking through history and tea-country landscapes.
Hiking Notes
- Adam’s Peak: forested hills, waterfalls, river headwaters, endemic birds, reptiles, mammals, and rich biodiversity.
- Little Adam’s Peak: marked trails through tea plantations, less than one hour to the summit, usually 5-10 km depending on the start point.
- Ella Rock: around two hours round trip; follow marked paths and avoid misleading directions.
- Knuckles Range: Dothalugala Nature Trail, Nitro Caves, Mini World’s End, and the five-peak hike.
- Hanthana: panoramic views near Kandy, with longer guided and shorter out-and-back routes; start early and prepare for leeches.
Practical Information
Admin, health, and emergency contacts
Stay prepared for international travel to Northern Sri Lanka. Keep key numbers available offline and check official tourism resources while planning.
Money and Connectivity
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in Jaffna.
Local SIM cards such as Dialog and Mobitel are available at the airport and in town. Mobile data is reliable in Jaffna, though university Wi-Fi may be restricted to certain areas.
Health
Jaffna Teaching Hospital is the primary medical facility for the region and offers a wide range of services, including emergency care.
Drink bottled water, carry sun protection, and plan outdoor visits around the heat of July.