Jaffna

This huge Hindu temple situated in the middle of the town, showers its red and white striped walls throughout the Hindu community as it towers up to the sky. Being one of the most significant Kovils in Jaffna, Nallur Kovil invites the Hindu worshipers with the clanging of the bells loud and clear, to receive the blessings of the thousands of gods and goddesses as they shed their grace upon them. The atmosphere fills with the prayers and music giving peace of mind to any one, and the many Kohomba trees planted around to ward off evil spirits, gives a cool and soothing feeling. As people enter the kovil, they break a coconut on a stone as it signifies the assurance of their prayers being answered

Delft, locally known as Neduntheevu, is as remote as it gets, situated 30km away from the mainland. The 45 minute jetty ride will take you to this historically significant oval shaped island with its surroundings having touches of the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonies. Delft was named by the Dutch to change its previous name of Ilha das Vacas (Island of cows) is filled with a variety of must-see sights from the ancient and enormous Baobab tree planted by the Dutch, the British court complex leaving its memories of the British ruling days, the 250 year old Banyan tree, the Dutch stables which homed the earlier ancestors of the now descendent wild horses which are considered the main attraction of Delft

This ancient temple is one of the most significant points for Buddhism arriving to our motherland, as it was here where Sangamiththa Theraniya arrived bearing the sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodiya and was welcomed by King Devanumpiyatissa. As requested by the people of the Naga tribe, King Devanumpiyatissa agreed to keep the holy branch in Jaffna for one week. The construction complex the tribe built then was later establish through the blessing of the king to be as a temple. The temple was reconstructed after it was completely destroyed due to the civil war that shook the nation for 30 years, yet today it gracefully welcomes the people for the new era of peace with the Bo tree, which still remains as it always has, its wide-spread branches giving out the cool breeze with the sense of tranquility as it always has