This four-hour tour takes you to see the ancient and thriving city of Jaffna. See the many remnants from the Jaffna Kingdom, the throne of the ancient Tamil Kings of Sri Lanka. Visit famous temples, churches and other places of cultural importance. Cycle through the busy streets of Jaffna Market with their many delicious fruits, food items, and handicrafts. Stop by the most famous local ice-cream parlor for a quick snack. Many other exciting discoveries and new sights await!
Highlights
3 hours and 45 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
3 hours and 45 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Bicycles and helmets (if requested for safety) provided.
Bottle of water and a king coconut drink along the way.
Photography session.
Service of an Knowledgeable English-speaking local guide.
All Taxes & Service Charges.
Expenses of Personal Nature.
Gratuities (Optional).
Entrance fees where not specify.
Meeting Points
Departure
Hospital Road
In front of Gangaa & Brothers Guesthouse
Return
Important Information
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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Not recommended for pregnant travelers
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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This four-hour tour takes you to see the ancient and thriving city of Jaffna. See the many remnants from the Jaffna Kingdom, the throne of the ancient Tamil Kings of Sri Lanka. Visit famous temples, churches and other places of cultural importance. Cycle through the busy streets of Jaffna Market with their many delicious fruits, food items, and handicrafts. Stop by the most famous local ice-cream parlor for a quick snack. Many other exciting discoveries and new sights await!
Highlights
3 hours and 45 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
3 hours and 45 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Bicycles and helmets (if requested for safety) provided.
Bottle of water and a king coconut drink along the way.
Photography session.
Service of an Knowledgeable English-speaking local guide.
All Taxes & Service Charges.
Expenses of Personal Nature.
Gratuities (Optional).
Entrance fees where not specify.
Meeting Points
Departure
Hospital Road
In front of Gangaa & Brothers Guesthouse
Return
Itinerary
1
Jaffna Fort
You will be starting your tour at 3:00 pm from the Gangaa & Brothers Guesthouse down at Hospital Road, Jaffna. Your guide will pick you up and provide you with your cycling equipment and a bottle of water each.
You will start off with a tour of the old Jaffna Fort, a 17th-century monument built by the Portuguese during their invasion of Sri Lanka. The 400-year-old ruins remain complete with a moat, ramparts and prison chambers; and was the largest military fort that was built in the country.
Next on the list will be the Jaffna Library. Once the largest and most extensive library of Asia, it was burnt down by Sinhalese extremists during the Sri Lankan Civil War in 1981. Today, the library has been rebuilt and strives mightily to reach its former glory, as it continues to expand its collection.
You will also visit two beautiful urban parks in Jaffna: Supramaniyam Park and Old Park. They also have extensive children’s play areas for those younger in age and heart. In particular, Old Park was once the location of the Old British Governor's residence, and the ruins can still be seen. You will stop along the way for some king coconut.
Your cycling route will pass through some coastal villages, and you can get to know the life of local fishermen. You will visit the famous historic Nallur temple, with its beautiful and colorful paintings and sculptures. The millennia-old temple has a long history that you will get to know. After viewing the temple, you will cycle to Rio Ice Cream Parlor, which is right around the corner. As the most famous locally made ice cream in Jaffna, you will get the opportunity to purchase and flavor the delicious creamy sweetness that is Rio's trademark.
After this you will be cycling to St James Church, followed by a visit to St Mary’s Cathedral. You will get to know the long history of these important locations. There will also be nuns who will be selling top quality Jaffna Wine and Nelli Cordial - renowned local specialties. You can purchase some if you are interested. There will also be some palmyra products made by local ladies for sale.
Finally, your route will take you to a small Buddhist stupa, past the statue of Changkili - the last king of the Jaffna Kingdom, the Entrance Arch of the former Jaffna Royal Palace, the haunting ruins of the old house of the last king’s Minister. Along the way back to your start point, you will bet stopping at a viewpoint to watch the sunset and take some photographs (given that it is a clear day). Your tour will be completed by 6:45 back at the guesthouse.
