Day 4 Colombo to Jaffna 30 July

Early start for the 6:30 intercity express to Jaffna. We were in the flash FCR (first class) but don’t get too excited, it just means we are guaranteed a seat.. no champagne or special Jammies.

What a train ride. Roughest damn train I have been on, absolute bone rattler. That was only for probably the first 6 hours after that it was a cruisy 3 or so hours on a new track. The new track was rebuilt after the civil war and this in turn opened up the North to tourism again.

There seems to be a genuine sign of reconciliation following the civil war.

Absolutely shattered on arrival to Jaffna. 

The time passes relatively quickly with most stops bringing on different vendors with a huge variety of bits to eat. Fresh corn, samosas, milky coffee (one part coffee and 8 parts sugar) and lots of other little snacks that I have no idea what they were.

On arrival had to walk a total of 100m to our accommodation... winning!!

Then losing... walked through a flash foyer only to be escorted straight back out to the accommodation at the rear only to then be told that was full and escorted back into the posh foyer. Asked to wait whilst they clearly tried to work out what to do with us, meanwhile we were treated to a most welcome cold towel and a watermelon juice. Bit messy for a bit but suffice to say we got a bed in the end, just between us I think it is the staff quarters.

With all that excitement behind us, we headed out see the town of Jaffna. I don’t really get a warm and fuzzy feeling being here and I can’t really put my finger on it. I think as tourists we are a bit of an oddity and there is a certain naivety with what to do with us.

We meandered our way out to the Fort. Built in 17th century and fought over by all sorts of nations.

The hope was there might have been a beach front cafe to make us happy but no, only cows and tuk tuk. Breezy, but at least cool.

The Fort itself is pretty impressive and lots of restoration going on. Also saw the clock tower, and not a lot else.

I wonder if our journey north is a little premature.....there are no regrets for making the trek but give it a couple of years and this place will be a sought after destination. The surrounding islands have much potential and tourists will be flocking for that I’m sure. We are sure there is much else to see, like the islands (god knows what is on them), the springs ( with seperate bathing), and the northern beaches; probably very nice.

Elephant pass, isthmus to the north

Worlds famous clock tower in Jaffna 

Jaffna fort

Sacred cows, with India in background.