Where to Stay in Jaffna

Choose your stay in Jaffna by experience first, then by comfort—the town centre hums with markets, clock towers, and spicy street eats. Around Nallur, heritage streets lead to temples and quiet guesthouses rich in culture. On the city’s edge, gardens and boutique villas offer space and calm beneath the palmyrah trees. Below, you’ll find the best luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels, each revealing a different side of Jaffna’s northern charm.

Address: No. 37, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Telephone No: +94212215571 or 0212215571, +94114709400 or 0114709400
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingjaffna/

What is special: A striking seven-storey high-rise in the heart of Jaffna town, featuring modern rooms with city views, a vibrant rooftop bar and lounge, and refined service that brings upscale comfort to the northern peninsula.

Best for: Business or leisure travellers who want a premium base in Jaffna with easy access to the city’s cultural sites and dining scene. Also suitable for first-time visitors seeking a polished, centrally located stay.

Nearby attractions: Right beside the shopping mall at Cargills Square, only a minutes’ walk from the historic Jaffna Fort, the iconic Jaffna Public Library and the lively local market district.

Address: No. 257, Jaffna-Kankesanturai Road, Kokkuvil, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Telephone No: +94763084518 or 0763084518, +94217400400 or 0217400400
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.foxresorts.com/fox-jaffna

What is special: Set in a beautifully restored heritage home on the outskirts of Jaffna, this boutique property features lush gardens, a tranquil pool, and stylish rooms that open onto greenery. The restaurant specialises in local northern Sri Lankan cuisine, and the art-filled villa seamlessly blends history with comfort.

Best for: Travellers wanting a refined, quiet retreat in Jaffna with strong design and ambience—ideal for couples, small groups or anyone looking beyond standard city hotels.

Nearby attractions: A ten-minute drive from Jaffna town centre; close to the lively Jaffna Vegetable Market, the historic Jaffna Fort and the colonial-era Clock Tower.

Address: No. 86, Palaly Road, Thirunelveli, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Telephone No: +94774558220 or 0774558220, +94212030400 or 0212030400
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: https://thethinnai.com/

What is special: Set amidst lush gardens just outside Jaffna town, The Thinnai blends traditional Jaffna-style architecture with modern boutique comfort. Guests praise its spacious suites, outdoor pool, and serene garden setting.

Best for: Families, couples or small groups seeking a peaceful high-end stay in Jaffna with extra space and tranquillity—ideal for an indulgent getaway or extended stay.

Nearby attractions: Located on Palaly Road, it’s minutes from the sacred Nallur Kandaswamy Temple (approx. 1 km) and a short drive to the city’s heart, including the Jaffna Fort and the local food and market scene.

Address: No. 107, Brown Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Telephone No: +94764550644 or 0764550644
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://thambuillam.com/

What is special: A charming heritage villa converted into a boutique hotel set within tranquil gardens in Jaffna, with an outdoor pool and individually decorated rooms.

Best for: Travellers seeking an intimate, peaceful stay with character rather than a large resort—ideal for couples or solo explorers of Jaffna.

Nearby attractions: Around Brown Road in Jaffna, it’s a short drive from Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, the historic city centre and local markets.

Address: No. 195, Temple Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Telephone No: +94212222424 or 0212222424
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://jaffnaheritage.lk/hotel/

What is special: A stylish 4-star hotel set in central Jaffna, featuring a serene garden, an outdoor pool, terrace dining and vegetarian-focused cuisine.

Best for: Guests seeking a comfortable, modern stay in Jaffna with good amenities and easy access to culture and town, rather than an isolated luxury experience.

Nearby attractions: Approximately 600 m from the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, and within a short drive of the Jaffna Fort and the busy local market district.

Address: No. 136, Station Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Telephone No: +94212030500 or 0212030500
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://northgatejaffna.com/

What is special: A modern, city-centre hotel with a bright lobby, large pool and practical amenities (gym, laundry, business services). Guests consistently praise the friendly and attentive staff, as well as the generous breakfast buffet.

Best for: Travellers seeking a comfortable, convenient base in Jaffna for business or leisure—especially groups or families who prioritise good amenities and accessibility over boutique luxury.

Nearby attractions: Located a short walk from the Jaffna Railway Station, it sits within easy reach of Our Lady of Refuge Church, Sri Nagavihara Buddhist Centre, the Jaffna Clock Tower and the bustling local vegetable/fruit markets.

Address: No. 148/10, Station Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Telephone No: +94212220111 or 0212220111
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.valampurihotel.com/

What is special: Situated in the heart of Jaffna on Station Road, this hotel features a rooftop terrace, a shimmering outdoor pool and a strong local-cuisine restaurant. Its rooms, many with balconies and minibars, cater both to families and solo travellers.

Best for: Guests seeking a well-located city stay with excellent amenities and value — ideal for families, small groups, or business travellers who want central access to Jaffna’s key sights without a luxury price tag.

Nearby attractions: Just a brief walk from the Jaffna Railway Station and the clock-tower area, and only minutes by tuk-tuk to the historic Nallur Kandaswamy Temple and the bustling vegetable and fruit market district.

Address: No. 298, Arasadi Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Telephone No: +94212216986 or 0212216986
E-mail: –
Website: https://nallurholidaysinn.hotelonia.com/

What is special: A welcoming guest-house in the heart of Jaffna with generous common spaces, free parking, strong WiFi, and a reputation for excellent staff service and genuine hospitality.

Best for: Budget-conscious travellers or couples seeking a homely, well-located base with friendly hosts and solid value rather than full resort amenities.

Nearby attractions: Just a brief walk from the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, and within a quick ride to central Jaffna’s markets and cultural sites.

Address: No. 09, Perinpanayakam Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Telephone No: +94212221661 or 0212221661
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://jaffnapalace.lk/

What is special: This modern, family-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms with balconies, city views, a garden setting and free private parking — consistently praised for its cleanliness and warm staff service.

Best for: Families or couples seeking good value accommodation in Jaffna with solid amenities and a convenient city location — ideal for a straightforward stay in the region.

Nearby attractions: Situated about 1.2 km from the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, around 1.8 km from the Jaffna Public Library and approximately. 3.2 km from the Jaffna Fort.

Address: No. 49, Victoria Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Telephone No: +94761915689 or 0761915689, +94743743296 (WhatsApp), +94212224923 or 0212224923
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.subhasgroup.com/

What is special: A long-standing landmark in Jaffna, built in 1970, that has recently been renovated; the hotel features comfortable air-conditioned rooms, a garden terrace, free parking, and a restaurant and bar.

Best for: Travellers seeking straightforward, well-located value accommodation in Jaffna town with friendly service and basic amenities—ideal for budget-conscious explorers or those visiting for local culture.

Nearby attractions: Walking distance to key sites such as the Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre (~7 min), the Jaffna Clock Tower (~10 min) and the lively local vegetable market (~0.9 km).

Address: No. 67/10, Poomanai Veethy, Maruthanarmadam, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Telephone No: +94719195581 or 0719195581
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.dayanithi.lk/

What is special: A serene guesthouse tucked away in a garden setting in Maruthanarmadam, featuring spacious air-conditioned rooms, complimentary breakfast, free parking and highly-acclaimed personal service.

Best for: Budget-conscious travellers or families seeking a quiet, comfortable stay with warm hospitality in the Jaffna region — ideal for those who value local character over full resort amenities.

Nearby attractions: Located a short drive from the city centre, with easy access to the market district of Jaffna, nearby temples such as Nallur Kandaswamy Temple and the Jaffna Fort area.

Address: No. 32, Chemmani Road, Nallur, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Telephone No: +94702227696 or 0702227696
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.jamunavilla.com/

What is special: Nestled on Chemmani Road in Nallur, the villa-style property seamlessly blends modern comforts with the warmth of Jaffna hospitality. Guests highlight the garden setting, larger apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.

Best for: Travellers or families wanting roomy, affordable accommodation near Jaffna’s cultural heart area — especially those prioritising comfort, self-catering facilities and value over resort amenities.

Nearby attractions: Within walking or short tuk-tuk distance of Nallur Kandaswamy Temple (approx 1–1.3 km) and minutes from the local market district, clock tower and Jaffna town centre.