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Jetwing Jaffna is a seven-storey hotel in the centre of Jaffna, with 55 Deluxe rooms that each have a private balcony looking over the city and the lagoon. Standing on Mahatma Gandhi Road and one of the tallest buildings in Jaffna, it was among the first international-standard hotels to open in the north, and it is within walking distance of the market, the railway and bus stations, the fort and the public library. The décor draws on the peninsula itself: carved wood, copper and northern colours in the public spaces, and traditional art in every room telling stories of Jaffna's royal past.
All 55 rooms belong to a single category, so there is one name to choose from when you book.
The rooms are laid out for two adults; the rate allows up to three adults, or two adults with up to two children, and baby cots are available on request. Tell us whether you want a king-size bed or twin beds when you book. Five of the rooms are interconnecting, which suits families travelling together, and one room is specially equipped for guests with limited mobility; ask for either at the time of booking. The hotel cannot accommodate drivers, though it can provide their meals at a charge.
The main restaurant, Peninsula, seats 100 among hand-carved woodwork and copper fittings, with large windows over the city. Its menu leans on Jaffna specialities such as Jaffna crab curry and odiyal kool, the region's seafood broth, alongside South Indian dishes from across the Palk Strait. A bar inside the restaurant serves cocktails, mocktails and soft drinks from midday until 11 pm. On the roof, the Jaffna Sky Lounge serves signature cocktails and meals made from regional produce, with views over the city to the palmyrah palms on the skyline; it is a popular spot at sunset with locals as well as hotel guests.
Room service runs around the clock, and the hotel offers daily housekeeping, laundry and dry cleaning, babysitting, a doctor on call, hotel taxis, parking, a left-luggage room and postal services. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Toiletries are made for Jetwing by Link Natural. There is a conference room for meetings and events, and you can rent a bicycle at the hotel to explore the neighbourhood as many local people do.
The Jaffna Public Library is about five minutes away and Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, the great Hindu temple of the north, about ten. Jaffna Fort, the star-shaped Portuguese and Dutch fortress beside the lagoon, and the busy Jaffna Market are both within walking distance. Further out, the island of Nainativu, reached across causeways and a short boat crossing, is about 70 minutes from the hotel. On the north coast are the freshwater springs at Keerimalai beside the sea, and the ancient port of Dambakola Patuna, where tradition says Theri Sanghamitta landed with the sapling of the sacred Bo tree. Inland at Kantarodai, the coral-stone stupas of Kadurugoda Viharaya are one of the few Buddhist ruins left in the north.
Yes. Jaffna Railway Station, on the Northern Line from Colombo, is within walking distance of the hotel, as is the main bus terminal, so arriving by train is a practical alternative to the long drive north.
Jaffna is about 398 kilometres from Colombo by road, a long drive north through the dry zone that reaches the peninsula at Elephant Pass. From Bandaranaike International Airport the hotel is about 275 kilometres away in a straight line. The easiest way to make the trip is a private transfer from Colombo airport to Jetwing Jaffna, which brings you to the door.
It suits travellers who want a comfortable, well-run base in the middle of Jaffna town, with the temples, fort, market and library close by and a rooftop bar to come back to in the evening. It works equally well for business visits, thanks to its central position and conference room. Allow at least two or three nights to see the city and the islands. For other options see our places to stay in Jaffna, or the other Jetwing hotels around the island.
Pre-book a private vehicle for arrival, departure, or onward travel.
