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.