After three decades of war, and a tsunami that wreaked as much havoc as the three decades did, the Northern region of Sri Lanka has many broken tales to tell. However, it is being brought back to the former glory it once had, the prestige of being the second city of Sri Lanka since the victory. The main road to the North, A9, is now de-mined and open, the train Yal Devi is back in operation, and the paths to explore the cities not visited are now open.
As you travel to the North, what would strike you is the quietness of the area. The north is still largely underpopulated, although attempts are being made at reinstating the displaced.
War memorials line the road, and it is not uncommon to see military or police casually walking up and down the area. People, though wary, are as friendly as ever, eager to see a new face and learn a new fact. In fact, as the number of Jaffna hotels are few and far between, the residents often play host to visitors. Yet, there are clear signs of a golden age to come. The Jaffna Fort, though nothing like the tourist paradise that is the Galle Fort, is being renovated under the patronage of Netherland Government. The Jaffna library, once the largest in South Asia, has been restored and stands in its humble glory inviting you to explore and expand your knowledge under the whir of ceiling fans. Luxury hotels have started to make their way here, Jetwing Jaffna already established and open for visitors.
There is much to see in the North. From the library to war memorials to the old Fort, the mainland holds as many attractions as the splattering of islands like Kytes and Delft do. There are temples to visit, kovils to seek blessings at, and a whole facet of Sri Lankan identity that had been veiled for over three decades to explore and appreciate.
Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+
