heritage · Northern
Nainativu (Nagadeepa) Island Temples — Jaffna
Cover photo: Adam Young (Unsplash)
- District
- Jaffna
- Province
- Northern
- Best for
- Pilgrims and culture travellers; Hindu and Buddhist shrines side by side
About this place
Sacred island reached by a 20-minute ferry from Kurikadduwan jetty, home to the Nagapooshani Amman Kovil and the Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya. Half-day trip, often paired with Delft on separate days. Dress for temples, remove shoes, and check return-ferry times before lingering.
Visitor brief
Good to know before you go
- Rare island sacred to both religions: Nagapooshani Amman Kovil (Hindu) and Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya (Buddhist, one of 16 holiest Solosmasthana sites).
- Dress for temples (cover shoulders/knees), remove shoes at both shrines.
- Check return-ferry times before lingering; boats are the only way back.
- Often paired with Delft on separate days from the same jetty - doing both in one day is rushed.
- Ferries are basic enclosed boats; sit near stairs if claustrophobic.
How to travel there
Drive Jaffna to Kurikadduwan jetty (~30 km via Kayts/Punkudutivu causeways), then 15-25 min public ferry to Nainativu; half-day trip.
Where to stay
Stay in Jaffna town (guesthouses to mid-range hotels); Nainativu is a half-day trip.
Nearby places
Delft Island (same Kurikadduwan jetty), Kayts Island, Jaffna town
Comments & tips