view · Northern
Point Pedro and Sakkotai Cape — Jaffna
Cover photo: Matt Dany (Unsplash)
- District
- Jaffna
- Province
- Northern
- Best for
- Lighthouse and land's-end chasers; Sri Lanka's northernmost point
Clarify that the lighthouse and the northernmost point are different spots: the true northernmost marker (Sakkotai Cape) lies ~4.2 km west of the Point Pedro lighthouse, and the lighthouse compound is viewed from outside.
About this place
Windy headland town at the island's northern tip, about 30 km northeast of Jaffna, with a lighthouse and long Vallipuram-style beaches nearby. Go in the morning for light and calmer seas; tuk-tuk or bus from Jaffna. The lighthouse compound is usually viewed from outside.
Visitor brief
Good to know before you go
- Sakkotai Cape is Sri Lanka's northernmost point (concrete marker with flag); it sits ~4 km west of the Point Pedro lighthouse - visit both.
- The lighthouse compound is normally viewed from outside; tower access may be restricted.
- Working fishing coast: watch fishermen land catamarans, keep clear of nets and boats.
- Go in the morning for light and calmer seas; the headland is windy and exposed.
- Limited facilities at the cape itself - use town facilities first.
How to travel there
About 30 km northeast of Jaffna town; tuk-tuk or bus from Jaffna. Go in the morning for light and calmer seas.
Where to stay
Stay in Jaffna town (guesthouses to mid-range hotels); Point Pedro is a half-day trip.
Nearby places
Vallipuram temple area beaches, Keeramalai Springs and Naguleswaram Temple, Jaffna town
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