So, another destination of my Jaffna trip. By the way, I drove to Jaffna in my car, so I visited the Jaffna Railway Station just to see it and enjoy the history of many years. I had no plans of catching a train, but the station itself was something I always wanted to experience.
I went there on my 4th trip to Jaffna. I was staying at Valampuri Hotel in Jaffna, which is very close to the Jaffna Railway Station (walking distance). The good thing is, if you happen to visit Jaffna by train, there are a lot of hotels and guesthouses located right next to the entrance of the railway station, which is so convenient. You can come by train and stay right next to where you landed in Jaffna.
Also I noticed that the Jaffna Railway Station offers rooms within the station itself. Room rates were very fair; they have AC rooms as well as family rooms. There was a pricing board displayed with each room category, and that’s the first time I have ever seen a Sri Lankan railway station offer such a service. It is actually a great option if you are on a budget and want to stay right at the heart of the city.
The History of Jaffna Railway Station and the Yal Devi
Jaffna Railway Station is so special because it is the major point of the legendary Yal Devi Express. This was once the most iconic train journey in Sri Lanka, connecting Colombo Fort all the way to Jaffna, covering 393 kilometers across the island. During the civil war in the early 1990s, the railway station closed all of its services and was abandoned. It was a sad period for a station that was once so full of life. After the war ended in 2009, it was renovated and reopened around 2014, bringing back a piece of Sri Lanka’s history.
It is a simple yet very calm place compared to Colombo Fort Railway Station. It seems many locals and tourists are now using the railway station as their primary way of transportation to Jaffna from various parts of Sri Lanka. The station is about 3 meters above sea level. Even if you are not traveling by train, just walking around the station gives you a real feel of the north, the culture, and the slow-paced life that makes Jaffna so unique.
Visiting Jaffna Railway Station Today
If you are visiting Jaffna, don’t forget to go there just to see it. There is plenty of space to park your car and a few doggies hanging around outside. It is one of those places where you can just sit, enjoy the surroundings, and feel the history without doing anything in particular.
Usually, you need to take a ticket to go inside the station, but there was a kind officer who let my family visit inside. I stayed around 30 minutes walking around the pavilions. My kids absolutely enjoyed the long pavilions where they could run around freely. It was one of those simple moments that turned out to be a highlight of the trip.
Tips
- Valampoori Hotel is within walking distance of the station, a great option if you are traveling by train.
- The railway station has rooms for accommodation inside, with AC and family room options at very fair rates.
- You need a platform ticket to enter, but the staff is very welcoming to visitors.
- There is ample parking outside for those coming by car.
- Don’t miss taking a photo at the iconic trilingual Jaffna station signboard on the platform.
- Check the fare board inside to plan your onward journey; both 2nd and 3rd class fares are listed.
- A few friendly stray dogs hang around the entrance, and the kids will love them!
After spending time at the station, you are probably going to be hungry and wondering where to eat in Jaffna. Good news, I have already covered that for you. Jaffna has some amazing food spots and local restaurants that you definitely should not miss. Check out my guide on where to eat in Jaffna and make the most of your time in the north.
Location Map
Nearby Atractions
- Where to Eat in Jaffna - 8 Restaurants I Keep Going Back To - 3.4 km
- Reecha Park – A Hidden Natural Escape in Sri Lanka - 44 km
- Elephant Pass – Where the Road to Jaffna Meets History - 44.8 km
- Exploring the Ancient Dambulla Cave Temple in Sri Lanka - 212.9 km
- Riverston, Sri Lanka – A Journey Through Misty Mountains - 250.9 km
- Hulu Ganga Waterfall - 264 km
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - 266 km
- Yahangala - 269 km
- Udawatta Kele Sanctuary – A Tranquil Forest Reserve in Kandy - 271.9 km
- Bahirawakanda Temple Kandy - 272 km
