Travel is officially back on the cards for 2022, and to quench your thirst for adventure, culture and, of course, a little bit of luxury too, the hidden gems of northern Sri Lanka are the perfect pick. Steeped in history with a rich, vibrant culture, Jaffna is the perfect off-the-beaten-track destination for any intrepid traveller, and offers an experience to be savoured. So don’t make it a flying visit; stay and soak it all in, because this place is worth your time, and some.
And where better to enjoy it all from than the brand new Jetwing Mahesa Bhawan? Having opened its doors for bookings on the 1st of February, this luxurious villa makes for the perfect base from which to delve a little deeper into Sri Lanka’s lesser-known north. Standards are high, and opulence is guaranteed, promising all you could want from a 2022 getaway and more.
Built in 1935, the original building was abandoned during the 30-year long Sri Lankan civil war, used as a safe house by Tamal Tigers and left to the ravages of time. But now, it has been meticulously restored to its former glory and, today, stands elegant and proud, offering guests a range of luxe facilities including a pool, spacious dining and living spaces (designed by the Cooray family themselves), and delicious authentic Jaffna food, which is unique to the region and bound to please curious taste buds and self-confessed foodies alike.
You can travel by air in just 50 minutes from Colombo to Jaffna, but the most accessible way to reach Jaffna overland is via train. Travellers can enjoy a leisurely and relaxed journey, whilst soaking up the surrounding nature and drinking in all of the little nuances that make up what Sri Lanka is all about. The route is largely untouched, and extends a mix of Victorian charm and vibrant Tamil culture, making train travel in the region almost like stepping back in time by 50 years. It’s a truly unique experience you won’t want to miss out on, and is worth the extra time.
A trip to Sri Lanka’s uncharted north is a passport to a largely unexplored land. An opportunity to escape the crowds and make memories that will last a lifetime, this relatively untapped region of the country remains authentic and culturally rich, so it’s a must for those looking to discover the real Sri Lanka.
The Northern Province endured decades of unrest during Sri Lanka’s civil war, but nevertheless, the beauty of the region remains undiminished. The Jetwing Mahesa Bhawan house is a symbol of the north’s regeneration after conflict: a gateway to the lesser-known side of Sri Lanka, only a short boat ride away from the scenic islands of the north.
Within easy walking distance of this opulent and sophisticated villa is the town of Jaffna, with a vibrant, bustling marketplace. It is the home of the unique annual Nallur Festival (the largest Hindu festival in Sri Lanka) that takes place between August and September, where the town comes alive, which is perhaps one of the most captivating times to visit.
Wandering around the market, you will discover that the food here is distinctive. Closer to South Indian food than Southern Sri Lankan food (as it is closer to India than Colombo), the clear difference is the mix of spices in the curry powder, and even in other parts of Sri Lanka, you will find ‘Jaffna Curry Powder’ in the markets as it is considered so different. Being so close to the sea, you are guaranteed an excellent array of locally caught fresh seafood on your plate, accompanied by breads similar to those found in South Indian food – such as idli, dosa and Pittu.
There are some stunning nature walks right on the doorstep of Mahesa Bhawan house. Just a gentle stroll through the town and across the lagoon, you will tread the narrow road with water on either side as you pass many indigenous birds and local fisherman net fishing or heading out to sea. It’s about an hour’s walk, in total from the hotels and villa.
A range of unique experiences are available as part of a visit to this historic region, too – and animal lovers will relish the opportunity to walk among wild horses on Delft Island – one of the most remote places in Sri Lanka. The Chundikulam Bird Sanctuary, a mostly unfrequented spot, will appeal to both seasoned and novice birdwatchers alike.
For history buffs, Jaffna Fort is a striking remnant of the north’s colonial history, while the enchanting Kadurugoda Temple and Ruins are one of the last examples of Buddhist legacies in the area. Culture seekers will want to head for Nallur Kandasamy Kovil, an iconic emblem of Hinduism, and Jaffna Library, one of the North’s most treasured and historic buildings.
In need of some downtime after all that adventure? You would be hard pushed to find more picturesque places in which to relax than Casuarina Beach, named after its resident coastal trees.
For a relaxing luxury break in northern Sri Lanka, it really doesn’t get better than the breath-taking new Jetwing Mahesa Bhawan – the perfect place to check in, put your feet up and relax at the end of an exciting day of exploration.
Factbox
Address: 3rd Cross Street, Jaffna 40000, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 114 709 400
Website: jetwinghotels.com/jetwingmahesabhawan/
LLM – Luxury Lifestyle Magazine may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. The links are independently placed by our Commerce team and do not influence editorial content. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use.
