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Jaffna Public Library

Must see
Jaffna Sri Lanka
798809 80.011808 9.662194
74%
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  • 74
    Good
    20 review
  • 60-120
    hours
    DURATION

About About the place

The Jaffna Public Library stands as a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation in Northern Sri Lanka. Originally one of the largest libraries in Asia, it was tragically destroyed during the Sri Lankan Civil War in 1981, resulting in the loss of a vast collection of books and manuscripts. Rebuilt with international assistance, the modern library serves as a functioning public library and a poignant reminder of the region's turbulent past. While architecturally impressive, access for visitors is currently limited to specific areas and times.

Best for

The Jaffna Public Library is best suited for those interested in history, architecture, and cultural landmarks. It is particularly meaningful for those with a connection to Sri Lankan Tamil heritage.

Best season

The dry season (December to March) offers the most pleasant weather for visiting Jaffna.

Best time to visit

Weekdays are likely to be less crowded than weekends. Late afternoon (4:30 PM - 6:30 PM) is the only time visitors are generally permitted inside.

Tips by Locals

Accessibility

The library building is generally accessible with level access to some areas. However, access to upper floors may be limited. Footwear is sometimes requested to be removed, though this is inconsistently enforced. Information regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities is limited.

Kid friendly

The library is not specifically geared towards children, but the gardens provide a safe outdoor space. Stroller access is possible in some areas. There are no dedicated changing rooms or kid-specific activities.

Pet friendly

Pets are not allowed inside the library.

Food facilities/restaurants/cafes

There are no food facilities within the library itself. However, Jaffna city center offers a variety of cafes and restaurants within walking distance. Restrooms are available.

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Location

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Best photo spots

Shoot from Zabeel Park ground level for symmetry

Shoot from the glass floor Look straight down for a unique perspective of the ground below.

Shoot from Zabeel Park ground level for symmetry

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What travellers say about Jaffna Public Library

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Travellers Reviews

20%
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(20 Reviews)
Recommended
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20

Reviews that mentioned

DelphineMoquin
Jaffna
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It is the most beautiful building I witnessed which is architecturally detailed. The building structure was royal and the building exhibits a regal vibe to it. Visiting this place was an amazing experience and the place is truly a stunning place.

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ErikKleist
Jaffna
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This is an amazing place and a must see for all the visitors. It is adorned with beautiful interiors and historic walls. The stories of the past of this building are incredible and the view is just awesome.

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AdalgeirBernodusson
Jaffna
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This is one of the most iconic and interesting buildings of the city where the architecture of this place speaks volume of its importance. It is a great place to visit and its tour throws some light on the history and working of this place.. We planned our trip around this city keeping in mind that we have to make a check of all the iconic landmarks of the city since this place is full of it and by the end of our trip, we were glad to have done it all. It was an amazing feeling of accomplishment and we had a lot of fun enjoying our tour.

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KarolineLynge
Jaffna
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This is a historic building and is restored over the time which has turned this place into a beautiful building which is so gorgeous that you cannot take your eyes off it. The interior of this building is made with so much intricate detailing that it looks stunning. I was truly taken aback with the beauty of this place.. It is the most beautiful building I witnessed which is architecturally detailed. The building structure was royal and the building exhibits a regal vibe to it. Visiting this place was an amazing experience and the place is truly a stunning place.

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MaxMeister
Jaffna
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It is the most beautiful building I witnessed which is architecturally detailed. The building structure was royal and the building exhibits a regal vibe to it. Visiting this place was an amazing experience and the place is truly a stunning place.

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JosephMartin
Jaffna
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It is the most beautiful building I witnessed which is architecturally detailed. The building structure was royal and the building exhibits a regal vibe to it. Visiting this place was an amazing experience and the place is truly a stunning place.

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KatherineDuffy
Jaffna
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It is the most beautiful building I witnessed which is architecturally detailed. The building structure was royal and the building exhibits a regal vibe to it. Visiting this place was an amazing experience and the place is truly a stunning place.

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ScottHunter
Jaffna
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It is the most beautiful building I witnessed which is architecturally detailed. The building structure was royal and the building exhibits a regal vibe to it. Visiting this place was an amazing experience and the place is truly a stunning place.

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PeterHenry
Jaffna
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It is the most beautiful building I witnessed which is architecturally detailed. The building structure was royal and the building exhibits a regal vibe to it. Visiting this place was an amazing experience and the place is truly a stunning place.

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ElwiraLind
Jaffna
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It was one the greatest experiences we had. We loved the place and more than the place the people were simply amazing. The hospitality and the warmth provided to us was beyond expectation and we are forever grateful.

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PetrineSandgreen
Jaffna
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The place is so beautiful that I could not take my eyes off it. The place is a heritage building which has stunning architecture and the Victorian style walls are simply amazing. We visited the place on a weekday and it had a lot of people. But things were arranged in a proper way and we could have the tour nicely.

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MartinaBayer
Jaffna
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This is a must visit place in the city and it is beautiful. The place is centrally located and you can easily reach it. The stories and the facts of this place are very interesting and make way for an entertaining tour.

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SarahODonnell
Jaffna
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This is a must visit place in the city and it is beautiful. The place is centrally located and you can easily reach it. The stories and the facts of this place are very interesting and make way for an entertaining tour.

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DaniellePGulledge
Jaffna
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We were so excited to visit this place but were thoroughly disappointed while reaching and looking at the mismanaged affair. The place was crowded with tourists and there was no system to arrange them. The staff was also very rude.

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MakaryDuda
Jaffna
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This is an amazing place and a must see for all the visitors. It is adorned with beautiful interiors and historic walls. The stories of the past of this building are incredible and the view is just awesome.

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AgnesRouthier
Jaffna
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There was nothing special about this speciality hotel and it was such a disappointment. The place was literally in ruins and it pinches me to see all my money goes to waste. The rooms were really dirty and unkept and the service was pathetic. I won’t recommend this to anyone and it was the worst experience.

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RolfGrimsrud
Jaffna
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This is a beautiful city which is so nice to visit. The location here is stunning and the views are beautiful. The city is blessed with a lot of ancient buildings and historic places which makes this place really beautiful and nice to go around. We really enjoyed this city and will definitely come back again.

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JesajaLubbers
Jaffna
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It is the most beautiful building I witnessed which is architecturally detailed. The building structure was royal and the building exhibits a regal vibe to it. Visiting this place was an amazing experience and the place is truly a stunning place.

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AstridGregersen
Jaffna
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This is an excellent restaurant which is the new opening in the town and also the talk of the town. The delicacies prepared here are awesome and delicious. The chefs have all come from outside and serve the best of gourmet food. It was exotic and tasty array of food and I highly recommend this place to everyone. Just awesome!!. The place was great, ambience was amazing and the food was delicious and it brought back a lot of memories of your childhood days since the concept of the place was to make customers nostalgic about the comfort food everyone used to have. It was simply incredible.

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PascalSorel
Jaffna
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This is a must visit place in the city and it is beautiful. The place is centrally located and you can easily reach it. The stories and the facts of this place are very interesting and make way for an entertaining tour.

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