Nainativu Island

Nainativu, reached by ferry from Kurikattuwan jetty (about 90 minutes north of Jaffna), is a small island in the Palk Strait famous for two ancient religious sites sitting almost side by side. The Nagapooshani Amman Kovil is an important Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess who protects against snakebite, decorated in vivid colours and busy with worshippers. A short walk away, the Nagadeepa Vihara marks a site traditionally associated with one of the Buddha's legendary visits to Sri Lanka.

The ferry crossing takes about 30 minutes and passes through shallow turquoise water over a lagoon reef — on a clear day the visibility is remarkable. Arrive early at the jetty to secure a good spot on the boat. Day trips from Jaffna combining Nainativu with a stop at Delft Island are possible but require an early start.

things to do sight temple island
A story
On the same small island, separated by only a few hundred metres, sit a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Nagapooshani and a Buddhist vihara marking the spot where the Buddha is said to have visited Sri Lanka on his second legendary visit to the island. Pilgrims from both traditions come to the same jetty and walk in opposite directions. The coexistence is quiet and seems entirely natural to the people who live and worship here.