Also known as Dumbara Hills, the Knuckles Range was so named by the British for its resemblance to the knuckles of a clenched fist. The range consists of five main peaks and several smaller ones, the highest of which is over 1,800 m.

A UNESCO World Heritage Conservation Area and a bio-diversity hotspot, the mountain range supports a wide range of flora and fauna. The vegetarian varies from dry evergreen forests to wet grasslands. These ecosystems support numerous animal species, such as deer, wild boar, langurs and even slender loris; as well as a rich variety of birds.

The knuckles Range is also a popular trekking designation. It is possible to wander unaccompanied, but for longer walks it is advisable to hire a guide. The walk begins through the lowlands, which are dotted with small villages, before winding through montane forest and past waterfalls. There are excellent vistas from the many viewpoints or from any of the peaks.

Stretching out into the waters of the Palk Strait, the Jaffna Islands lie to the west of the Jaffna Peninsula. A trip to this string of small islands can feel like journeying to the end of the earth- they are sparsely populated, with white sand, blue sea and palmyra trees. Kayts, Karaitivu and Pungudutivu are connected to the mainland by causeways, whereas Nainativu and Delft can only be accessed by boat. For a relaxing day on the beach, Karaitivu or Kayts are the best opinions, while the more isolated Delft is the place for those seeking to get away from it all. Besides providing a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the cities, these islands also offer some superb bird-watching.

• Delft

The most remote of Jaffna’s inhabited islands, Delft is known for its wild ponies, descendants of horses first introduces by the Portuguese. West of the ferry dock stand the ruins of a coral Dutch fort, while to the dock’s south is an immense baobab tree. The island also has some peaceful swaths of sand.

• Nainativu

This island is great religious importance to Hindus as well as Buddhists. The Naga Pooshani Ambal Kovil is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Ambal. The Buddhist Nagadipa Vihara features a silver dagobathat marks the spot of the Buddha’s second visit to Sri Lanka. Across the road by bo tree is a seven-headed cobra fountain, where pilgrims often pose for photographs.

• Kayts

The largest of these islands, Kayts is the nearest to Jaffna. South of the island is the Chatty (Velanai) Beach, a popular stretch of sand. To the northwest is Kayts town, from where are ferries to Karaitivu. The town also affords excellent views of the off-shore Hammenhiel Fort, which dates from the 17^th century.

• Karaitivu

The highlight here is Casuarina Beach, which lies on the north end of the island. Popular with locals and foreign tourists, this beach is safe for swimming. Basic facilities such as changing rooms and toilets are available on the beach.

Located at the northernmost tip of Sri Lanka, the fertile Jaffna Peninsula is still fairly isolated from the rest of the country. Some evidence of the Civil War still remains in the form of roofless buildings and heavily militarized areas, but temples are being repainted and renovated, and houses are being rebuilt. Travelling around this primarily rural peninsula is an excellent way to catch glimpses of a world that remains untouched by modernity. Attractions include multiple kovilswith their extravagantly decorated interiors and colorful goburams, and ancient dagobas steeped in history. Visitors may even come across Hindu religious processing making their way through the villages.

• Kandharodai

10 km N of Jaffna. Open daily. Note; Armed guards present at site. Shoes should be removed before entering. An unusual and atmospheric spot, Kandharodai is an archaeological site comprising a cluster of squat miniature dagobas. They are thought to be around 2,000 years old, although their exact purpose of significance remains a mystery. According to some, the dagobas enshrine remains of monks. Another theory indicates that they were constructed and consecrated in fulfillment of prayers. Other finds from excavations of the site are on display in the Archaeological Museum in Jaffna.

• Nilavarai Well

Located at the peninsula’s northern edge are the Keerimalai hot springs, one for men and one for women. The latter is walled but the men’s pool has a good view of the sea. According to local folklore, a 7^th century Chola princess had such a disfigured face that she bathed in these waters and was curved off affliction. In gratitude, she ordered the construction of the Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple, found south of area.

The springs attract many visitors who come to immerse themselves in the therapeutic waters. There is another temple, the Naguleswaram Sive Kovil, nearby. The damage it sustained in the late 1990s is no longer apparent and the interior has been repainted in a riot of colors.

• Valvedditturai

30km NE of Jaffna. Former site of Prabhakaran’s house. A fishing town, Valveddditturai is most famous as the birth place of the founder of the LTTE, Velupillai Prabhakaran. However, the elusive guerilla leader’s childhood home was destroyed in 2010. Valvedditturai has a couple of interesting temples, including the Amman Temple towards the east of the village. Behind this shrine is a temple dedicated to Shiva, formerly owned by Prabhakaran’s family.

• Point Pedro

Note: photography is generally not permitted but it is worth asking the sentry for permission. The lighthouse cannot be visited. Point Pedro is the peninsula’s second largest town and its lighthouse marks Sri Lanka’s northern most point. The lighthouse, unfortunately, is still considered a High Security Zone and cannot be visited. However, the road on front can be accessed and visitors may be able to photograph the lighthouse with the permission of the sentry stationed nearby. Fisherman’s beach, located just 2 km beyond the military zone, is attractive and worth a stroll.

• Manalkadu Desert

Towards the south of Point Pedro is a stretch of white-sand coastal dunes, somewhat grandly called the Manalkadu Desert. The remains of St Anthony’s Church, dating from the early 20^th century, can be seen here, half-buried in the sand. Nearby is a group of grave markers, mostly dating to the 2004 tsunami. There is also a beach lapped by bright blue water. However, the remains of houses destroyed by the tsunami have not yet been cleared, and getting to the beach would involve navigating through them.

• Vallipuram

Once considered to be one of Jaffna’s main town, Vallipuram still attracts visitors who come to see the kovildedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple is second only in size to the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. It underwent extensive renovation in 2012, during which a new roof was installed and the building repainted.

Located in a Colonial-era building dating from 1877, the Colombo National Museum was founded by Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon. The museum houses a plethora of interesting collections that provide a good introduction to the island’s temples and ancient cities. The most engaging galleries on the ground floor are 2 to 5, which feature exhibits from the Anuradhapura period through to the Kandyan era. The highlight here is the elaborate Kandyan throne, which was used by the last king of Kandy, Sri WickramaRajasinghe. Upstairs, there are several paintings, masks, coins, jewellery, puppets and a skeleton of a blue whale that washed ashore in 1984.

Part of the same complex as the Colombo National Museum, this museum is dated and dusty but those interested in the island’s diverse flora and fauna may find it appealing. There are various specimens in jars, including a pickled two-headed goat by the entrance, and informative display panels. Next door, the National Art Gallery comprises a large room displaying paintings by Sri Lankan artists in a range of styles. Notable among these are canvases by George Keyt. Temporary exhibitions are held in the room.

A short walk southeast from Beira Lake lies the Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s most important Buddhist shrines as well as the focus of the NavamPerahera festival. The temple was established during Sri Lanka’s 19^th century Buddhist revival, and comprises an usual mix of Minimalist and modern Indian architectural styles. The temple complex is made up of a group of buildings clustered around the main courtyard with a dagobaat the centre and a bo tree growing out of a raised platform. This is also where the temple elephant can be seen.

Located across the courtyard is the main image house – home to a large orange-robed Buddha in meditation pose, flanked by elephant tusks and surrounded by devotees. Although the statue is brightly colored and overpowering, the effect is nonetheless impressive. It is also worth looking around to appreciate the carvings on the walls and along the base of the image house.

The wooden pavilion opposite the image house is the library, where piles of antique ola-leaf manuscripts are flanked by Buddha statues from abroad. The upper floor can be accessed via the bo tree terrace, and a walk along the adjacent balcony affords a good overview of the complex. Just off the courtyard, the temple museum contains an extraordinary collection of gifts accumulated over the years – ranging from Buddha statues to cameras. The 1930s Mercedes Benz parked outside was also presented to the temple and is a popular photo opportunities.

Visitors must take their shoes off inside the temple. Note, however, that the floor here can get very hot from the sun, so it is advisable to bring a pair of socks.

A large, grassy strip of lawn with a promenade facing the Indian Ocean and the busy Galle Face Centre Road running behind it, Galle Face Green is a Colombo landmark. The Green was laid out in 1859 by Sir Henry Ward, who was the governor of British Ceylon from 1855 to 1860. There is a plaque commemorating him along the promenade. The lawn was formerly used by British colonials for horse racing. Nowadays, it is a communal space where locals gather when the heat of the sun has faded. Kite flying is a popular activity here during weekends and holidays.

The promenade makes for a pleasant stroll and many hawkers sell foods, kites and children’s toys along the seafront. However, scammers and con artists prey on tourists here, so it is advisable to always be on guard.

Housed in the well-preserved building of the former Colombo Terminus station, this museum is somewhat difficult to find, but train enthusiasts will find it worth a visit. The main room displays station clocks, various signs and railway crockery. The station platform showcases a collection of old locomotives, of which the Class 040ST, a stream engine, is the star attraction.

Built in the 19^th century, this Catholic Church is dedicated to St Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of lost and stolen articles. St Anthony is usually portrayed holding the infant Jesus in his arms, and a dozen such statues greet devotes both outside and inside the church. However, the most venerated statue of the saint can be seen on the side altar. Brought from Goa in India by a member of the church’s congregation in 1822, the statue is thought to have miraculous properties.

The church is particularly busy on Tuesdays when people from all over the country, both Catholic and non-Catholic, come to pray to St Anthony, who was buried on a Tuesday in 1263. The church is especially worth visiting on St Anthony’s Feast Day, when it is decorated with brightly colored lights reminiscent of Catholic celebrations around the world.

Dominating the area known as Kayman’s Gate is the Moorish-style Old town Hall, which was built in 1873. The two-strorey building served as the premises of the Colombo Municipal Council for 65 years, after which it fell into disrepair and was used as a public market. In 1984, the building was restored and reopened as a municipal museum that is now largely defunct. Today, it is possible to climb the stairs to the second floor to see a reconstruction of a council meeting, with wax figures seated around a table. The western side of the building is lined by some picturesque fruit and vegetable stalls.

The adjoining wrought-iron market building houses industrial and municipal artifacts, including the first mobile library in Sri Lanka, a streamroller and old street signage.