Yonder
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Brand new in 2016, the Jetwing Jaffna is the only modern hotel in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, that can offer comfort and international standards. It’s a bit bland and, unusually for a Jetwing, doesn’t have much in the way of facilities at the moment however its location is superb. It’s in the centre of town and just a five-minute drive from the train station.
Whilst the hotel is somewhat unremarkable, from the outside being a modern, eight-storey, concrete building, the interior design draws on local Tamil influences. The restaurant has intricately carved screens over the windows, the tables and chairs are heavy teak wood and the cuisine is sublime southern Indian. In fact, one of our best authentic Sri Lankan breakfasts was eaten here.
We loved the Sri Lankan breakfast. Unlike those in the south, this was a feast of rich curries and delicious dosas – and even if you aren’t usually partial to curry in the mornings (in our view, you can’t get too much of a good thing!), the coconut milk porridge is a delight too.
The daily life of traders in the nearby bazaar hasn’t changed for centuries. Venture just a little further and you’ll hit Gold Street, famous for the Jaffna jewellers. Bargain hard for some Jaffna bangles, an iconic item.
