This is the Jaffna & the North chapter from Lonely Planet's Sri Lanka guidebook.

With towering, rainbow Hindu temples, colourful saris draped effortlessly over women on bicycles and warm breezes carrying the sweet fragrance of fruit trees, the North is a different world. From the language to the cuisine to religion, Tamil culture has its own rhythms.

• explore Jaffna's charming market and the smells of local coffee, fruit and cigars
• maps
• glide across the waters to the islands of Nainativu or Neduntivu
• transport
• heal your ills in the sacred waters of Keerimalai spring
• restaurants & accommodation

Coverage includes: Vavuniya, Mannar Island & Around, Jaffna, Jaffna Peninsula and Jaffna's Islands.