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Along the northern boundary of the Jaffna Peninsula stand four lighthouses, accompanied by several colonial-era forts once built to safeguard the valuable cargo departing from Pearl Island. From west to east, the first is the Kovilan Point Lighthouse on Karaitivu Island, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Next is the Ilavalai Lighthouse, followed by the Kankesanthure Lighthouse (Kankesanthurai Lighthouse). At the easternmost point stands the Point Pedro Lighthouse.
Ilavalai is a small fishing village located between Keeramalai and Dambakolapatuna Viharaya on the northern shoreline of the Jaffna Peninsula. Near its small fishing harbor stands a recently constructed lighthouse.
The Ilavalai Lighthouse is square in design, with a hollow central shaft. A cement stairway leads to the top platform. Unlike traditional lighthouses equipped with parabolic reflectors, this structure uses a single powerful light to guide fishing boats approaching the shore.
Also See
- Lighthouses of Sri Lanka
- Attractions of Sri Lanka
- Heritage of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Ilavalai Lighthouse in Jaffna
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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Travel Directions to Ilavalai Lighthouse in Jaffna
Jaffna can be reached through two principal routes. The most commonly used approach is via Elephant Pass, which has long served as the traditional gateway to the Jaffna Peninsula.
An alternative route reaches Jaffna from the direction of Pooneryn by crossing the Sangupiddy Bridge. This crossing follows what was historically the ancient route to the peninsula before the construction of modern highways. The route provides a connection between Jaffna and the Mannar region.
| Route 01 from Colombo to Jaffna Through Kurunegala (Popular Route) | Route 02 from Colombo to Jaffna Through Puttalam and Pooneryn (Lesser Traveled Route) |
| Through : Kurunegala – Dambulla – Anuradhapura – Vavuniya Distance: 410 km Travel Time: 7-8 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps. | Through: Puttalam – Thantirimale – Mannar – Poonaryn Distance: 408 km Travel Time: 8 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps. |
| Route from Jaffna Town to Ilavalai Lighthouse in Jaffna |
| Through : KKS Road Distance : 18 km Travel time : 35 minutes Driving directions : see on Google Maps |
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