Megalithic Burial Grounds of Anaikoddai lies close the inner most point of the bay, about 500 meters inwards. An archaeological survey has been carried out in this to study early settlements in the 1980.
Dr. Ragupathi records Verappitti site as a mound of considerable size facing the sea in an area of about 5 acres. He records chiselled corel stones still having traces of lime plaster on them, semi-circular stepping stones (possibly an Moonstone) made out of Jaffna limestone, stones with sockets which was used as pillar bases and tiles scattered in the vicinity confirming the type of structure of the remains of this site.
Ariyalai is long stip of sandy land projecting out to the sea from the Jaffna peninsula lying between Jaffna and the main land. The whole strip at Ariyalai is strategically a vital one for the communication system of the Peninsula. This strip is separated from the Manniththalai stretch of the mainland of Sri Lanka by the narrow Jaffna lagoon.
The major site of this complex is Kumpuruppitti where Dr Ragupathy records structural remains and artifacts scattered in an area of 10-15 acres. He records a mound with limestone slabs and chiselled coral stones resembling a stupa. Grooved tiles were noticed in concentrations on one side of this mound, which has become a pond because of heavy earth-scooping.
A limestone torso of Buddha found among a ancient pottery site at Tikali in Pungudutivu of Jaffna peninsula is reported by Dr. Ponnampalam Ragupathy in his PhD thesis and its publication as “Early settlements in Jaffna : An Archaeological Survey” in 1987. No photo is found on this site or the torso found by Dr Ponnampalam.
Baldaeus, a Dutch preacher provides a brief description of this town, harbour and the church in 1672. The area has been rich in cotton trees and was well known for its cotton harvest. A fort has been built not so long ago during skirmishes with the British in this area.
The fort at Kayts was built by the Portuguese. Antonio Bocarro, who served as chronicler-general of the Portuguese State of India has made a note of the fort in 1635. He has called this fort “Fort at the Elephants Quay”.
Delft Island – This island was called by the Portuguese ilha das Vacas, had a fort built by them. The Dutch called it Delft Island. The tamils call it the Neduntheevu or Neduntivu.
The Nilavarai Bottomless Well is is caused by collapse of the top layer, exposing a limestone cavern connected to a underground water source. It is said that this well never dries up even during severe drought and the water is used by the farmers in the surrounding area.
The whole island of Delft is built on coral and limestone. The island is a typical remote Sri Lankan village. Simple housed built of coral and limestone, laid-back life and the most popular form of transport is bicycle.
The most significant item at Santhaiyaar Madam (Ambalama) in Manipay is the ancient pond which is the Pond built with the coral stone. The pond is about 12 meters long and slants towards the bottom of the tank from the side of the road. Steps has been built for easy access to the water when the water levels are low.
The church at Chankanai was initially built in 1641 by the Portuguese but later rebuilt by the Dutch. Only the massive walls with arches remain today of this building which is now protected as an archeology monument.
This U shaped Yamuna Eri pond in Nallur has been built during 1215–1240 or 1478–1519 based on the referance source. This is believed to be a part of the Sangiliyan Mansion in Nallur.
St James’ church in Nallur, is a one of the grandest British churches in Jaffna peninsula. It was opened in 1828 on the site of the original Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil which was destroyed by the Portuguese.
The ruins of the ancient Dutch Church lies adjoining the new St Anthony’s Church. Although the roof had caved in, the huge walls of the church stands tall by the beach on the sandy land.
An unkown small limestone cave can be found in Keeramale just before the Nakuleswaram Kovil near the freshwater spring. The cave lies in a bare land covered in scrub jungle just before the kovil. This is rather unknown and best obtain a villager to explore this site.
The limestone caves at Periya Mandapam is a true wonder of nature. A large open pit exposes a circle of caverns spreading in all directions. A large Tamarind (Siyambala) Tree stands at the center of the pit providing a natural roof for the caves.
The Pokkanai Bottomless Well is is caused by collapse of the top layer, exposing a limestone cavern connected to a underground water source. It is said that this well never dries up even during severe drought and the water is used by the farmers in the surrounding area.
A couple of limestone caves in Mayakkai, Jaffna peninsula from which prehistoric stone hand axes have been discovered. No proper scientific research has been carried out at this site yet.
With part of the Ruins of the Manalkadu Dutch Church buried under the sand due to continued attack of sandy winds for over 100 years, this land mark is provides a unique experience for the visitor.
