Sankanai
Discover Chankanai & Surrounding Heritage
Explore historic churches, ancient temples, archaeological sites, sacred water places and cultural heritage destinations of the Chankanai region.
Chankanai Tourism & Heritage
Discover places of religious, archaeological, historical and cultural importance across Chankanai and surrounding villages.
Colonial Heritage
Explore churches and architectural evidence associated with Portuguese, Dutch and later periods.
Ancient Temples
Visit historic Hindu temples connected with the religious and cultural heritage of Jaffna.
Archaeological Heritage
Discover archaeological evidence, inscriptions, ancient structures and historic locations.
Explore Our Heritage
Church – Dutch Period
Historic architecture and archaeological evidence associated with the Dutch period.
Ponnalai Varatharaja Perumal Temple
A famous Vishnu temple associated with the Koorma Avathara tradition.
Paralai Vinayagar Temple
A historic temple connected with the period of the Jaffna Kings and an over 500-year-old chariot.
Thunaivi Temple
A historic stone temple associated with Grantha script inscriptions and two shrines.
Vaddukoddai Church
Historic church with artistic inscriptions and a heritage connected with Dutch and American missionary periods.
Thiruvadinilai
A sacred water heritage location associated with traditional offerings to ancestors.
Places of Historical & Cultural Importance
Select a category or search for a specific destination.
Church (Dutch Period)
A historic religious structure displaying evidence of Dutch-period architecture. The present structure reflects an important part of the colonial heritage of the area.
🏛️ Nature of the Place
The church was initially constructed by the Portuguese. The present structure uses coral rocks and stones. Some stones were derived from the destroyed Ponnalai Varatharaja Perumal Temple.
📜 Evidence
Gazette No. 1486/2007 – 23 February 2007
📍 Location
J/180, Chankanai South
🚌 Access
Route 782 / 787 buses
⚠️ Special Controls
Pre-approval is required.
📏 Distance
0.5 km from Chankanai Main Bus Stand
🏢 Maintenance
Archaeological Research Center
☎️ Contact
Archaeological Research Center
Ponnalai Varatharaja Perumal Temple
A famous Vishnu temple with important religious traditions associated with the Thaksana Kailasa Purana and the Koorma Avathara.
🛕 Nature of the Place
According to the Thaksana Kailasa Purana, Vishnu appeared in the form of a tortoise (Koorma Avathara).
📍 Location
J/170, Ponnalai
🚌 Access
Route 782 bus to Moolai Junction and then continue by individual vehicle.
🙏 Discipline
Relevant culture and traditions should be maintained.
⚠️ Special Controls
- Drugs are prohibited.
- Non-vegetarian food is prohibited.
- Men should not enter wearing shirts.
- Footwear is not permitted.
📏 Distance
8 km from Chankanai Main Bus Stand
🏢 Maintenance
Paripalana Sabha
☎️ Contact
Paripalana Sabha
0776284439
🎉 Special Period
August and December festival periods, Ekadashi and Thiruvembavai.
Paralai Vinayagar Temple
A historic temple associated with the period of the Jaffna Kings. The site is especially notable for its chariot, which is described as being more than 500 years old.
🏛️ Historical Importance
The history of the temple is described in Paralai Vinayagar Pallu.
🛞 Special Feature
A chariot believed to be over 500 years old.
📍 Location
J/174, Chulipuram East
🚌 Access
Route 782 bus to Chulipuram Post Office, then continue by individual vehicle.
🙏 Discipline
Relevant culture and traditions should be maintained.
⚠️ Special Controls
- Drugs are prohibited.
- Non-vegetarian food is prohibited.
- Men should not enter wearing shirts.
- Footwear is not permitted.
📏 Distance
6 km from Chankanai Main Bus Stand
🏢 Maintenance
Paripalana Sabha
☎️ Contact
Paripalana Sabha
0776284439
🎉 Special Period
June festival and Pillayar Kathai.
Thunaivi Temple
A historic stone temple containing a visible Grantha-script inscription. The site consists of two temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva (Pirakatheesvarar).
🏛️ Historical Period
Believed to belong to the 15th–16th century A.D.
📐 Measurement
Approximately 50 × 125
📜 Historical Evidence
Grantha-script inscription.
📍 Location
J/159, Sangarathai
🚗 Access
Accessible by individual vehicle.
🙏 Discipline
Relevant culture and traditions should be maintained.
⚠️ Special Controls
- Drugs are prohibited.
- Non-vegetarian food is prohibited.
📏 Distance
6 km from Chankanai Main Bus Stand
🏢 Maintenance
Grama Niladhari – J/159, Sangarathai
☎️ Contact
Thushiyanthan
0774162295
Vaddukoddai Church
A historic church with artistic inscriptions. The site has connections with Dutch forces and later American mission activity. It contributed to the development of Catholic and Protestant religious traditions in the area.
🏛️ Nature of the Place
Built by Laurens Pyl Anno, Captain of Dutch forces, with its present appearance later influenced by the American mission.
📜 Evidence
1739/2011 – 30 December 2011
📍 Location
J/166, Vaddu South West
🚌 Access
Route 782 / 787 bus to Sithankerny, then Route 785 / 789 bus from Sithankerny.
🙏 Discipline
Relevant culture should be maintained.
⚠️ Special Controls
- Drugs are prohibited.
- Pre-approval is required.
📏 Distance
5 km from Chankanai Main Bus Stand
🏢 Maintenance
Bishop
☎️ Contact
Secretary, Vaddukoddai Church
TP No. 0772007585
🎉 Special Period
Christmas, Easter and Annual Festival.
Thiruvadinilai
One of the sacred water locations (Theertham), associated with traditional religious practices and offerings to ancestors.
💧 Nature of the Place
Traditionally regarded as a holy location for offering libations to the manes (Pithirkadan) since ancient times. The Nampotha is associated with this tradition.
📍 Location
J/174, Chulipuram East
🚌 Access
Route 782 bus to Chulipuram Junction, then continue by individual vehicle.
🙏 Discipline
Relevant culture should be maintained, particularly during festival days.
⚠️ Special Controls
Visitors should respect relevant cultural practices, especially on festival days.
📏 Distance
10 km from Chankanai Main Bus Stand
🏢 Maintenance
Grama Niladhari – J/174, Chulipuram East
☎️ Contact
Grama Niladhari – J/174, Chulipuram East
🎉 Special Days
Aadi Amavasai, Paralai Vinayagar Temple festival days and Ponnalai Varatharaja Perumal Temple festival days.
Visitor Guidelines
🌿 Respect Our Heritage
- Respect the religious and cultural traditions of each destination.
- Follow instructions given by site administrators.
- Obtain prior approval where required.
- Do not damage archaeological structures, inscriptions or historic buildings.
- Keep heritage sites clean and free from litter.
- Do not consume prohibited substances at religious or heritage locations.
- Follow temple dress and footwear regulations.
- Respect local communities and their traditions.
🏛️ Chankanai Tourism & Heritage
Chankanai • Ponnalai • Chulipuram • Sangarathai • Vaddukoddai
Explore • Respect • Preserve
Maruthankerny
Tourism & Heritage Places - Vadamaradchy East
Tourism & Heritage Places
Places of Historical & Cultural Importance
Vadamaradchy East Divisional Secretariat
Cultural & Heritage Places
Discover the Historical, Cultural and Natural Heritage of Vadamaradchy East
Pullaweli
Pullaweli St. Sebastiar Church
Manalkaddu
St. Antony Church – Manalkaddu
Chundikulam
Birds Sanctuary – Chundikulam
Nagarkovil
Nagarkovil Ancient Nagathambiran Temple
Pullaweli St. Sebastiar Church
Pullaweli St. Sebastiar Church
Reasons for its Importance
This is one of the oldest Churches which was declared in the year 1867 as a pilgrimage centre and it is the only church which was gazetted in the Vadamaradchy East DS Division.
Characteristics of this Place
In the early days when Kings were ruling, those who were from the coastal areas from Gurunagar came to do fishing in the year 1800. They put up a small hut, installed a statue and started worshiping.
Proof of Witness
This Church has been Gazetted in Gazette No. 1795/4 dated 28.01.2013 and has been included as an archaeological treasure.
Mode of Approach
After a certain distance, the location can be reached by walking, motorbike or push bicycle.
Arrangements
Water and toilet facilities are available only during the festival (Church feast) season.
🎉 Special Feast
The special feast of this Church is celebrated annually in July from the 2nd.
⚠️ Special Restrictions
Consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
📞 Contact Information
Divisional Secretariat, Vadamaradchy East
📞 0776164893
✉️ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Vettilaikerni J/432
📞 0771791850
Manalkaddu St. Antony Church
Manalkaddu St. Antony Church
Historical Background
The Church established in 1894 was later completely lost due to a sandstorm and now its structure is re-appearing. Thereafter, the new Church was built in 1925 in another place.
Characteristics of this Place
The cornerstone was laid by Rev. Fr. Olive in the year 1994. Rev. Fr. Gnanapragasam Mangaladas was ordained as the first Father of this Church.
Arrangements
Arrangements are provided as per the Archaeological Department.
⚠️ Special Restrictions
Consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
🎉 Church Feast
The Church Feast is annually conducted on 13th June.
📞 Contact Information
Divisional Secretariat, Vadamaradchy East
📞 0776164893
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Manatkadu J/419
📞 0770239371
Chundikulam Birds Sanctuary
Chundikulam Birds Sanctuary
Reasons for its Importance
This sanctuary is natural, friendly and surrounded by lakes. Various local and international birds flock to this attractive sanctuary from November to January.
🐦 Bird Watching Season
From November to January, visitors can witness various types of local and migratory birds.
Characteristics of this Place
Chundikulam Birds Sanctuary is situated in the north-east coastal belt of the Jaffna Peninsula in an area of 49.2 square kilometres.
The sanctuary is used by environmentalists, students and researchers for educational and research activities.
Mode of Approach
After a certain distance, the location can be reached by walking, motorbike or push bicycle.
📞 Contact Information
Divisional Secretariat, Vadamaradchy East
📞 0776164893
✉️ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Chundikulam J/435
📞 0770532133
Tourism & Cultural Heritage
Vadamaradchy East Divisional Secretariat
Nagarkovil Ancient Nagathambiran Temple
Nagarkovil Ancient Nagathambiran Temple
Reasons for its Importance
Among the famous Hindu temples in Vadamaradchy East, it takes pride of first place.
Although there are several Hindu Nagathambiran temples with Moorthy, Thalam, Theertham and Thalapulranam, Nagarkovil Nagathambiran Temple stands as one of the chief temples among them.
🐍 Religious Tradition
The temple has a longstanding association with Naga worship. According to the historical account, Naga tribes who lived in the area worshipped the cobra and referred to their king as "Thambiran". The temple therefore became known as Nagathambiran.
Historical Background
The temple is situated in the northern part of the Jaffna Peninsula and approximately 16 km east of Point Pedro town.
According to temple registration records, Nagarkovil Ancient Temple was registered in the year 1845.
Religious Importance
Devotees visit the Nagathambiran Temple to fulfil their vows and participate in its annual religious festivals.
Mode of Approach
After a certain distance, the location can be reached by walking, motorbike or push bicycle.
⚠️ Special Restrictions
Alcohol is prohibited. Men cannot wear shirts when entering the temple.
🎉 Annual Festival
The annual festival is held for 10 days during September.
The Kappal (ship) festival is held on the day after the full moon as the seventh-day festival and is celebrated on a grand scale.
📞 Contact Information
Divisional Secretariat, Vadamaradchy East
📞 0776164893
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Chundikulam J/424
📞 0776681528
Contact Information
Vadamaradchy East Divisional Secretariat
Divisional Secretariat, Vadamaradchy East
📞 0776164893
✉️ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Vadamaradchy East
Cultural & Heritage Places
🌴 Tourism & Heritage Places
Places of Historical & Cultural Importance
Vadamaradchy East Divisional Secretariat
Heritage Places
- ⛪ Pullaweli Church
- ⛪ St. Antony Church – Manalkaddu
- 🐦 Birds Sanctuary – Chundikulam
- 🛕 Nagarkovil Nagathambiran Temple
Cultural & Heritage Places