By far the best part of exploring Northern Sri Lanka is happening upon everyday life. Rural life vs. Urban life is different in any country, but I think it’s more pronounced when you’re recovering from a war and are in a less developed country.
Bicycles are the primary form of transportation in Jaffna and I would bet most of the North. All the bike riding makes me wish we’d ride our bikes more in cities, but I’m so sure that’s how people in the North would view it. It’s HOT in the North, hence the umbrella bike riding.

Jaffna House built in 1933. You need the mosquito nets since so many houses have open air spaces to allow things to cool off during the day and night.
And saving the best for last, ice cream! Jaffna is known for it’s awesome ice cream and Rio is the arguably the most popular spot. Check out these photos for proof. Over the course of an hour long stop there on a Sunday night we probably saw a hundred or so people walk in and out. It’s a VERY popular place and it has a prime location right next to the Nallur Kovil. As an ice cream aficionado, I’d say it’s pretty tasty. Yum.
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