Chankanai

Chankanai (Tamil: சங்கானை) is a coastal town in the Jaffna District of Northern Province, located about 15 km west of Jaffna. It is a predominantly Tamil town known for its Christian heritage — St. Anne's Church is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in northern Sri Lanka. The annual St. Anne's Festival attracts thousands of devotees.

Chankanai is also known for its salt production and fishing industry. The town has a mix of Hindu and Christian religious sites and a quiet coastal atmosphere. Climate is hot and dry, best visited December–March.

By Plane

Jaffna Airport (JAF IATA) is 20 km east.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Jaffna (15 km east).

By Car / Road

Chankanai is 15 km west of Jaffna on the road to Kayts. Buses from Jaffna take 25 minutes.

Tuk-tuks.

St. Anne's Church — A major Catholic pilgrimage site with a large church and shrine. The annual festival in July/August draws large crowds. Salt Pans — Traditional salt production along the coast. Hindu temples — Several local temples.

Visit St. Anne's Church. Tour the salt pans. Walk along the coast.

Local restaurants serve Tamil cuisine and seafood.

King coconut water. Tap water not safe.

Basic guesthouses. Most visitors stay in Jaffna.

Salt products, dried fish.

• Jaffna (15 km east, 20 min) — Cultural capital.
• Kayts (10 km west, 15 min) — Island with Dutch fort.
• Karainagar (12 km northwest, 20 min) — Island with Casuarina Beach.
• Velanai (8 km west, 12 min) — Island with temples.