Elephant Pass

Elephant Pass (Tamil: யானைக்கடை) is a narrow isthmus connecting the Jaffna Peninsula to the mainland of Sri Lanka, located in the Kilinochchi District of Northern Province. It was a strategically vital location during the Sri Lankan Civil War, with a major military base controlling access to and from the Jaffna Peninsula. The name comes from the passage used by wild elephants crossing between the mainland and the peninsula.

Today Elephant Pass is a quiet area with salt pans, lagoons, and coastal scenery. The causeway crossing offers views of the Jaffna Lagoon on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. Since the war ended in 2009, the area has been demilitarised and is returning to civilian use.

By Plane

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB IATA) is 350 km south. Jaffna Airport (JAF IATA) is 40 km north.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Kilinochchi (20 km south) on the Colombo–Jaffna line.

By Car / Road

Elephant Pass is on the A9 highway, 40 km south of Jaffna and 300 km north of Colombo. Buses between Jaffna and Colombo stop here.

Tuk-tuks from nearby towns.

Elephant Pass Causeway — The narrow isthmus with views of the lagoon and ocean. Salt Pans — Traditional salt production is a major industry. War Memorials — Several memorials to the conflict. Elephant Pass Fort — Remains of a colonial-era fort.

Photograph the scenic causeway. Visit the salt pans. Learn about the area's wartime history.

Basic roadside restaurants.

King coconut water. Tap water not safe.

Limited accommodation. Most visitors stay in Jaffna or Kilinochchi.

Local salt products.

• Jaffna (40 km north, 45 min) — Cultural capital.
• Kilinochchi (20 km south, 25 min) — Former LTTE capital.
• Mullaitivu (40 km east, 1 hr) — Coastal town.
• Mannar (100 km southwest, 2 hr) — Island town with Dutch fort.