Point Pedro

Point Pedro (Tamil: பருத்தித்துறை, Paruthiththurai) is a coastal town in the Jaffna District of Northern Province, located at the northernmost point of Sri Lanka. It is the second-largest town in the Jaffna Peninsula after Jaffna city. The name derives from the Portuguese "Ponta das Pedras" (Point of Rocks). Point Pedro was heavily affected by the Sri Lankan Civil War but has been rebuilding since 2009.

The town is known for its cashew cultivation, tobacco farming, and textile production. The coastline features sandy coves and rocky headlands. Point Pedro Lighthouse marks the northernmost point of the island. The population is predominantly Tamil. The climate is hot and dry, best visited December–March.

By Plane

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB IATA) is 400 km south. Jaffna Airport (JAF IATA) is 30 km southwest, with domestic flights from Colombo.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Jaffna (30 km southwest). The railway line to Point Pedro was damaged during the war and is being restored.

By Car / Road

Point Pedro is 30 km north of Jaffna city via the B267 and A9 highways. Buses from Jaffna take 45 minutes. Colombo is 400 km via the A9.

Tuk-tuks are the main transport. Bicycles are common for local travel.

Point Pedro Lighthouse — A lighthouse at the northernmost point of Sri Lanka. Northernmost Point of Sri Lanka — A marker indicating the island's northern extremity. Samalapuram Temple — A historic Hindu temple. Cashew plantations — The area is known for cashew cultivation. Coastal scenery — Sandy coves and rocky coastline.

Visit the northernmost point of Sri Lanka for a photo. Explore the local cashew industry. Walk along the coastline.

Local Tamil restaurants serve dosa, idli, rice and curry, and seafood. Jaffna-style crab curry is a specialty.

King coconut water. Fresh fruit juices. Palmyrah toddy (local drink). Tap water not safe.

Basic guesthouses from Rs 1,500–3,000/night. Most visitors stay in Jaffna and visit as a day trip.

Cashew nuts — Point Pedro is famous for cashews. Textiles and handloom products.

• Jaffna (30 km southwest, 45 min) — Cultural capital of Tamil Sri Lanka.
• Nallur (25 km southwest, 40 min) — Historic Nallur Kandaswamy Temple.
• Kayts (20 km west, 30 min) — Island with Dutch fort.
• Delft Island (30 km west, 1 hr by ferry) — Unique island with baobab trees and wild ponies.
• Karainagar (25 km west, 40 min) — Island with beaches and historical sites.