Kilinochchi: Paddy Plains and the Road North to Jaffna
Kilinochchi is the main town on the A9 highway between Vavuniya and Jaffna, set among wide paddy plains in the northern dry zone. Heavily affected by the civil war and since rebuilt, it is now a growing town that most travellers pass through on the way north, though it rewards a pause.
Landmarks
The toppled water tower on the edge of town has been kept as a war memorial, and there are other quiet memorials nearby. They give a sober sense of the region’s recent history.
Iranamadu tank
The large Iranamadu irrigation tank near town feeds the surrounding rice fields and is a peaceful spot at sunrise and sunset, with birdlife along its bunds.
Getting there
Kilinochchi is directly on the A9, easily reached by bus or train on the northern line between Vavuniya and Jaffna, making it a simple stop on the journey north.
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