Jaffna

People are very friendly, happy to have visitors, thrilled if you speak a little Tamil (unless you’re Tamil, then they’ll expect it of course). If you enjoy a slow pace, warm weather and hot food, it’s perfect.

It’s also a recovering war zone, so try to make yourself useful.

Two of the most western-style (design-wise, not the food) restaurants in town are Cozy, on a small street off of Stanley Rd a little ways up from the Buddhist temple, and Palm Beach Restaurant, also on Stanley Road but closer to downtown.