Casuarina Beach
The best-known beach in the north, a long stretch of shallow, calm water shaded by casuarina trees on the island of Karainagar, popular for a gentle swim.
On the northern edge of Karativu Island in the Jaffna Peninsula, connected to the mainland by a causeway, Casuarina Beach is widely regarded as the finest stretch of coastline anywhere in the north, named for the whispering casuarina trees that line its shore and offer welcome shade against the open sky. Unlike the shallow, wave broken beaches found further south, Casuarina's water stays remarkably calm and shallow for a considerable distance out, gentle enough that visitors can wade far into the sea without the sand dropping away beneath them, a genuinely rare quality along Sri Lanka's coastline.
For decades, the beach's pristine condition owed itself to circumstances no one would have chosen, restricted access during the LTTE conflict kept the area largely untouched by development or heavy tourist traffic. Since the war ended in 2009, Casuarina has opened up considerably, becoming one of the most visited attractions in the Jaffna area, its crystal clear shallows and quiet, palm and casuarina lined shore drawing both local families and travelers exploring the north for the first time.
Roughly 20 km from Jaffna town, the beach makes for an easy half day excursion, swimming, gentle water sports and simply walking the shoreline the main draws, with a scattering of small cafes and stalls nearby offering refreshments. For anyone who's spent time on the busier, rougher beaches of the south coast, Casuarina offers something genuinely different, calm, shallow water framed by a coastline that's only recently reopened to the wider world after decades of restricted access.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Free
- Opening hours: Open all day
- Time needed: Half day
- Best time: May to September, the northern dry season
Getting there
On Karainagar island, about 20km northwest of Jaffna across the causeways.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Casuarina Beach?
- Free.
- What are the opening hours at Casuarina Beach?
- Open all day.
- How long should I spend at Casuarina Beach?
- Plan for half day.
- When is the best time to visit Casuarina Beach?
- May to September, the northern dry season.
- How do I get to Casuarina Beach?
- On Karainagar island, about 20km northwest of Jaffna across the causeways.