Itineraries - Sri Lanka - page 58

trees. From remote Talaimannar , Adam's Bridge, a chain of reefs and islets, almost forms
a land bridge to India.
Hook around again to the Jaffna peninsula. On the mainland near the coast, 13km east
of Mannar Town, imposing Thirukketeeswaram Kovil is one of the pancha ishwaram ,
the five historical Sri Lankan Shiva temples established to protect the island from natural
disaster.
As you head north on the much-improved A9 highway, stop at Murukandy's tiny Ank-
aran Temple . Locals believe that a prayer here will ensure a safe journey. Further on, mar-
vel at the wetlands beauty as you cross the Elephant Pass causeway to Jaffna , where the
rich Tamil culture is rebounding and temples on shady backstreets await exploration.
Visit Keerimalai Spring , a sacred site with legendary bathing pools. It's close to the
Naguleswaram Shiva Kovil, which traces its past to the 6th century BC. Your next destina-
tion is Point Pedro , with its long swath of lonely white sand at Munai Beach.
Jaffna has nearby islands well worth exploring for their sheer minimalistic beauty, in-
cluding Nainativu , a tiny speck of sand with Buddhist and Hindu temples, and Ne-
duntivu , a windswept place beyond the end of the road where wild ponies roam.