Do you want to,
enjoy a board ride to a small island to visit a fort?
know the history of a place?
Have delicious food?
Get a glimpse of the scenery and feel the peace and relaxation.
spend the night inside of a fort? Or to experience how will be the prisoner’s life?
Then Hammenhiel Fort is the place for you. It is well worth a visit if you are planning a trip to Jaffna.
Though Fort Hammenhiel is a historical place in Jaffna, it contains the best things to do in Jaffna and It’s one of the best places to visit in Jaffna.
The Hammenheil Fort is one of the most beautiful and intriguing historical sites in the Jaffna peninsula. The fort is hidden away in the small town of Karainagar, between the islands of Karainagar and Kayts, and is not well-known to tourists. Yet, those who do make the effort to visit this hidden gem are rewarded with a fascinating glimpse into the past.
How to visit Fort Hammenhiel from Jaffna town.
Jaffna Town => Karainagar => Karainagar Jetty => Fort Hammenhiel Resort
Why take a long and tiresome journey when you can make the trip via Jaffna to Ponnaly and Ponnalay Bridge to Karainagar a lot more enjoyable? Forget about 3.5km of broken roads near Vadukoddai junction – there’s an alternative route that is worth taking!
Come to Vaddukodai Junction and drive 1km on B437, then make a left turn on B436 road towards Ponnaly. It will take you through the two beautiful villages of Vaddukodai and Moolai. Yes, there are still parts with broken roads – but these are nothing compared to the stretch close to Vadukoddai Junction.
So don’t wait any longer – let’s get going!
When you go by bus,
You must take the Karainagar bus from the Jaffna bus terminal which will cost you LKR 140 and request the conductor to drop you off at Hammenhiel fort.
If you are unable to communicate in Tamil, try using English words and hand gestures. Some conductors know Sinhala.
This is a relatively inexpensive method to get there, but, the Fort Hammenhiel Resort is located at the beach, about 1km from the main road. So you have to walk there or take a Tuk Tuk for LKR 400. (as at 2nd Dec 2022).
Hiring a Motor Bike
Can hire a motor bicycle which will cost LKR1500-2500(as at 2nd Dec 2022). Use google Maps or refer to the mentioned road above.
Use local motorbike rental services in Jaffna or an International scooter rental provider. These are the few options I suggest, and I bear no responsibility for the services offered.
- Bobbi Scooter and Bicycle Rental- +94761026666
- Click Travel Mate – +94773040555
Fort Hammenhiel Meaning
When the Dutch saw the form of Ceylon, they recognized a likeness to a smoked ham.
Hammenhiel means “the heel of the ham,” and the charming small water fort is located at the spot where the shank bone protrudes.
Fort Hammenhiel History
The Hammenheil Fort was built by the Dutch in the 18th century. It was designed to be a self-sufficient fortress, with its water supply and defenses. The fort was only occupied for a short time, but it has well-preserved features that make it a fascinating site to explore. Visitors can still see the remains of the water system and the defensive walls.
In Sri Lanka, building forts to stave off attacks from abroad started in 1505. At that time, this place is an island full of corals.
when the Portuguese came and built a fort using woods and named it ‘Fortaleza Real’. To save rainwater for drinking, they used a wooden water tank.
After striking the water tank and weakening the Portuguese, the Dutch grabbed possession of the fort.
The fort was given the name Hammenheil by the Dutch.
In 1658, the Dutch chose to construct the fort using coral limestones after realizing that the wood fort had disintegrated owing to sea erosion and North-East Monsoon storms. Additionally, the Dutch built two quarters with 9 gun depots beneath them and 19 cannons positioned above.
Leprosy then spread across Jaffna once the British took control of the Fort. So, the British put leprosy patients in storage rooms till they passed away.
After the independence in 1948, it belonged to the Sri Lankan government. The government rented out two quarters to two powerful Dutch families from 1960 to 1969.
Department of Prison took charge of the fort in 1970.
After that, ,300 -350 inmates including Rohana Wijeweera( Leader of the political party Janatha Wimukthi Peramuna(JVP)), Loku Athula(N. Jayasinghe), Podi Athula( Victor Ivan) were in prison there during the revolution of 1971.
In Rohana Wijeweera’s cell, you can see a verse written by him about gathering around to lessen the misuse of private property.
Hammenheil Fortress was first assigned to the Sri Lanka Navy in 1980 and it was used as a place to detain wrongdoers till 2008.
In 2012, it was converted into a vibrant and luxurious holiday resort. Now, with its renovated quarters inside, it’s become an even more remarkable destination for visitors from all over the world.
Fort Hammenheil Restaurant
Beautiful restaurant with awe-inspiring views of the sea and a nearby island’s fort. The service was of European caliber and was extremely quick and friendly.
We didn’t get the main course from the restaurant. But milkshakes and onion rings. Because our friend in Jaffna brought our lunch. They allowed us to have our homemade lunch there.
The price of the food is a bit pricy. But the taste is good.
What food & drink options are available at Fort Hammenhiel Resort?
Various types of food and drink options are available. Click for more information.
Fort Hammenhiel Booking
Treat yourself to the prisoner’s experience for a great price! Get a bed for LKR 2200 and with food for LKR 6600. Oh! I may have forgotten to tell you. You will get a prisoner’s costume, a trunk box, and food on an aluminum plate and cup like in the picture below.
Get one of the quarters for LKR 11500 (room only) or LKR22,000 for 2 people with food. Booking is easy – head to the website and reserve your spot and/or call. Yes, their website contains the contact numbers as well.
Click the Website link:
Fort Hammenheil Rates
Fort Hammenheil Resort Contact Number
+94 21 7508072
+94113818215
+94 76 3728816 / +94 76 9795842 (Manager)
forthammenhielresort@gmail.com
Final Thoughts
Roads can get a little rough sometimes, so it’s important to take care of your car! If you have an off-road vehicle, don’t worry – you’re all set! Even if you don’t, though, no worries; just drive with caution and everything will be alright.
It’s not so bad after all. Enjoy the ride!
Though there have been some negative reviews about their service, such as long wait times for food and overpriced food, I received excellent service and the food was quickly prepared.
Even though collarless t-shirts, shorts, and slippers are not permitted as mentioned on their website and in a review on Google, one of our team members wore a collarless t-shirt with denim and no one objected. We were only there for one day and don’t know if it pertains to those who plan to stay there. Check with them if you stay.
As at 3rd of Dec 2022, they charged LKR 3500 for the boat.
Is parking available at Fort Hammenhiel Resort?
Of course, parking is available. They will keep your national identity card if you park the vehicle inside of the camp.
Anyway, my overall experience was great and I recommend anyone to visit Fort Hammenhiel.
Drop a comment below and let me know,
- Your experience in this place?
- Need any improvement in this article?
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