Fort Hammenhiel
Northern Province
About Fort Hammenhiel
Fort Hammenhiel sits on its own rock islet in the channel between the Jaffna islands of Kayts and Karainagar - a stout ring of coral-and-limestone ramparts built by the Portuguese and perfected by the Dutch, who named it 'heel of the ham' after their fancy that Ceylon's map resembled a smoked ham. Its later lives were grimmer - colonial quarantine station, then high-security prison into the modern era - but its current act is the most surprising: the Sri Lanka Navy runs it as a tiny heritage hotel and restaurant, ferrying visitors the few hundred metres from the Karainagar shore for meals inside the ramparts or nights in cells converted with naval humour into guest rooms. Even without dining, the boat hop, the gun embrasures, and the lagoon-and-palmyrah panorama from the walls make it the most characterful small sight on the Jaffna islands run.
Top Activities
- ✓Boat transfer to the island fort
- ✓Rampart walks and gun embrasures
- ✓Lunch or dinner in the fortress restaurant
- ✓Novelty stays in converted cells
- ✓Combine with Casuarina Beach and Kayts
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
Book meals ahead through the navy-run resort - the boat comes with the booking.
Combine with the Kayts–Karainagar causeway drives.
Sunset from the ramparts over the lagoon is the keeper.
Quick Info
Best Time
January to September
Weather
Hot and breezy; the channel crossing is short and calm.
Estimated Daily Budget
9.7217°N, 79.8703°E
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