North Gate by Jetwing: Stay Comfortably in Jaffna
The 44 Deluxe Rooms at North Gate by Jetwing are the appropriate retreat for your vacation to Sri Lanka’s northern capital.
Jaffna, the country’s northernmost city, is arid, with palmyra trees and mild sea breezes. Its background is traditional Tamil culture, set on its well-known temples and climacterics. Nallur Kandaswamy is a massive Hindu temple with elaborate gopuram towers and golden arches. The 17th-century Portuguese star-shaped Jaffna Fort on the seashore reveals Dutch and British reign. And the Jaffna Public Library is a symbol of the city’s postwar rebirth. Dutch canons and pre-colonial relics may be found in the Jaffna Archaeological Museum.
Jaffna is currently rebuilding from a 30-year civil conflict that raged until 2009. However, to see the best of Jaffna, you must first get a suitable place to stay. North Gate by Jetwing is located, a 14-minute walk from Jaffna Public Library and one kilometre from Nallur Kovil. It features a restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property, as well as free private parking for guests that drive. Jaffna Fort is 1.8 kilometres away, Nilavarai Well is 14.5 kilometres away, and Keerimalai Naguleswaram Kovil is 19.3 kilometres away.
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North Gate by Jetwing
North Gate by Jetwing looks to be a compact property at a first impression. On the day I arrived, it was pouring. At the invitation of the Sri Lanka tourist board, I stayed at North Gate by Jetwing for three nights. When I arrived late one evening in October, I was met by the sound of Vannakam, and the staff insisted that I light their traditional brass prayer lamp.
The traditional greeting was followed by a welcome drink and check-in provisions. I was mandated to fill out a lengthy form detailing everything from my departure destination to my medical history, including my vaccination status. This was fantastic. It shows that Jetwing cares about everyone’s health and safety.
North Gate Deluxe Room 3003
The 44 Deluxe Rooms at North Gate by Jetwing are the appropriate retreat for your vacation to Sri Lanka’s northern capital. Built with the refinement of contemporary hospitality and the tradition of home, each room has its own balcony with views of the city and the surrounding peninsula. I stayed in room 3003 on the third floor, which had a view of the swimming pool on one side and the neighbouring residences on the other. The building’s other side, however, faces the Jaffna railway station.
A split air conditioner, a work desk, an electric kettle with tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge, a minibar, an electronic safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a balcony, and a private bathroom with a bidet are all included in this air-conditioned room. There is a rain shower enclosure in the ensuite bathroom, as well as a range of complimentary toiletries and fresh towels. Excellent internet access is available across the property!
The luxurious sheets and linens on the queen size bed were changed daily to ensure that my stay was as comfortable as possible. All linens are sanitised and washed at a high temperature. Ample charging ports, a telephone with IDD capabilities, bottled water, hairdryer, bathrobe, slippers, iron and ironing board, an umbrella, a sewing kit, and baby cribs (on request) are among the other amenities.
Northern Station Restaurant
Jetwing Jaffna’s in-house restaurant, Northern Station, offers authentic Northern cuisine. At Northern Station, I treated my taste buds to hot, spicy flavours of Jaffna cuisine, also medium-spicy continental and Asian cuisines. North Gate by Jetwing hosted a special Jaffna dinner on the last day of my stay; where they served me their signature dishes. Their chefs rely on their own peninsula’s traditions and inspirations from South India to serve up a range of northern culinary delights in their specially built display kitchen. I sampled everything from the spices of their local crab curry to the characteristic shellfish broth known as Odiyal Kool.
For breakfast, I indulged my taste buds with several continental options, sampling a variety of comfort foods. At any given moment, Northern Station can seat up to 100 people. Breakfast is offered from 7:00 to 10:30 am, lunch is served from 12:00 to 3:00 pm, and dinner is from 7:00 to 10:30 pm.
The Bar
When in Jaffna, drinks of the Northern Gateway are a must. Every day, I would unwind at The Bar drinking beers on the first two days (for as little as INR 88 or $1.25) and palmyrah arrack on the third. A sip of their beverages does the same thing as the end of a lengthy voyage. I spent my evenings admiring the northern skyline with a chilled beer by the poolside.
The Bar at Jetwing’s North Gate is well-stocked with exquisite wines, foreign liquor, and a variety of unusual drinks inspired by Jaffna’s vibrant culture. The indoor seating capacity is limited to 20 people but, The Bar is open from 11 am until 10.30 pm. North Gate by Jetwing also has a swimming pool for those who like to unwind in the water and a small modern gym to support your active lifestyle.
In all public settings, I was mandated to wear a face mask. Face masks were worn by all Jet Wing staff in all public locations, which was a relief. The commonly touched surfaces are cleaned regularly, and sanitisers are available for everyone to use throughout the facility. Jetwing, which rises above other Jaffna’s hotels, is the home of Sri Lankan hospitality, which will welcome you with the best courtesies as you enter Sri Lanka’s unique northern peninsula.
