Kankesanthurai — usually shortened to KKS — lies about nineteen kilometres north of Jaffna on the peninsula's north coast. Its quiet, palm-fringed beach is among the prettiest in the Northern Province, with calm water and views toward the harbour and the old lighthouse. The port here has received pilgrims since antiquity, and since 2023 a passenger ferry has linked it with India once again.
The octagonal masonry lighthouse, built in 1893 and standing twenty-two metres tall, was heavily damaged during the civil war and no longer operates. It stands within a military zone beside the naval base, so most visitors admire it from the beach — closer access depends on navy permission and is not guaranteed. The beach itself is open to all, and the sacred springs at nearby Keerimalai pair naturally with a visit.
Good to know
- The lighthouse sits in a navy zone — enjoy it from the open beach
- Calm water, soft sand and few crowds, even in season
- Minutes from Keerimalai springs and Naguleswaram Kovil
- Late afternoon light on the lighthouse is the photograph