A short walk from Nallur temple, Manthiri Manai is Jaffna's most atmospheric riddle: a crumbling mansion of arched porches, a small tower and carved woodwork, blending European and Dravidian styles. Tradition calls it the home of a minister of King Cankili, the last ruler of the Jaffna Kingdom, and tales of secret tunnels running to the nearby royal pond add to its mystique.
The documented record is more sober — historians variously date it to the Dutch era, or even to 1890, when an inscription suggests it may have been built as a choultry, a resthouse for travellers. No one has settled the argument, which is part of the charm. Peer through the ornamental gateway and choose your century.
Good to know
- Near Nallur on the Point Pedro Road, close to Sangiliyan Thoppu and Yamuna Eri
- A protected archaeological monument since 2007, now state-owned
- Look for the arched porch, tower, well and stairs to underground rooms
- Viewed from the road and grounds; the interior is not open