The North and its islands are a world away from the rest of the country, it is in many respects, Sri Lanka’s last frontier. The city of Jaffna has a unique identity shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, British, Sinhalese, and Muslim influences on its predominantly Tamil cultural history. The once vibrant town offers a glimpse into a revival with its colourful temples set next to huge churches and streets of old colonial charm. Here, it is a must-not-miss experience to indulge in the gastronomic food and flavours that are unique to this region. In Palk Bay, west of Jaffna, a string of largely uninhabited islands offers the visitor the experience of the traditional lifestyle of these people. The trip to the North and cruising the islands is enhanced by the pleasure of reaching such remote and little visited parts of Sri Lanka.