Maintained by SL navy officers. Really loved the experience here. Very calm and nice environment. Food and beverages are available here. Prices are in the moderate range. Set menu with buffets also available on some days. Washrooms are clean and well maintained.

It's a great scenic place with good customer service and good and tasty food.... The boat trip to the fort cost you Rs. 3500/= and the Navy personals give you a good explanation and tour inside the fort. Truly worth the experience and the long journey there! Do visit it if you come to Jaffna!

One of the most peaceful experiences ive ever had. The views are pristine and beach is to die for. The food was also good and the staff was friendly. Excellent place to relax if youre in jaffna

Loved the atmosphere of the resort. Surrounding is really nice and the food was tasty. However, the prices are a bit high.

This is very nice place. But it is placed on abundant area.Duch time prison of Hammenhil is availalable in center of sea from this resort nearly 800m but boat charge is too much. Each person payouts upto 3500/= & other one resort food service charge is so high nearly 450/=

Very poor customer service. We’ve waited more than 30 min and no one came to take our order. They just doing their own works and didn’t even noticed that the presence of customers. We have asked several times to take our orders but no one came and we just left. Such a waste of time. Deserves to be closed.

Wonderful destination in the Indian Ocean reflecting the glorious colonial and precolonial era of Ceylon, Rs 3300 for a boat ride which accommodates 13 which is worth enough 😊😊😊

A well managed restaurant by Sri Lanka Navy. Clean and tidy as you could expect from any military managed enterprise. Delicious food and served hot with nice presentation. No reservation required (for small groups) for dine in, just the identification of the main guest. The kitchen closes at 2130, so the orders have to be places before that.

Great food and much respect to the staff as they tried and helped us in their maximum capacity to help us find fuel for our vehicle as we were about to run out of fuel and the gas stations nearby being closed. Great staff superb location for lunch and even the fort is very beautiful. Thank you again very much for the staff for that amazing extra effort in helping us out. We will never forget that.

This is a very unique hotel operated by SL NAVY. There are two parts of this place. 1- The first place, (the main land and the main building) you get the restaurant where you can order food and you can even enjoy the sunset and area without any hassle 2- fort hammenhiel hotel- this is in a small island. You need to go there in a boat. -you can reserve rooms as a usual hotel and stay there - you can also arrange a boat trip to the island and have a visit to the island and staff will show you the hotel too. (This was 5000/- per boat during February 2020) This was fort which turned to a SL prison later and now it has been converted to a hotel. Well maintained/ Nice view Food at the restaurant is beyond our expectation. Crab curry was awesome. Friendliness staff

Parking available in the restaurant. Then u have to take a boat from SL NAVY to visit fort. They charged 3300 per one team. Maximum team count is 14 persons only. If ur team only having 4, 3300 the price u should pay. Crowd is bit high during holidays it seems. Bar also available. But very limited staff works. Hence it will take more anf more time if u are willing to take dine-in food. Since small staff avaialable, not recommendong this place to have food. Save that time to travel more. As food, they serving friedrice biriyani nasigorang etc. They dont provide rice and curry or any jaffna foods.

Food is not worth for the price and definitely you can have better foods in Jaffna town. Though the food didn't meet my expectations, the hotel's ambiance is truly unique, offering an unforgettable experience with its historic fort structure

I have stayed 2 days in this picturesque, absolutely stunning place on 11th & 12th of December 2023.It was a unique experience which i have never had before.The scenery,the history associated with the place and the sound of waves lapping on the shore takes you to a different world.The service given by Mr Jayakody who is the caretaker of the Island, Mr Kularathna and the gent who operated the boat is above and beyond the call of duty.All in all it was such a nice experience which will be cherished for the rest of my days.Highly recommended.

The Portuguese built the fort, to guard the entrance to the Jaffna peninsula, subsequently renamed it Hammenhiel (Heel of the Ham), as they considered that shape of Ceylon resembled a smoked ham and the fort was located at the point where the shank bone projects. The prison has nine large dungeons to store gunpowder. The British used the fort firstly as a maximum security prison and then as an infectious diseases hospital. Unique island hotel experience under millions of stars. Food was average but service was nice they provide with a descriptive tour inside-the fort.

Super location.I have visited over 4 times in different different times and seasons. A best place to have lunch.but there is only two things I asked them to change. They have a boat service to visit their fort. One boat charges Rs 3100 and 14 people can book one boat.but they don't ask small group of people to join with another group and the people also doesn't know about that.so all the people pay and book whole boat for that much money.that is not fair. It is look like a mafia.so if you people visit their please ask another group to join with you.then you can save 💰.otherwise invain your cash.because there is only 100m to visit via water.so that is very high price. The thing is it is maintained and conducted by SL navy. So I have never seen such a place conducted by SL forces. And also don't ask for any kind of soft drinks like coca cola, sprite, fanta they charge double price in there including service charges.instead of that you can order their bear mug(only Rs 200) or fresh juice. otherwise the place is very clean,calm and eye catching. In the evening it is a incredible place with sunset and there light decorations.❤

Very Nice hotel inside the old dutch fort. Managed by the Sri Lanka Navy. Rooms are very clean and well managed. Friendly and supportive staff. The food is delicious.

Fort Hammenhiel is a unique and picturesque resort located in Karainagara, Jaffna, on a small island not far from the mainland. Getting to the resort requires a boat ride. One of the most interesting things about Fort Hammenhiel is its history. It was originally a prison, but it has since been renovated by the Sri Lanka Navy and turned into a beautiful resort. Despite its dark past, the resort is now a peaceful and welcoming place that is well-maintained and staffed by friendly and attentive employees. The resort offers several different types of accommodations, including room only, full board, and half board options. No matter which type of accommodation you choose, you can expect to enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. The views alone are worth the trip to Fort Hammenhiel! The resort's ambience is tranquil and calming, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you are looking to escape the stresses of everyday life, enjoy a romantic getaway, or simply explore a new and exciting part of Sri Lanka, Fort Hammenhiel is an excellent choice.

Jaffna peninsula is home to Fort Hammenheil, recently discovered as one of the most sought-after touristic pleasures found in the region. Up until recently Fort Hammenheil was a hidden gem as mentioned in hospitality parlance and the cessation of the war presented this unique offering to the public. During the days of yore Forts signified power, wealth, and military capability.  Today, it is fun to imagine what it was like to live during a time when people fought with swords, cannons, muskets, and bows. In the Middle Ages, leaders constructed massive fortifications to protect their people. Military tacticians during the era of warfare designed fortresses to withstand any attack. However, Fort Hammenheil could not live up to as a bastion of repute, as it was captured rather unceremoniously by the successive forces which ruled Sri Lanka. The Fort was originally built by the Portuguese to guard the passage by water to the Castle Fort at Jaffna and was aptly named as “Fortaleza de Caes”. The Dutch named it “Hammenheil” and name lives on since. Today, the Fort has shed its rather chequered past and as the Hammenheil Resort and Restaurant continues to win rave reviews from visitors who are enthralled by the sheer experience of living within a luxuriously appointed dungeon surrounded by the ocean.

Nice place nice sunset but have to improve quality of foods , very good and excellent service given by Stuart’s and boat riding naval staff…

We visited and stayed the night a Hammerhiel Fort on 30th September 23 and found it to be an unforgettable experience from the trip across the rolling ocean on a small motor boat driven by Sri Lanka Navy personnel to our final destination. We left from the Kayts Jetty to the Karainagar Jetty and from there on a bigger boat to Hammerhiel Fort. It is a Resort operated by the Navy and has well maintained rooms with attached toilets, which need to be booked in advance since there are only few accommodation available. We ordered our dinner from a Menu which too was brought across from the mainland. This Fort was originally built by the Portugese and thereafter taken over by the Dutch and finally the British when they colonized Ceylon, as Sri Lanka was then called. We were provided a tour of the Fort by the person in charge and the view right around across the sea was amazing. On the ground level there are prisons, in the olden days used for war time prisoners and later under the Sri Lankan Government for prisoners taken in during the insurrection, and now offered to tourists to stay a night (if they like) to experience prison life.

The strange serenity of the little water-fort, Hammenhiel, invests this memorial with a sense of departed usefulness which is most striking. It stands on a rocky shoal at the entrance to Jaffna Lagoon and its ramparts are lapped by the surf. The Portuguese named it Fortaleza do Caes. In those days of tumult, Hammenhiel served on the north just as Mannar Fort did on the south, to guard the passage by water to the Castle Fort at Jaffna Actordingly, it was not permitted to remein long in Portuguese hands and was captured by the Dutch in March 1658, under Captains Cornelies Reb. Piester Waset and N van de Reede, soon after the Occupation of Mannar Its new owners named in Hammenhiel. The Hallander saw in the shape of Ceylon the resemblance of smoked ham. Since this picturesque water fort was at the point where the shank bone projects, they gave this strange name Hammen-hiel (heel of the ham), and fortunately nobody has changed it. The Portuguese held out for a short while, but in this case too had so surrender for want of water, When the Dutch occupied this waler- fort they found that the sand bank on which it was built had been undermined by the storms of the North-East monsoon. They remedied this by piling up a beakwater of stones. The Portuguese had built the ramparts hollow, and bad roofed them with beams, which supported an upper floor of stone and chunam, with a view to the space being utilized for storing provisions and ammunition, Since the beams were liable to decay, and the floor had to support the weight of the cannon without fear of it giving way when the guns were moved about and turned round, the Dutch considered this a mistake and they replaced the roof by an entire stone vault. Finally, profiting by the error of their predecessors, the Dutch book special pains to ensure a satisfactory water supply, On the northem side of the fortress they built a huge reservoir, paved with "Dutch Bricks" to collect and preserve the rain water. This reservoir had however been built so high that it reached above the parapets and was, therefore, exposed to the fire and possibility to destruction by an enemy. The defect was pointed out time and again at subsequent inspections of the fortress but since it was a recent work. It was allowed to remain until such time as alterations could be effected. It nevertheless stands as originally constructed and is still used to conserve a supply of clear fresh rain-water. A low vaulted gateway not more than seven feet in height is the only entrance to this water fort. The living quarters consist of three or four rooms in the courtyard The vaults under the ramparts were doubtless used as a store room The Dutch invariably maintained a garrison of thirty men under the charge of a Lieutenant or Ensign on this spot, and the early Dutch Governors make very special mention in their memoirs, that Hammenhiel must be carefully guarded “none but Dutch being stationed there" Extracts from book “Links Between Sri Lanka and Netherlands by RL Brokier”

Old dutch Prison. Quite a cool place to visit. There is a special cell where a Left- wing politician, Lenin-Marxist, JVP former leader Rohana Wijeweera was held after the '70-'71 protest. You have to travel a few metres by boat in order to reach this place. The boats are arranged by the Navy and you have to make a payment. Rooms are perfect with a cool view.

Hammen Heil Jaffna, a tourist resort built on the site of the Portuguese Fortaleza Real (Fort Royal) in mid 1618, is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of Jaffna. During my recent visit to this resort for lunch, I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of food, the pristine beach next to the restaurant, and the informative tour provided by a navy official. The food served at the resort was delicious and of high quality, which added to the overall experience of the visit. The beach next to the restaurant was particularly impressive, with its white sand and turquoise waters reminiscent of the Maldives. The boat ride to the resort was enjoyable, and my kids particularly loved it. Upon arrival at the resort, we were greeted by a navy official who provided us with a detailed account of the history of the fort and the surrounding area. The tour of the resort was equally informative, and we were able to see the various facilities and amenities that are available to visitors. Overall, I would highly recommend a visit to Hammen Heil Jaffna for anyone visiting Jaffna. The resort offers a unique and exciting experience that is not to be missed. The combination of delicious food, stunning beach, and informative tour makes it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Jaffna peninsula.

Went there on May 2023 If you are going there you will have to plan before hand. If its too windy they will not operate the boat ride. Any way if you have a connection to a major they will offer the service anyhow. If you are planning to have meals from the restaurant, i'm sure you can have better meals from Jaffna main island at a good price. Even not happy with the service.

I will give 5 stars for the atmosphere and experience (boating & accommodation in the sea). Good food but require an advance booking to ensure food is available. Bit expensive if you are local traveller. Road to access this place is horrible

Worst customer service, we placed an order for 30 people and went to the fort and came back to the restaurant and it took around one an half hours to come back. Once we ask for food they told us it's not ready because they missed the order. Even though, they did not admit it's there mistake. We had to wait for another 45 minutes to take our lunch. This only happened in the restaurant other people who are working there is very supportive.

Really disappointing service. The food took so long to arrive and the LONG wait was certainly not worth it! Limited selection on the menu during lunch time, with no rice and curry option available at all! Can’t recommend the restaurant. But the accommodation at the fort itself looks lovely, and it seems that the staff takes a lot of trouble to keep their in-house guests comfortable.

It’s a nice place to visit. If you plan ahead there are few rooms also which maintained by Sri Lanka Navy 👍

Maintained by SL navy officers. Really loved the experience here. Very calm and nice environment.Clean and tidy as you could expect from any military managed enterprise. Delicious food and served hot with nice presentation. This is very nice resort maintained by the Sri Lankan Navy forces. The actual hotel is in the small island where you have to take a ferry to go. This once used to be a cell to hold prisoners now turned to a resort. Nicely maintained and good view through out. Historically very important too. Highly Recommended❤️❤️

Nice place to stay. Security is very high since the control by SLNavy. Rooms are availble to stay a night. They have a hotel with FB. Also, you can get a prisoners experience at this place.

Beautiful place , There is a fort on the island. You can go there by boat. Fees must be paid for the boat .

Beutiful place to visit, stay and enjoy the meal from there with great hospitality from Navy staff. Therefore, I personally recommend this place is an ideal for enjoying the delicious meals and stay some days at the hotel with premium facilities. Location is so beutiful and it took my breath away, hence, it is an ideal place to spend your leisure time.

Jaffna peninsula is home to Fort Hammenheil, recently discovered as one of the most sought-after touristic pleasures found in the region. Up until recently Ford Hammenheil was a hidden gem as mentioned in hospitality parlance and the cessation of the war presented this unique offering to the public. During the days of yore Forts signified power, wealth, and military capability.  Today, it is fun to imagine what it was like to live during a time when people fought with swords, cannons, muskets, and bows. In the Middle Ages, leaders constructed massive fortifications to protect their people. Military tacticians during the era of warfare designed fortresses to withstand any attack. However, Fort Hammenheil could not live up to as a bastion of repute, as it was captured rather unceremoniously by the successive forces which ruled Sri Lanka. The Fort was originally built by the Portuguese to guard the passage by water to the Castle Fort at Jaffna and was aptly named as “Fortaleza de Caes”. The Dutch named it “Hammenheil” and name lives on since. Today, the Fort has shed its rather chequered past and as the Hammenheil Resort and Restaurant continues to win rave reviews from visitors who are enthralled by the sheer experience of living within a luxuriously appointed dungeon surrounded by the ocean.

Good place to have sea food menu. One portion is well enough for 2 persons. Chille chicken and hot butter cuttle fish are the best. Having a beer is not a good option. Only lager, calsberg available. Price is double than outside. Nice place to spend weekend lunch or dinner. You need to obtain a pass to enter the area.

This is very nice resort maintained by the Sri Lankan Navy forces. The actual hotel is in the small island where you have to take a ferry to go. This once used to be a cell to hold prisoners now turned to a resort. Nicely maintained and good view through out. Historically very important too.

SL Navy not allowing entry through the gates. Hotel falsely claiming to be open. Not able to get to the hotel due to “Covid 19”. The person stood less than a metre from me to tell me I couldn’t enter due to C-v-d. It’s 2022. I’m shocked after traveling all this way

It is a wonderful placed to relax your self