Taking the Yal Devi train to Jaffna and finding crab curry near the station
2 Answers from travellers
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The Yal Devi does not have a dining car, but local vendors constantly board at major stops like Anuradhapura selling snacks, vadei, and sweet tea. However, for a 7 hour trip, pack your own lunch. Once you arrive at Jaffna station, grab a tuk-tuk straight to Cosy Restaurant or Mangos (about 5 mins away). They serve incredible, fiery Jaffna lagoon crab curry, but you must ask for it specifically as it sells out fast.
The spicy prawn vadei sold through the train windows at the stations is amazing, but make sure it is fresh and hot to avoid any stomach bugs.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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