Mantri Manai, Historical palace in Nallur, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Mantri Manai is a two-story palace featuring an ornate gateway, a grand arched porch, and multiple chambers decorated with intricate wooden carvings. The building includes underground tunnels, cellars, and wash basins throughout its structure, reflecting advanced architectural design of its time.
The palace was built during the reign of King Cankili II in the 17th century and served as a central meeting place for ministers. Construction took place before Portuguese colonization, a period that would reshape the region's history.
The architecture blends European and Dravidian style elements, showing the cultural exchange between local traditions and colonial influences. You can see this mix in the ornate details and how the rooms are arranged throughout the building.
The site is spacious and requires time to explore the various rooms and underground areas properly. It helps to be patient with less accessible parts of the structure, as some sections may have limited pathways or uneven surfaces.
The building contains a network of hidden passages connecting different chambers, with a particular staircase leading to underground rooms. These secret connections were likely designed for secure communication between spaces, offering today a surprising look into the building's strategic layout.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
