Highlights
- Explore the coral-stone ruins of the Dutch fort near the jetty
- Watch the wild ponies on the island's open grassland
- See the old baobab tree with its hollow trunk
- See the footprint in stone linked to local legend
- Visit the growing stone, a rock local people say is slowly getting taller
Overview
Delft, called Neduntivu in Tamil, is the largest of the islands off Jaffna, about 8 km long and 6 km wide, out in the Palk Strait. It is flat and windswept, with fields divided by walls of coral stone, wild ponies and relics of the Portuguese, Dutch and British periods. The Dutch named it after the city of Delft.
Things to see
Wild ponies
The ponies that roam the island's grasslands are thought to descend from horses kept by the Portuguese and Dutch, who used Delft for breeding them.
Dutch fort and colonial relics
The ruins of a coral stone fort, built by the Portuguese and later used by the Dutch, stand near the jetty. Other relics include a pigeon cote, old stables and the Queen's Tower, a tall structure used as a navigation marker.
Baobab tree
An old baobab with a hollow trunk is one of the island's landmarks, likely brought by Arab traders.
Growing stone and stupa ruins
A rock said by local people to be slowly growing draws curious visitors, and ruins of an ancient Buddhist stupa show the island's long history.
Life on the island
Around a few thousand people live on Delft, mainly by fishing and farming. Palmyra palms, coral stone walls and cattle mark the landscape, and the beaches are rocky and quiet.
Getting there
Ferries leave from Kurikadduwan jetty on Punkudutivu, about an hour's drive from Jaffna over the causeways. The crossing takes about an hour, departures are limited and boats can be full, so arrive early. Tuk tuks and minibuses on the island take visitors around the sights. A full day tour of Delft Island handles the logistics.
Tips
Take water, sun protection and cash; facilities are basic. Seas can be rough in the south-west monsoon, from about May to September. Lunch can be arranged locally, such as a typical local lunch with crab.
Combining with Jaffna
A trip to Delft takes most of a day from Jaffna. On the way, the island causeways pass Nainativu, reached by boat from Kurikadduwan, with its Nagapooshani Amman kovil and Buddhist temple. Many visitors spend two or three days in Jaffna, combining Delft with the city, Point Pedro and Nallur. The northern Sri Lanka tour covers the region.
Hotels in Delft Island
For accommodation, see hotels in Delft Island, with options for different budgets.
Where to stay
There are very few places to stay on the island; most visitors come on a day trip from Jaffna. See things to do in Delft Island.
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