Delft, called Neduntivu in Tamil, is the largest of the islands off Jaffna, about 8 km long and 6 km wide. It is flat and windswept, with fields divided by coral-stone walls, wild ponies, palmyra palms and relics of the Portuguese, Dutch and British periods. It is reached by ferry from Kurikadduwan.
Top things to do in Delft Island
Full day tour
A guided day trip covers the main sights: wild ponies, the Dutch fort ruins, the baobab tree, the Queen's Tower, the pigeon cote and the growing stone.
Local lunch with crab
A meal in a local home, with crab curry and other northern dishes, is a good way to learn about island life.
Wild ponies
The ponies are thought to descend from horses bred by the Portuguese and Dutch.
Dutch fort and old stupa
Coral-stone fort ruins stand near the jetty, and the remains of an ancient Buddhist stupa show the island's long history.
Getting there
Ferries leave from Kurikadduwan on Punkudutivu, about an hour's drive from Jaffna; the crossing takes about an hour, departures are limited and boats can be full, so arrive early. Seas can be rough from about May to September.
Life on the island
A few thousand people live on Delft, mainly by fishing and farming. Tuk tuks and minibuses on the island take visitors around the sights.
Plan your visit
Take water, sun protection and cash; facilities are basic. For history, background and how to get there, see the Delft Island travel guide, and for accommodation see hotels in Delft Island.
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Full Day Tour of Delft Island
Spend a day on Delft, the largest island off Jaffna, reached by ferry from Kurikadduwan. See the wild ponies, coral-stone walls, Dutch fort ruins, the old baobab tree and the growing stone.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Typical Local Lunch with Crab
After a morning exploring Delft Island, sit down to lunch in a local home, with crab curry and other northern dishes. It is a simple way to learn about life on the island.
Image Credit: ShutterStock