Delft Island

Delft Island, also known as Neduntheevu, is a fascinating destination that feels worlds apart from mainland Sri Lanka. Composed almost entirely of coral rock, the island is most famous for its wild ponies, descendants of horses brought by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Visitors are drawn to its rugged beauty, windswept plains, and the profound sense of isolation that has a peaceful escape from the bustling cities. Key landmarks include the ruins of a Dutch fort built from coral, the iconic Baobab tree planted by Arab traders centuries ago, and the mysterious 'growing stone' which is a site of local veneration. The island is crisscrossed by unique coral walls that partition the land, creating a landscape unlike any other in the country. Exploring the island reveals layers of history, from Portuguese and Dutch colonial influences to the enduring local traditions. Dining on Delft is a simple affair, focusing on fresh catches from the surrounding waters, with spicy crab curry being a local specialty. To reach the island, one must take a ferry from the Kurikadduwan jetty near Jaffna. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, when the weather is sunny and the sea crossing is smoothest, making it handy for exploring by bicycle or hired tuk-tuk.

Nearby cities

Jaffna

Jaffna is located on a peninsula in northern Sri Lanka and serves as the cultural center of the island's Tamil population.

Vavuniya

Vavuniya is the gateway to the Northern Province of Sri Lanka and a major commercial hub where diverse cultures meet.

Mannar

Mannar is located on an island connected to the mainland by a causeway, and is famous for baobab trees and donkeys.

Mullaitivu

Mullaitivu is a coastal town in the northeast, known for its long beaches, dense forests, and rich fishing grounds.

Kilinochchi

Kilinochchi is a significant town in the Northern Province, serving as the agricultural center for the Vanni region.

Nainativu

A sacred island of great significance to both Buddhists and Hindus, home to two magnificent temple complexes.

Karainagar

An idyllic island town near Jaffna, famous for the beautiful Casuarina Beach.

Kandakuli

A premier destination for kitesurfing and dolphin watching on Sri Lanka's west coast, near the Kalpitiya Lagoon.

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Arukattuthurai

A peaceful fishing village in Tamil Nadu, known for its pristine beaches and proximity to the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary.

Velankanni

A prominent Christian pilgrimage center on the Bay of Bengal, known as the Lourdes of the East.

Nagapattinam

A historic port city in Tamil Nadu with a rich maritime history and impressive temples.

Akkaraivattam

A peaceful coastal village in Karaikal, ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and authentic rural life.

Puttalam

Puttalam is a town on the west coast near a large lagoon, known for salt production and wind farms.

Sinnurpet

A scenic coastal area in Tamil Nadu, known for its vast beaches and traditional maritime heritage.

Tirumullaivasal

A historic coastal village in Tamil Nadu, known for its significant Shiva temple and its broad sandy beach on the Bay of Bengal.

Nature

Palk Strait Coast

The coast along the Palk Strait, which separates the Indian state of Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka.

Kelani River

A major river in Sri Lanka that flows from the Sri Pada Mountain Range to Colombo, vital for the city's water supply.

More places

Mannar Wind Farm

Sri Lanka's largest wind farm located on Mannar Island, harnessing the region's strong winds to generate renewable energy.

Jaffna Central Market

The main marketplace in Jaffna city, a bustling hub for local produce, handicrafts, and daily commerce.

Point Pedro Port

A small fishing and trade harbor at the northernmost point of Sri Lanka, important for the local economy.

Holcim Cement Plant Puttalam

A major cement production facility in Puttalam that utilizes the region's rich limestone resources.

Jaffna Fort

An old fortress in northern Sri Lanka built by Portuguese and Dutch colonists.

Wilpattu National Park

The largest and one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka, known for its natural lakes (willus).

Colombo Dockyard PLC

The largest and oldest shipbuilding and repair facility in Sri Lanka, strategically located at the Port of Colombo.

Independence Memorial Hall

A national monument in Colombo built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka.