Neduntivu (Delft Island), Sri Lanka: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Sri Lanka
Ferry boat approaching Delft Island jetty with passengers waiting to board

Did you know that Delft Island is home to a colony of wild horses, descendants of steeds brought by Portuguese colonizers over 400 years ago? This remote coral island in the Palk Strait offers one of Sri Lanka’s most authentic and untouched travel experiences. Just 30 km off Jaffna’s coast, Neduntivu (as it’s known in Tamil) feels worlds away from the tourist trails of southern Sri Lanka, with its ancient ruins, coral stone walls, and a pace of life seemingly frozen in time.

Getting to Delft Island & Planning Your Journey

The ferry to Delft Island departs from Kurikadduwan Harbour

Reaching Delft Island requires some planning, but the journey is part of the adventure. The island sits in the Palk Strait between northern Sri Lanka and India, approximately 30 km west of Jaffna city.

Step-by-Step Travel Guide

  • From Jaffna to Kurikadduwan Harbour: Take bus #776 from Jaffna bus station (LKR 90, departing at 6:30 am) or hire a tuk-tuk (approximately LKR 2000) for the one-hour journey.
  • Ferry Crossing: The government ferry departs at 8:00 am or 9:00 am daily (LKR 100 per person). The crossing takes about an hour. Arrive at least 30 minutes early as the ferry has a maximum capacity of 100 passengers.
  • Return Journey: The return ferry typically leaves Delft at 2:30 pm. Don’t miss it, as staying overnight requires advance arrangements.

    • Travel Tip: The ferry ride can be bumpy and basic. If you’re prone to seasickness, bring medication. The Navy sometimes operates more comfortable boats for a slightly higher fee (around LKR 80), though availability for tourists should be confirmed at the port.

    Best Time to Visit Delft Island & Weather Tips

    Sunny landscape of Delft Island during dry season showing coral walls and palm trees

    Timing your visit to Delft Island is crucial for the best experience. The island’s remote location and limited infrastructure mean weather conditions significantly impact your journey and comfort.

    Recommended Months to Visit

    Best Time: May to September

  • Dry season with minimal rainfall
  • Temperatures range from 27-32°C (81-90°F)
  • Clear skies perfect for photography
  • More reliable ferry services

    • Months to Avoid: October to January

  • Northeast monsoon brings heavy rainfall
  • Rough seas can disrupt ferry schedules
  • Some attractions become difficult to access
  • Higher humidity levels

    • Local Insight: The best time to visit is right after the rainy season (February-March) when the island is lush and green, but the weather has stabilized. The landscape transforms from dusty terrain to vibrant greenery.

    Getting Around Delft Island

    Tourist exploring Delft Island on a rented bicycle on a coral path

    Delft Island is small (approximately 8 km long and 6 km wide), making it perfect for exploration in a single day. There are several options for getting around once you arrive.

    Transportation Options on the Island

  • Tuk-tuk Tours: The most popular option. Tuk-tuk drivers meet the ferry and offer island tours for LKR 1500-2500 for a 4-5 hour comprehensive tour of all major attractions.
  • Bicycle Rental: Some guesthouses offer bicycle rentals if you’re staying overnight. This is an excellent way to explore at your own pace.
  • Walking: While possible, the island’s size and hot climate make walking the entire island challenging for a day trip.

    • Pro Tip: Arrange with your tuk-tuk driver to return you to the harbor in time for the afternoon ferry. The standard tour includes all major attractions and typically ends at the jetty in time for departure.

    Where to Stay on Delft Island

    Simple guesthouse accommodation on Delft Island with traditional architecture

    Accommodation on Delft Island is limited but authentic. Most visitors make this a day trip from Jaffna, but staying overnight offers a unique opportunity to experience island life after the day-trippers leave.

    Accommodation Options

  • Delft Samudra Hotel: The main accommodation option on the island, offering basic but clean rooms. They also provide bicycle rentals for guests.
  • Island Hut: A simple guesthouse near the jetty that serves meals and can arrange basic accommodation.
  • Homestays: Some local families offer homestay experiences, which can be arranged through contacts in Jaffna.

    • Important Note: Accommodation is very basic with limited electricity (often from generators) and simple facilities. Book in advance as options are few, especially during peak season.

    Dining & Local Cuisine on Delft Island

    Simple local meal served at a small eatery on Delft Island

    Food options on Delft Island are limited but authentic. The island’s isolation means dining is a simple affair focused on local ingredients and traditional preparation methods.

    Where to Eat

  • Delft Hotel: Located near the jetty, serves vegetable roti and wade (a type of fritter).
  • Island Hut: Offers curries and fresh seafood when available.
  • Small Market Stores: Sell basic snacks and drinks.

    • Essential Advice: Bring at least 2 liters of water per person in reusable bottles and pack snacks or a picnic lunch. Food availability is unpredictable, and there are no restaurants as you might expect in more touristy areas.

    Local Specialties

    If you do find food on the island, expect simple Sri Lankan cuisine with an emphasis on seafood caught by local fishermen. The island’s Tamil population prepares dishes that differ slightly from those found in southern Sri Lanka, with distinct spice profiles and preparation methods.

    Top Attractions & Things to Do on Delft Island

    Wild horses roaming freely on Delft Island's grasslands

    The famous wild horses of Delft Island, descendants of colonial-era steeds

    Delft Island offers a fascinating mix of natural wonders, colonial history, and unique geological features. A standard tuk-tuk tour will take you to all these attractions in a single day.

    Historical Sites & Landmarks

    Ruins of the Portuguese and Dutch Fort on Delft Island

    Portuguese & Dutch Fort

    Old Dutch Hospital building on Delft Island

    Old Dutch Hospital

    Ancient pigeon nest structure used for messenger pigeons

    Pigeon Nest

  • Portuguese & Dutch Fort: Ruins of a limestone and coral fort originally built by the Portuguese and later modified by the Dutch. The structure offers insight into colonial military architecture.
  • Old Dutch Hospital: Built during Dutch colonial rule and later converted to an administrative center by the British. Look for the British emblem inscribed on the wall.
  • Pigeon Nest: A unique structure in the gardens of the Old Dutch Hospital that once housed messenger pigeons used to carry communications between Delft and Jaffna.
  • Dutch Horse Stables: Remnants of stables with 64 pillars where horses were tied. The island was once a breeding ground for Dutch horses.

    • Natural Wonders

    Ancient Baobab tree on Delft Island planted by Arab merchants

    Baobab Tree

    Wild horses of Delft Island grazing near the coast

    Wild Horses

    Hanuman's Footprint rock formation on Delft Island

    Hanuman’s Footprint

  • Wild Horses: Perhaps the island’s most famous residents, these feral horses are descendants of steeds brought by colonial powers. They roam freely across the island.
  • Baobab Tree: A massive African baobab planted by Arab merchants in the 16th century. This out-of-place tree stands as a testament to the island’s trading history.
  • Hanuman’s Footprint: A large footprint-shaped impression in rock that local legend attributes to Hanuman, the monkey god from Hindu mythology.
  • Coral Stone Walls: Throughout the island, you’ll see walls built from coral stones without mortar, a unique architectural feature of Delft.

    • Delft Island Map & Key Locations

    Map of Neduntivu (Delft Island) showing key attractions and the ferry route from Jaffna

    Navigation Tip: Download this map to your phone before your trip, as internet connectivity on the island is limited. Most tuk-tuk drivers know all the attractions, but having a map helps you understand the island’s layout.

    Cultural Experiences & Local Life

    Local Tamil villagers going about daily life on Delft Island

    Beyond the historical sites and natural wonders, Delft Island offers a glimpse into a way of life largely unchanged by modern tourism. The island’s approximately 6,000 residents live simply, with fishing, small-scale agriculture, and raising livestock as their primary occupations.

    Cultural Highlights

  • Religious Diversity: Despite its small size, the island has Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils, a mosque, and a Christian church, showcasing Sri Lanka’s multicultural harmony.
  • Traditional Crafts: Some villagers create palm-frond mats and baskets using techniques passed down through generations.
  • Fishing Communities: Visit the small fishing harbors to see traditional fishing methods still in use.
  • Local Markets: Small markets near the jetty offer a glimpse into daily commerce on the island.

    • Respectful Tourism: When photographing locals or their homes, always ask permission first. The island’s residents are generally friendly but may not be accustomed to tourists.

    Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Delft Island

    Tourist with backpack and hat exploring Delft Island prepared for the day

    Essential Items to Bring

    What to Pack

  • At least 2 liters of water per person
  • Snacks or packed lunch
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Camera with extra batteries
  • Cash (no ATMs on the island)
  • Basic first aid supplies

    • Health & Safety

  • Travel insurance is essential
  • Seasickness medication for the ferry
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Light, breathable clothing
  • Offline maps downloaded to your phone

    • Communication & Connectivity

    Mobile phone coverage on Delft Island is limited but exists in some areas. Major Sri Lankan carriers like Dialog and Mobitel have basic coverage. Don’t expect reliable internet access, and download any necessary information, maps, or translation apps before your trip.

    Language Tip: The primary language spoken on Delft Island is Tamil. While some locals involved in tourism speak basic English, learning a few Tamil greetings can enhance your experience.

    Responsible Tourism & Environmental Awareness

    Coral stone walls and natural landscape of Delft Island showing environmental fragility

    Delft Island faces significant environmental challenges, including rising sea levels that threaten its low-lying terrain. Visitors have a responsibility to minimize their impact on this fragile ecosystem.

    How to Be a Responsible Visitor

  • Waste Management: Take all trash back to the mainland as the island has limited waste disposal facilities.
  • Water Conservation: Use water sparingly as the island relies on limited freshwater resources.
  • Wildlife Respect: Observe the wild horses from a distance and never feed or approach them.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Support Local: Purchase food, services, and souvenirs directly from island residents when possible.

    • Climate Impact: Parts of Delft Island already experience flooding due to rising sea levels. This serves as a sobering reminder of climate change’s real-world impacts on island communities worldwide.

    Is Delft Island Worth Visiting?

    Panoramic sunset view of Delft Island's coastline and landscape

    Delft Island offers a truly unique experience that stands apart from Sri Lanka’s more popular destinations. The journey requires effort and advance planning, but rewards visitors with authentic encounters and landscapes found nowhere else in the country.

    This isn’t a destination for luxury travelers or those seeking convenience. Rather, it’s perfect for adventurous spirits who value cultural authenticity, history, and untouched natural beauty. The wild horses, ancient baobab tree, colonial ruins, and friendly locals create an unforgettable day trip that many travelers cite as a highlight of their Sri Lankan journey.

    As tourism in Sri Lanka continues to grow, places like Delft Island provide a glimpse into a simpler way of life and a connection to both nature and history that increasingly rare. For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Neduntivu offers rich rewards.

    The above is subject to change.

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