Delft Island
Northern Province
About Delft Island
Delft - Neduntheevu in Tamil - is the most otherworldly day trip in Sri Lanka. An hour's ferry ride from the Jaffna peninsula, this flat coral island is home to a famous population of wild ponies, descendants of horses bred here by Dutch and Portuguese colonists, that drift in small herds across scrubby plains fenced by walls of grey coral stone. The island collects oddities: a stout baobab tree planted centuries ago by Arab traders, the stump of a colonial dovecote, ruins of a Dutch fort built of coral blocks, a 'growing rock' venerated by locals, and beaches of blinding white coral sand where the sea shifts between impossible blues. Facilities are minimal - hire a tuk-tuk or pickup at the jetty, carry water, and enjoy one of the island's strangest, most memorable landscapes.
Top Activities
- ✓Spotting the wild pony herds
- ✓Dutch fort and dovecote ruins
- ✓The ancient baobab tree
- ✓Coral-sand beach walks
- ✓Photographing coral-stone walls and villages
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
Catch the early ferry from Kurikadduwan; afternoon returns fill up.
There are no restaurants to speak of - bring water and snacks.
Arrange a tuk-tuk loop at the jetty; the sights are spread out.
Quick Info
Best Time
January to September
Weather
Hot, dry and windy; ferries can be cancelled in rough seas Oct–Dec.
Estimated Daily Budget
9.5167°N, 79.6833°E
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