Delft

Delft Island (Tamil: நெடுந்தீவு, Neduntivu) is an island in the Palk Strait, part of the Jaffna District of Northern Province. Named after the Dutch city of Delft, the island is unique for its wild ponies — descendants of horses left by the Dutch and British colonial rulers that now roam freely. The island also has baobab trees, a Dutch fort, and a coral reef coastline.

Delft is one of the most remote inhabited islands in Sri Lanka. The population is predominantly Tamil, engaged in fishing, farming, and palmyrah cultivation. The island is 50 square km and is accessible by ferry from the mainland. Highlights include the wild ponies, the Dutch fort ruins, the baobab trees (introduced by Arab traders), and the limestone rock formations. Climate is hot and dry, best visited December–March.

By Plane

Jaffna Airport (JAF IATA) is 50 km east.

By Ferry

Ferries to Delft depart from Kurikattuvan (near Kayts). The journey takes about 1 hour. Ferry schedules vary — check locally. Private boats can also be hired.

By Car / Road

From Jaffna, drive to Kurikattuvan jetty (30 km west, 45 min). Park at the jetty and take the ferry.

Tuk-tuks and bicycles are the only transport on the island. Hire a bicycle or tuk-tuk at the jetty.

Wild Ponies — The main attraction — dozens of wild ponies roam freely across the island. Baobab Trees — Massive baobab trees (Adansonia digitata) introduced by Arab traders centuries ago. Dutch Fort — A 17th-century Dutch fort in ruins on the eastern coast. Limestone Rock Formations — The coastline has unique limestone formations sculpted by wind and water. Quarry — An abandoned limestone quarry. Queen's Tower — A lookout tower built by the British.

Photograph the wild ponies. Explore the Dutch fort ruins. Visit the baobab trees. Walk along the limestone coastline. Cycle around the entire island in a day.

Small local restaurants serve rice and curry and seafood. Bring snacks as options are limited.

King coconut water. Bring plenty of water. Tap water limited.

Basic guesthouses. Most visitors take a day trip from Jaffna.

Local handicrafts, dried fish, palmyrah products.

• Jaffna (50 km east, 1 hr by ferry + 45 min drive) — Cultural capital.
• Kayts (15 km east, 30 min by ferry) — Island with Dutch fort.
• Karainagar (20 km east, 40 min by ferry + drive) — Casuarina Beach.
• Point Pedro (70 km northeast, 2 hr) — Northernmost point.