Neduntivu Island (Delft).

Delft Island (Neduntivu Island) in Jaffna, Sri Lanka is now becoming popular with the foreign tourists and with local travelers. Its feral ponies and remains of a 1,000 year old ancient temple built by the Chola Dynasty attracts thousands of tourists to this Island. In addition, ruins of its Dutch colonial Fort that was built as a guard point, is still visible with its ruined remains. During their rule Dutch Government named the Neduntivu Island with a Dutch town name as Delft. Also they renamed many other islets around here with Dutch. If you happened to visit to Nainatheevu Island, then it is easy to travel from there to this island, where small number of Tamil families living with the presence of the SL armed forces.

During the rainy season it is better to avoid the sea passage route to this Island.

Don't confuse this Sri Lanka Island with the Delft City, in Netherlands. Delft Island in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka got its name actually as "Pasuth Theevu" in the ancient times. And later the Portuguese changed its name as "Ilha das Vacas" (Island of Cows). Later the island was re-named after the Dutch city of Delft by Rijckloff van Goens when they captured it from Portuguese rulers. Now it is called as Delft and Nedunthivu as it was called by the last British Rulers and the local Tamil people. Locals are looking it as their land of living. Recently the visiting number of tourists plenty of local people became guide for the island.

Visiting Delft Island.

• When visiting Jaffna or while visiting Northern Province, it is easy to reach this island.
• From the Jaffna city, travel to Kurikadduvan Jetty by public bus or by any vehicle.
• There are limited passenger boat services are offered to Delft Island which is operated by the RDA, private operators and the local Government body.
• Catch a boat from there, it may take nearly 45 - 60 minutes of Ocean travel to reach the Delft Island.
• There are private speed boat service too available to and from the Delft Island.

Accommodation in the Delft Island.

• One large hotel is available in Delft, with the name Delft Samudra Hotel.
• This Hotel offer Rooms, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
• Seafood is very popular in this hotel along with special mixed seafood soup.

Important Places in the Delft Island.

• Portuguese Old Fort: This Fort was built by Portuguese to defend Sri Lanka from the invading forces via North and to protect their shipping businesses during their rule.
• Baobab Tree: Don't miss this large African origin tree in this island that was brought and planted by the Portuguese.
• Banyan Tree: A wide open banyan tree which extends its canopy over a large area. Basically this tree started to grow on a Palmyra tree.
• Quindah Tower: This tower used to support mariner's in the nearby areas during the night times.
• Wild Horses: Plenty of wild horses are wandering in this island. Actually they were from the Portuguese rule over this island where you can find the old stables too here.
• Sarapiddy: This is the place for water source for the whole island.
• Foot Print: Large footprint that measures nearly a meter.
• Old Stables: Stables in Sarapiddy were said to be built by Englishman Nolan. Now you can see the remaining only.
• Pigeon Nest (House): Place where message transporting Pigeons used to live.
• Growing Stone: This stone is being worshiped by the local people due to its magical growth..
• Giant Foot print: Ancient foot prints are visible on some rocks.
• Palmyra Tree that is with 12 numbers of Branches also attracts the guests to view it.
• Boundary walls that are made with coral stones are available all over the island.

More reading on Delft.