Delft Island: A Remote, Windswept Corner of Sri Lanka
Also known by its Tamil name, Neduntivu, Delft Island is one of the most distinctive destinations in Sri Lanka's north — a flat, arid island in the Palk Strait reached by a longer ferry crossing from the Jaffna peninsula. Its stark limestone landscape, herds of wild ponies descended from Dutch-era imports, and scattered colonial ruins give it an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the island.
1. The Wild Ponies
Best for: Wildlife and photography
Delft's population of small, hardy wild ponies — believed to descend from horses introduced during the Dutch and Portuguese periods — roam freely across the island and are its best-known attraction, often seen grazing along the roadside.
2. Coral-Stone Fences and Ruins
Best for: History and unusual landscapes
The island is criss-crossed with distinctive fences built from coral stone, alongside the ruins of a Dutch fort and colonial buildings, reflecting Delft's role as a minor outpost during the colonial period.
3. The Ancient Baobab Tree
Best for: A quirky natural landmark
Delft is home to a centuries-old baobab tree, a species not native to Sri Lanka, believed to have been brought by Arab traders — a striking, unexpected sight on the island's flat terrain.
4. A Remote Island Atmosphere
Best for: Travellers seeking somewhere off the beaten path
With limited infrastructure, wide-open limestone terrain and a slow pace of life, Delft offers a genuinely remote experience rarely found elsewhere in Sri Lanka.
Practical Tips
- Best season: Year-round; the dry season (May–September) makes for calmer sea crossings.
- Getting there: A passenger ferry runs from Kurikadduwan (Punkudutivu) near Jaffna, taking roughly an hour each way.
- Getting around: Hiring a tuk-tuk or bicycle on the island is the easiest way to see the scattered sights.
- Entry/opening info: No formal entry fee for the island; ferry schedules are limited, so plan the return trip carefully.
- Combine with: Nagadeepa Purana Vihara and other islands in the Jaffna lagoon en route.
Where to Stay near Delft Island
Delft has very limited accommodation, so most visitors base themselves in Jaffna town and visit as a full-day trip. Browse verified Jaffna stays on SLAccommodation for hotels convenient for the ferry departure point.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern Province (Palk Strait, near Jaffna) |
| Famous for | Wild ponies, coral fences, Dutch-era ruins |
| Nearby | Nainativu (Nagadeepa), Jaffna peninsula |
| Best season | May–September (dry season) |
| Distance from Colombo | ~430 km plus a ferry crossing from Kurikadduwan |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Delft Island have wild ponies? The ponies are believed to descend from horses brought to the island during the Dutch and earlier Portuguese colonial periods, and they have roamed freely ever since.
How do you get to Delft Island? A passenger ferry departs from Kurikadduwan near Jaffna, with the crossing taking around an hour each way; schedules are limited, so plan carefully.
What is the baobab tree on Delft Island? It's a centuries-old baobab, a tree species not native to Sri Lanka, believed to have been introduced by Arab traders — an unusual landmark on the island.
Is there accommodation on Delft Island? Options are very limited, so most travellers visit as a full-day trip from Jaffna rather than staying overnight.