Houston Hospitality: The Top Hotels You Need To Experience

BY  Sibashree Dec 8, 2022

I love beaches. But, also, I really love Nashville. So, you can guess the sad part here. The last time I went to Nashville, I had to come back dry and without a tan. But I thought there must be some beaches close to Nashville, right? Also, why stick to the same beaches in the Nashville area, or even in and around? Have you thought about venturing out to beaches a little farther away?  Additionally, you can also check out the closest beach to Nashville or even some of the closest beaches near Nashville. Additionally, Nashville is a popular tourist attraction on prestigious lists like the New York Times’ 52 Places to Go. Also, I must say that it has a colorful history, great heritage, and architectural excellence. However, if you want some coastal fun and some sultry sunbathing seasons, the beaches around Nashville will be your ultimate call!  What Is The Closest Beach To Nashville? Top 10 Beaches You Can Visit So here you are, searching for the closest beach to Nashville, TN! And here we are with a curated list featuring the best beaches near Nashville. Also, “The Music City” is the door to cool sand and water pursuits. Let’s check out the names.  1. Dauphin Island, Alabama:  Dauphin Island in Alabama is fairly close to Nashville, and it will take you about 7 hours to drive to Mobile since the island is located in the southern part of Mobile. You can also fly to Mobile. Spend time playing with the waves and collecting seashells, or take a ferry and visit the beautiful Fort Morgan to check out some dolphins. Also, you must not miss out on other prime tourist spots nearby, like: Fort Gaines,  Bird Sanctuary, and  The Estuarium.  So, it is quite idyllic and a family-friendly island with beautiful attractions such as the Alabama Aquarium, Mobile Bay Ferry, and others.  Additionally, excitement, wildlife, and southern culture are quite apparent in and around Dauphin Island, which has white sand and blue water.  Best Time To Visit Estimated Cost Driving/flying hours from Nashville Spring (March-May), Fall (October-November) $350 to $1,000 560 miles  2. Gulf Shores, Alabama:  While looking for beaches near Nashville, TN, there’s no way you can forget about the Gulf Shores in Alabama. It’s pretty popular among tourists, especially Tennessee residents. Located only a seven-hour drive away from Nashville, the area boasts several lodging options, activities, and fresh seafood. The area has amusement parks, entertainment zones, shopping opportunities, and more. Plus, if you love educational activities and history, there’s much to do in this area. So just pack your bags already – because the beach awaits you!  With its warm and soothing water, Gulf Shores also has bright white beaches. You can perform daytime activities such as dolphin-watching, hiking, and scenic cruises.  There is an Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and a recreation center with bumper boats called The Track, where you can visit with your family.  Best Time To Visit Estimated Cost Driving/flying hours from Nashville Fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) $210 7-8 hours  Gulf Shores is about to get a Goodwill Center. The 50,000-square-foot facility in Foley will offer job and employment training to the local people. With time, it will likely be developed as a community development center. The center is likely to open its doors in the fall of 2025. Then, it will be an added attraction to the places of interest. 3. Pensacola, Florida:  There are several beaches close to Nashville, but Pensacola, located in Florida, stands out because it will take you less than seven hours to drive from Nashville!  Popular for its charming historic culture and exquisite natural beauty, Pensacola is a must-visit. Spanning over eight acres, the historic village of Pensacola is timeless. From golfing and go-karting to other fun activities, there’s so much to do when you are bored with the beach.  Pensacola is also known as ‘the city of five flags’ since it was passed around in History – you will spot British, French, Confederate, American, and even Spanish flags all over this charming city.  The beach is in the panhandle of Florida, surrounded by coastline across 50-plus miles.  There are crystal clear bay areas and emerald-green Gulf of Mexico waters; thus, when you visit the beach, you can find a vibe that mixes a bustling metropolitan center and a relaxing beach town! Best Time To Visit Estimated Cost Driving/flying hours from Nashville Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) $340 6 hours 39 minutes  4. Destin, Florida:  Why aren’t you considering Destin, located in Florida? Driving to Destin from Nashville will take only around seven hours! Destin has been a prime vacation spot for families! There are several places to eat – you could check out the popular chain dining, Whataburger!  Then there are so many outlet stores for you to visit if you love shopping. If you are traveling with kids, then you have to check out the following places,  The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park,  Local Zoo, and Big Kahuna Water Park (only if you travel to Destin during the summer!) Located in northwest Florida, the area of Destin Beach is called the Panhandle! There are natural trails through the dunes of Henderson Beach State Park. There are beautiful oak and pine trees that provide shelter for wildlife. Also, there are waterfalls, pools, tall slides, and Big Kahuna’s water park, so you can explore all these places. The emerald-green waters of the beach are breathtaking, and the geology is unique!  Best Time To Visit Estimated Cost Driving/flying hours from Nashville Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-November) $105 7 hours  5. Panama City, Florida:  It’s not like there are no beaches in Tennessee. Of course, Tennessee has beaches, but sometimes, venturing a little away from home feels so much better! And how can you ignore Panama City, located in Florida? Famed as a destination for Spring Break, it will take you about 7.5 hours to drive to Panama City from Nashville. You can also opt for direct flights.  The beaches span 27 miles, and Panama City has about a hundred public accesses.  While you are in Panama City, you must visit Pier Park – you will spot several restaurants, playing areas, bungee jumping opportunities, bumper boats, sky wheels, passenger trains, and plenty of places to shop. Best Time To Visit Estimated Cost Driving/flying hours from Nashville Fall (September-November) and Spring (March-May) $106 7.5 to 8 hours  6. 30A, Florida:  People in the Middle Tennessee area either have or know others with bumper stickers with 30A on them. This is because 30A has now become perhaps one of the most well-known getaway spots for most residents of Nashville! And that too throughout the whole year. 30A is not your regular Nashville beach! Instead, it’s a pretty coastal highway with solid touristy spots, like,  Miramar Beach,  Rosemary Beach,  Santa Rosa Beach, and  Blue Mountain Beach. Best Time To Visit Estimated Cost Driving/flying hours from Nashville Spring (March-May), Fall (October-November) $105 7 hours 25 minutes  7. Tybee Island, Georgia:  Tybee Island might not be the closest beach to Nashville, but that doesn’t mean it’s that far away – you can either drive to Tybee Island in the Savannah region or even directly fly to Savannah. If you drive, it will take you more than eight hours; if you take a flight, it will take a little less than two hours. An Atlantic getaway that’s historical – this is exactly what Savannah stands for! Steeped deeply in culture and history, there’s so much to see and do. Explore the local restaurants and shopping outlets at the lighthouse near Tybee Island to make the most of your stay here.  Best Time To Visit Estimated Cost Driving/flying hours from Nashville Spring and summer $210 8 hours 6 mins  8. Gulfport, Mississippi:  While looking up the closest ocean beach to Nashville, TN, it’s impossible not to stumble upon Gulfport, located in Mississippi. The entire Mississippi coastline is unforgettable. It takes about seven hours to drive from Nashville, or you could also do something adventurous and fly to New Orleans – it will be worth the trip!  The area boasts miles of beaches known for their beautiful sand, fun attractions, and exciting water activities. Once you are done spending time on the beach, don’t forget to check out, The Gulfport children’s museum,  INFINITY Science Center, a space facility by NASA,  A famous aquarium,  Drag racing,  Waterparks, and  The railroad museum.  Best Time To Visit Estimated Cost Driving/flying hours from Nashville March through May $200 1 hour 21 minutes  9. Charleston, South Carolina:  Move any beach in Tennessee over, because it’s time for Charleston to shine! Yes, it will take you more than 8 hours to drive to Charleston, located in South Carolina, or a flight of 1.5 hours, but who cares? It will be worth the journey. Another coastal town in the Atlantic steeped deeply in history, this place is perfect for visiting with your family, especially kids.  If you love visiting historical spots, you have to visit Fort Sumter. And that’s not all! Pamper yourself with some spa time and some golfing, while your kids can enjoy the children’s museum and the aquarium.  You will also get to see some world-class restaurants, sandy beaches, and cobblestone paths. The easiest way to enjoy South Carolina is to dip your toes in the white sand and enjoy the beautiful weather. It is perfect for frolicking, as you can walk across the sand and visit the lighthouses. The beaches are wild, you gotta have a towel and sturdy shoes to enjoy your best! Best Time To Visit Estimated Cost Driving/flying hours from Nashville spring (March-May) and fall (October) $124.58 9-10 hours  10. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina:  It is not the closest beach to Nashville if you have a packed itinerary. It will take you about nine hours to drive to Myrtle Beach, but it’s so worth the drive. We say keep at least three to four days in hand while going to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina! From cheering the baseball team and Pelicans, riding the gigantic Ferris wheel, visiting New South Brewing MicroBrewery, or even having a night out at some local dinner theater, there’s so much to do here.  Myrtle Beach has a subtropical climate, with 86 golf courses and 1800 restaurants to visit. The Myrtle Beach Area Fact Sheet states that around 17 million people visit Myrtle Beach annually. If you plan to visit the beach, you can take your family to the Kingdom amusement park.  If you love adventure, the SkyWheel is the way to go, considering it is one of the tallest Ferris Wheels in the world.  Best Time To Visit Estimated Cost Driving/flying hours from Nashville June through August $129 9 hrs 26 min  In 2024, Myrtle Beach was the top trending destination for the Memorial Day weekend in the USA, according to Booking.com reports. TripAdvisor also featured it as the second-most coveted destination for the Memorial Day weekend 2024.  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the closest beach to Nashville, mentioned below. 1. What is the closest beach to Nashville by car?  The beach that would be closest to Nashville would be Panama City Beach, Florida, and would take about 450 miles. A car ride would take around 7-8 hours, and this beach would be the most preferred by people from Nashville.  2. Are there any ocean beaches within driving distance from Nashville?  Yes. Even Nashville, which is a mainland city, has some Gulf Coast Beaches within a day’s drive. These places include Panama City Beach, Destin, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach, and can be reached within a time frame of 7-9 hours. 3. Why is Panama City Beach the best option from Nashville?  What’s also distinct about Panama City Beach is that it offers: • Shorter transport time to the beaches • White sand beaches and warm Gulf waters • Numerous options of places to visit, as well as accommodations, that are suitable for families • Easy access by major highways All these features make this a most preferable spot for people in Nashville who love to visit beaches.  4. What is the closest beach to Nashville that one could go to over a weekend?  Concerning a weekend getaway, Panama City Beach is the most accessible destination in terms of the drive. Furthermore, others prefer the Gulf Shores in Alabama because of its longer drive to the destination.  5. Are there any beaches in Nashville that are not close to an ocean? Yes. If you like lake beaches, then you find that you are in the Nashville area, so you do have some options, such as Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake. There are sandy beaches and swimming areas. Dawkins 6. How far is Destin, Florida, from Nashville?  Destin is about 470-480 miles from Nashville. It will take about 8 hours to drive there. Destin is well-known for its "emerald-green waters." It also has a lot of activities for families.  7. What is the best beach for families in the Nashville area?  Panama City Beach and Destin: These are also ideal destinations to consider when traveling with family. The destinations are famous for their calm waters, amusement parks, dolphin tours, and the availability of resorts and vacation homes.  8. Is there a less crowded beach near Nashville?  Yes. Alabama: Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer fewer visitors than some popular beaches in Florida, especially during the regular year. This would be an awakening for visitors looking for an uninhabited vacation spot.  9. Do you have the option of flying from Nashville to a beach location as opposed to driving?  Absolutely. The Nashville International Airport (BNA) offers flights to neighboring beach resorts, these being Pensacola, Destin-Fort Walton Beach, and Panama City. It takes a considerably shorter time compared to traveling by road.  10. What is the best time to come and enjoy the beaches in and around Nashville?  The period that is considered the best time to visit the Gulf Coast Beaches in Alabama is late spring, which comprises April and May, and early autumn, which comprises September and October.  11. Gulf Coast beaches - safe for swimming?  In general, yes. Most of the Gulf Coast beaches have quiet waters; they're ideal locations for swimming. Also, it must be remembered at all times that 'flag warnings' as well as weather be disregarded.  12. Why do people in Nashville like the beaches of Florida or Alabama instead? The beaches of Florida and Alabama are preferred because of the following reasons:• Reasonable Driving Distance• Warm tropical water, beautiful white sandy beaches. • World-class tourist facilities• Top class packages for family & group holidays 

BY  sagnika Aug 14, 2023

Want to visit Iceland to experience nature in its un-jaded form? Read the article to learn about the best time to visit Iceland. I will also list the things to do and places to visit in Iceland, which will help you create an itinerary with a budget. Iceland has its fair share of folktales and historical sagas, making it an adventurous and unique experience for a person to have. There are places that you can visit which will give you some of the most unique and imaginative adventures of your life. With a collection of 200 volcanoes, Iceland boasts remarkable features worth visiting. Visitors' unworldly experiences should be preserved, as industrialization can easily misuse natural resources. This Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland & These Are The Things You Should Do! Sustainable development is one of the significant parts of the Tourism Policy Framework 2020-30 that the Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs has developed. Quality of life of the natives, positive visitor experiences, conservation of the environment, decreasing carbon footprint, innovation, and creation are the highlights. Things to do and places to visit in Iceland reflect these highlights. If you have an active imagination, Iceland is the place to go! The land of fire and ice gives you the feel of returning to the New Stone Ages, where horse riding is regular. Want to know the best time to go to Iceland? Read along to know the best time to visit Iceland. Iceland Tourism is one of the major sectors from which the country gains economic stability; however, it was severely impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, the tourism economy accounted for 73% of the total tourism expenditure. However, tourism in Iceland saw a gradual fall as there was a 78% decline in the rate of tourists visiting in 2020. Even though the tourism visitation rate has recovered in 2021, it remains below the actual rate in 2019. The country needs to have a considerable rise in the number of tourists visiting the country so that it can contribute to the GDP. So, visiting Iceland will contribute to the growth and development of the economy! What Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland? You can visit Iceland based on your planned itinerary, even though it is generally said that summer is the best time to visit! If you plan to check out the northern lights the best time of year to visit Iceland is to book your tickets between September and March. If you have other plans related to summer activities, you should visit Iceland in the summer between June and August. However, if you are tight on the budget, you should visit Iceland between January to May. Flights, accommodations, and car rentals will be quite cheap. The country as a travel destination is moderately expensive with its natural wonders and captivating landscapes. The tickets from the USA to Iceland range between $700 and $1100. You can easily save money and travel with a fixed budget! What Are The Things That You Can Do In Iceland? "How much would we accept for a mountain? Two billion? Twenty billion?" is a line that will resonate with you from the documentary Dreamland released in 2009 internationally. The film shows some beautiful and untouched nature being exploited by industrialists and business people. I also learned from the documentary that exploiting something that does not need improvisation can nullify all attempts to grow, develop and succeed! The country experienced a crash in the economy in its effort to make it the largest aluminum producer in the world. It wastes the unlimited wealth of opportunities Iceland has from its natural resources and features. Based on this realization, I have composed a list of places that shows how nature can be a perfect strategy to bring in money! know more about the best time to visit Iceland! 1. Don't Miss The Northern Lights The Northern Lights is one of Iceland's main attractions, also known as aurora borealis! They are known to be elusive as there must be perfect conditions to see them, such as less or almost no clouds, no light pollution, and flaring activity in the magnetosphere. It is a natural display of light that can only be seen between the months of winter, from September to March. The attraction is only visible in the northernmost parts of the world. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the green, gold, and purple waves dancing in ribbon-like formation. There is no telling when they will appear, or for long they will appear in the sky; however, there are probabilities to ensure you see them. Guides in those areas do have an understanding of the appropriate vantage points. 2. Give Horseback Riding A Shot Icelandic horses are different from normal horses worldwide with their muscular build and short legs! They are quite popular for their reliability. They are sturdy and smaller in their size and are often confused with ponies instead of horses. Going horse riding across the ice is a perfect way to experience the country and the riding. The breed is actually from Scandinavia and has evolved differently across the ages. 3. Visit The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a lake filled with glaciers; this should be on your bucket list if you visit Iceland. Some icebergs make a sound as they crunch and impact each other. You can take a zodiac boat ride or stay on the shoreline, where you can watch the seals dip into the lake. You can walk down to Diamond Beach from the Lagoon with jet-black sand and glistening icebergs creating a stunning visual of the natural landscapes. 4. Go Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates One of the best snorkeling spots in Iceland visits Silfra Fissure, where you will experience a dramatic visual representation of a glacier melt-water-filled rift. The tectonic plates between Eurasia and North America are drifting apart. You will find yourself a dry suit, a guide, and snorkeling equipment with an entrance fee to Silfra starting from $119. You also get cookies and hot chocolate once you have completed the activity. 5. Tour The Golden Circle The most sightseeing route, you must take a tour of the Golden Circle as it consists of the 3 major attractions, namely Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park. These locations are accessible from Reykjavik, the capital city. Thingvellir National Park is a natural beauty and is quite important as the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America are drifting apart in this very area. The location has waterfalls, deep gorges, and lava fields. The Gullfoss waterfall is 105 feet tall and cascades down two rocky tiers getting the name "Golden Falls." Visitors often find a rainbow over the waterfall, making it a beautiful visual. 6. Voyage Into Ice Caving And Glacier Hiking Frozen landscapes are scattered across Iceland with floating icebergs, ravishing blue ice caves, and extensive glaciers. It is the winter months when you can see Iceland in all its glory when the environment reflects sparkling snow and obscure darkness. The glaciers are the perfect frozen attractions you can access if you love hiking. It is something that can be performed throughout the year. You must wear crampons to walk the ice so that you encounter the indomitable giants up close! Do not miss the ice caves just below the Katla volcano, with a variant of color in blue and white, creating a more gorgeous experience than you can ever have. However, ice caves are safer in winter as there is less risk of collapsing or falling rocks causing serious injuries. To experience the ice caves, the best time to visit Iceland is in the winter months! 7. Hop Into Natural Hot Pool Strokkur is the perfect place to start if you want to hop into a natural hot pool! The hot springs go up to 65 feet every 5 minutes, along with mud pools and steaming fumaroles surrounding it! The abundance of volcanoes has created geological activities such as mud pools, hot springs, and volcanic vents; as the land of Iceland is only a few million years hence, it is still alive. The erupting hot springs and mud pools are a perfect escape for tourists, and it helps them relax. The natural hot pools will ensure that relaxation is part of your itinerary after trying trekking or snorkeling. 8. Enjoy The Westfjords View Are you a nature person? Most people travel to North and South Iceland, which is common for most. Don't you want to experience something off-road and unique? Let me highlight some attractions that fulfill your craving for mysticism, magic, and folklore. A cultural hub, Westfjords is engrossed in natural beauty, such as Hornstrandir with bird cliffs, Dynjandi waterfalls, Arnarfjordur Bay, Flatey Island, and Bolafjall mountain. The staggering beauty of the locales is fascinating and boasts of cultural history. 9. Swing Into The Blue Lagoon Spa A geothermal spa in Iceland has become popular as The Blue Lagoon, which has one of the most beautiful surroundings and an atmosphere that relaxes your senses. It is closer to the airport, so with a busy itinerary, you can easily visit the place. Blue Lagoon tours and the Shuttle bus to the Lagoon make it an easier place to visit. It is, however, an expensive experience. Hence, you can choose other areas, such as the Myvatn Nature Baths and Secret Lagoon. 10. Ramble On To Lake Myvatn In North Iceland The area of Lake Myvatn is geo-thermally active. Therefore, hot pools and nature baths are spread across one of the largest bodies of water in Iceland. After a long day of exploring the beauty of Iceland and performing activities, enjoying the geothermal lake is the perfect way to end your day! It is also a cool place for bird spotting, as there are 58 species. One of the biggest collections of flora and fauna, the lake is a beautiful place to visit where you can see Dimmuborgir. These volcanic rock formations are haunting and alluring while the name is equally exquisite, "Dark Fortress." 11. Take A Food Tour Walk In Reykjavik You have to enjoy the crowd in Reykjavik with its delicious food and the exciting nightlife. The nightlife continues till 4 AM as in the summer. You can enjoy yourself to your heart's content as you can see that it's bright as daylight outside, even during the middle of the night. The city has authentic places to visit eateries, ensuring a beautiful personal experience. You should try the modern and traditional classic items popular in Iceland, skyr and Icelandic lamb soup. The soup represents what Iceland truly means! You can walk down Laugavegur Street, where you can find perfect places for food and drinks. Take advantage of the Icelandic Lamb hot dog you can try in one of the original food stalls from 1937. You can visit Cafe Loki, situated across from Hallgrimskirkja church, where you can try various Icelandic delicacies. You can't miss Rye Bread Ice Cream! I would also recommend Black Death or the special beer drinks that are well-known across Iceland. 12. Go Whale Watching On A Cruise Whale watching is one of the best experiences when you visit Iceland, especially because there are various species of dolphins, porpoises, and whales. There are tours from Husavik, Akureyri, and Reykjavik; hence, you can visit one of these places to access the abundant animal traffic. There is a probability of watching killer and fin whales; however, there is a higher chance of humpback and minke whales. 13. Get A View Of The Fagradalsfjall Volcano Eruption From A Helicopter One of the hottest fissure openings in Iceland is Fagradalsfjall Volcano which you can visit by flying around in a helicopter. The tour is 20 minutes, and a guide will tell you all about the active volcano. On tour from the helicopter, you can see the aquamarine waters, which are based on Faxafloi Bay, and pass over Reykjavik city, getting a bird's eye view. 14. Try Snowmobiling From Reykjavik It is in the Gullfoss waterfall to try a snowmobile tour based on the second-largest glacier, Langjokull. The glacier is snowy, and snowmobiling is a perfect way to feel the glide across the landscape. Conclusion So, what do you think? Ready for a trip to Iceland? The places I have listed will satisfy you if you are a travel bug. Experiencing amazing Iceland will ensure you see all the places that tickle your fantasy and experience nature at its best. Iceland has a mysticism to it, so visiting quaint little towns, remote lighthouses, mountains, thermal pools, and eateries across town are different ways to explore the city's culture and ethnicity. Comment down below about the place out of this list that you find the most interesting or is already on your bucket list to visit.

BY  Sibashree Mar 11, 2026

I traveled extensively across Jaffna, the Tamil heartland of Sri Lanka. The Delft Island, a boat ride away, offered the most historically and culturally enriching experience during my entire Jaffna trip. Yes, the day trip to Delft Island was a bit rushed, as you have to catch the 8 AM boat from Kurikadduwan Jetty. Otherwise, your entire day will be ruined. However, after traveling 30 kms off the coast of Jaffna, Delft Island unfolded its mystery before my eyes. Overall, it is a limestone and coral island that has all the drama. At the same time, there is something very authentic about this island. Local history and culture exude through every corner. That is what won me over as a follower of the TravelDownUnder principles. Here is more in this travel guide. I will begin with where Delft Island is located and the modes of travel to and around Delft Island. Then, I will talk about its history, significance, and things to see. Where Is Delft Island? Delft Island is in the Palk Strait, and it separates Southern India from Sri Lanka. It is a small island with a maximum width of 6 km and a length of 8 km. With such a tiny landscape, it is surprising to find out how much the island has to offer to the visitors.  How To Visit Delft Island From Jaffna? As I have mentioned, if you include a visit to Delft Island in your Jaffna travel itinerary, you have to be very particular about your timings. You have to reach Kurikadduwan Harbour at least by 7:30 AM to catch the ferry at 8 AM. To reach the harbour, you will have to take bus 776 from the Jaffna Bus Station, or you can take a tuk-tuk.  The bus ticket costs LKR 90, and the tuk-tuk ride costs LKR 2000. Furthermore, the return ferry from Delft Island starts at 2:30 PM. Once you reach the Kurikadduwan Jetty, you will get the bus to Jaffna. The return bus was very crowded, and you must not expect the best infrastructure during the jetty ride. Still, the hassle is worth it. How To Move Around Delft Island? Once you arrive on Delft Island, you can take a tuk-tuk ride to explore the main attractions. Many tuk-tuk drivers wait for the tourists aligned with the arrival time of the ferries. You can book a tuk-tuk ride for 4-5 hours, and the cost will be around LKR 2000-2500. Why Visit Delft Island, Jaffna? The history of Delft Island goes back to the time of the Chola Dynasty. Since then, the island has gone through various reigns, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and finally the British colonial periods. As you walk through the roads graced by palm trees and the sea breeze touches your cheeks, you will find how history speaks here, through the ruins, dirt roads, coral walls, and quaint villages. You suddenly start missing your home, especially the afternoons of summer vacations, when time was simpler. There is a rustic charm here that you cannot miss. The locals here are very hospitable. However, the only thing I missed was that there were no restaurants. So, if you are planning a food tour in Jaffna, Delft Island can be a disappointment. Still, here are more reasons to visit this beautiful coral island. Delft Island: A True Hidden Gem And In Close Encounter With Nature After Lonely Planet named Sri Lanka the best travel destination in the world in 2019, Colombo and Kandy became overcrowded. That’s a big turn-off for backpackers like me. So, it’s important to find a break in the north of the country and visit Jaffna temples and other attractions, where you can experience the spirituality, understand the local people, and most importantly, experience the story of human resilience. This is because this part of the country is still rebuilding after the civil war ended in 2009. Delft Island. Jaffna takes these humane aspects and the rawness of Northern Sri Lanka to a new level. In this age of 5G, Delft Island still has 3G connections. Also, the rise in sea levels still impacts the crops, ancient sites, homes, and the entire livelihood of the island. So, when I started exploring the island, I had to walk through the ankle-deep water in the fields. I had no problems in cherishing the experience as everything reminded me of my home.  Stories That Make Delf Island Fascinating Ancient Tamil legends and forgotten colonial ambitions have intertwined in the landscape and livelihood of Delf Island. Moreover, you have to listen to the inside stories here if you enjoy a good mix of history and local folklore. 1. The Growing Stone  There is a limestone outcrop on the island that keeps growing physically. Now, scientifically, it is the calcite and coral deposits that are to be blamed for the growth. However, for local devotees and the followers of Lord Mahadeva like me, it is a Swayambhu Lingam. This self-manifested form of Lord Shiva resembles Nakathampiran, or a multi-headed cobra. I made some offerings there, following the local customs, and had my moments. 2. The Giant’s Footprint Nobody Remembers The indentation close to the Sarapiddi area grabbed my attention. It was around 40 inches in length. There is a local belief that this is the left footprint of Lord Hanuman. Some even say that it is the footprint of Lord Shiva. Nevertheless, a similar indentation, resembling the right foot of the same identity, can be found on the Neduntheevu island. 3. The Wild Ponies And Their Secret Lives The Portuguese and the Dutch brought the wild ponies here. These feral ponies are the descendants of the European mares and Arabian stallions. They grew in numbers and were celebrated during the time of Lieutenant Nolan. He conducted a huge horse-breeding program. By the end of the British Era, most of these ponies were abandoned, and today they are a protected species of the island. So, you cannot take them outside the island. 4. The King Vedi Arasan Vedi Arasan, or the King of Firecrackers, was a celebrated Mukkuvar king here. He was the helm of the pearl trade in the Palk Strait. Furthermore, local stories suggest that the Dutch Fort was built on the foundation of the king’s ancient palace. 5. The Pigeon Cote Or The Dove Cote  The Pigeon Cote or the Dove Cote near the ruins of the Dutch Hospital is a witness to the colonial past of the island. It is 2 meters in length, and it shows how pigeons used to function as the physical internet connection. They were trained, and they used to fly between the Jaffna Mainland and the Delft Island. Though the pigeons were used to carry military dispatches, they were also used for the dissemination of personal letters. 6. The Massive Baobab Tree  The Baobab Tree is a telltale of how Arab traders enjoyed supremacy in this region. The hollow in the trunk of this ancient tree is large enough to accommodate two people.  Furthermore, prisoners were often kept inside the big hollow during transition.  What Are The Things To See In Delft Island, Jaffna? Delft Island may be small in size. However, its diverse cultural and historical attractions will keep you busy. However, these are the attractions you must not miss. The Portuguese And Dutch Fort  This fort is one of the most prominent attractions on Delft Island. It is a free place to visit. The Portuguese built this fort, and then the Dutch occupied it. Moreover, this fort has a coral and limestone structure. So, it stands out because of its unique architecture. The Baobab Tree  The Arab merchants brought the giant baobab tree in the 16th century. You suddenly feel that you are in Africa. The Old Dutch Hospital And Pigeon Nest  The Dutch built this hospital, and in the early 1900s, it became an administrative center. You can still see an inscription of the British Emblem on the Courts. Furthermore, the Pigeon cote or pigeon nest near the hospital shows how pigeons used to function as messengers between Jaffna Mainland and Delft Island. Where To Eat And Drink On The Delft Island? You can eat at the Delft Hotel near the jetty. You can eat parathas, rice, wade, and dosai. Also, you will find many local vendors selling snacks. However, you will not find a hotel on Delft Island. So, carry adequate snacks and water when traveling to Delft Island.