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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.

BY  Arnab Jul 12, 2023

Banff National Park is a world-class location famous for its mountain ranges, wildlife, and glacially-fed lakes. It’s so remarkable it became a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site. It acquired the honor in the early 80s for its exceptionality. Today, Banff is the ultimate destination for holidaygoers who want to explore, relax, or both! If you’re planning a trip to Banff this summer or early fall, or you’re planning for a future vacation, then we encourage you to consider visiting several lakes during your travels. You won’t regret it! 1. Lake Louise We’re starting with the most well-known lake, Lake Louise. Located 45 minutes northwest of Banff, Lake Louise gets its name from the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, Princess Louise. This bright blue, tree-lined lake (and its famous Chateau) has jutting mountain peaks surrounding it. It also features the snow-capped Victoria Glacier in the background. During late spring, summer, and early fall, various hiking and mountain biking trails are available for exploration around Lake Louise. And if you have time, a hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House is a must. Horseback riding is also an option here. At Chateau, visitors can spend a half day or a whole day in the saddle discovering the Timberline Trails that wrap around the lake. There is also Paradise Valley and other scenic routes where you can rent canoes at the Chateau, too. 2. Moraine Lake For many, Moraine Lake is the top contender for the most beautiful lake in Banff. Here, you can hike several trails — there are options at Moraine Lake for all hiking abilities. The most popular short hike is the Rockpile trail — which is phenomenal at sunrise. If you're an early riser, we encourage you to add this to your holiday 'to-do' list. Visitors to Moraine Lake can also rock climb, rent canoes, and bring their inflatable SUPs to paddle across the water. The road to Moraine Lake was closed to private vehicles at the end of 2022. Fortunately, shuttle services as offered by Morainelakebus now commute visitors to and from the lake, with buses starting as early as 4 a.m. for those eager to catch sight of the famous sunrise! An extra bonus for this provider is that some of their services also stop at number one on our list, Lake Louise. 3. Lake Minnewanka Located within the Montane Eco Region, Lake Minnewanka —also known as the ‘Lake of the Spirits’ — is the largest lake in Banff; it’s 18 kilometers long and approximately 100 meters deep. At Lake Minnewanka, you can explore footpaths and trails or sit back on a guided boat cruise to learn all about the lake’s rich history. Minnewanka is considered an area of cultural and historical significance; artifacts dating back over 14,000 years have been found here. For scuba enthusiasts, Lake Minnewanka is one of two that you can explore in Banff National Park (the second being Two Jack Lake). 4. Bow Lake If you’re driving along the Icefields Parkway, then a stop at Bow Lake is a must. It's a great spot to stretch your legs, as well as take phenomenal photos of the lake with Crowfoot Mountain and the Wapta Icefield in the background. If you have the time, this area is fantastic for hiking, mountaineering, as well as scrambling — with tons of wildflowers filling the trails in the summer months. The Top Lakes to Visit When you’re in the Banff area, it's possible to visit multiple lakes throughout your stay — there are many more in addition to the four mentioned here. Each offers something unique from the other, and you're sure to have an unbelievable time — whether you visit for adventure or bring a picnic, sit back, and take in the beautiful scenery. Read Also: Best 10 National Parks In New Mexico To Visit In 2023! 7 Best National Parks In Ohio You Should Know Before Going From Tokyo To Kyoto: An Epic Journey Through Japanese Culture And History

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 30, 2023

Visiting Northern California ensures an amazing trip that is jam-packed with attractions, activities, and breathtaking locations. If you're looking for an amazing way to make the most of your vacation, think about renting an RV and visiting some of the best campgrounds in this charming area. There are so many possibilities available for adventures based on RVs that choosing just a few is a fun challenge. From tanning in the warm sun on a pristine beach to fully embracing the beauty of nature, Northern California offers a plethora of life-changing experiences. You've come to the right place if you're looking for the best RV camping Northern California. Is RV Camping In Northern California Legal?  Discover the best RV campgrounds Northern California has to offer by reading on, and make sure your next trip is nothing short of spectacular! California generally allows RV living as long as you don't park your vehicle overnight on private property without the owner's permission. You should be mindful of local regulations, though, as they might forbid parking certain kinds of RVs on public roads. Among the few states without laws banning RV living is California. If you want to live in an RV, you can legally do so. Before relocating to your new mobile home, it is imperative to ascertain the policies of your neighborhood HOA regarding this matter. RV Camping Northern California  If you are looking for locations for RV camping Northern California is your best bet. Here are the top RV parking grounds. Get ready, its going to get exciting! Yosemite National Park   The expansive campground located within Yosemite National Park is aesthetically pleasing. It sounds amazing to wake up to a stunning view of Yosemite Valley on a cold night, doesn't it? Winter visitors to Yosemite will find Upper Pines Campground to be a great location. For those who wish to witness Yosemite in all its winter splendor, Upper Pines is the perfect place to go because it remains open even when the valley receives snowfall. The only location in a National Park with a campground open all year round is Upper Pines. It is not possible to get hookups at this campground. Nonetheless, it features areas designated for tents, RVs, and vehicle camping. Yanks  For RV camping Northern California has Yanks. Yanks is a cutting-edge establishment in Greenfield, California. It is designed for individuals seeking an exceptional, enjoyable, and opulent experience with their loved ones. For those who enjoy traveling in style, they have something to offer everyone. With their wide RV sites and complete hookups, Yanks is the ideal destination for any kind of vacation. Numerous amenities are available, including a fitness center, pet wash, pool, spa, as well as laundry. Large RVs and people wishing to park and connect their tow car can fit in the park's pull-through spots. They also have patios and concrete pads. Every campsite has full hookups with 30/50 amp electricity, free cable TV, and free Wi-Fi available throughout the park. Vacaville RV Park  Another great place to stay is the California RV Park campground in Vacaville. It is close to the San Francisco, Sacramento, Napa Valley, and other beaches in California. Major attractions like the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Solano County Wine Country, Napa Valley Wine Country, and Sacramento Wine Country are all nearby. You can stay in touch with your friends as well as family back home and your coworkers at work thanks to the free WiFi that is available everywhere. The best part is that if you don't have an RV, you can rent their tent cabin. Ramblin' Redwoods Campground & RV Park  In Crescent City, RV camping Northern California, there is a family-friendly campground called Ramblin' Redwoods Campground & RV Park. The park has everything you need to enjoy the outdoors and explore the area, including an RV park and full-service campground! The campground is one of the few in California that provides hiking trails, hot showers, and restrooms, along with all-inclusive rates. In addition to having large campsites, fully functional kitchens, open as well as shaded sites, private forest sites, and much more, it is family-friendly. Ramblin' Redwoods Campground is the ideal location for you to stay, whether you're searching for an opulent cabin tucked away in the forest or just want to hang out at a campground in an RV with your family! Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort  The Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort is a great location for a tranquil, restful vacation. It provides all the conveniences you require for a pleasurable stay with loved ones or friends. It is tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains' California redwoods. A wide range of activities are available in the park to keep visitors happy and busy. Basketball courts, fishing ponds, playgrounds, pavilions, eateries, and restrooms are a few of these. Visitors can even buy snacks and mementos from the general store located on the premises. If you want to enjoy some fun in the sun, you can boat or swim in the lake from the waterfront. This park is ideal for travelers looking for an affordable as well as practical place to stay because it offers RV sites. Every RV site has complete hookups, which include cable TV, water, sewage, and electricity. But keep in mind that the RV site is not a place for tents. Among California's most well-liked campgrounds is Beals Point Campground. Beals Point Campground is a lovely location on the west side of Folsom Lake, north of the dam. Beals Point Campground is open year-round, offering both RV and tent camping near the water, as well as incredibly spacious tent sites. With 69 fully equipped campsites, a store, as well as breathtaking mountain views, the campground has it all. All summer long, they accept reservations for the 69 sites, which are open to visitors of all ages. They go to first-come, first-served when it gets too chilly and don't fill up as quickly. For overnight visitors, the campground offers potable water, hot showers, as well as a swimming pool. Lake Perris State Recreation Area  If you're looking for a weekend full of adventure, Lake Perris State Recreation Area is the place for you. With 167 tent camping sites and 264 paved RV sites (along with electricity, water and sink water), it's the biggest natural lake in the state. There is a dump station at each entry. A grill-equipped fire ring as well as a picnic table are also available. California's Riverside County is home to the stunning Lake Perris. Mountains and hills surround it. Spread out across the lake, the campsites provide a distinctive experience for campers who wish to take in the scenery without having to worry about making frequent trips from their spot. Wrapping Up  You're in for a treat whenever you travel to Northern California because of its alluring beauty, as well as the magic is amplified in the summer. The warmth and sunshine make the outdoors an ideal playground for adventure seekers, beckoning you to go camping and hiking. Additionally, it's a great place to go on vacation because every city has a wealth of things to do and attractions to keep you occupied. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about RV camping Northern California, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Wonders of the Waves: RV Camping Along Oregon’s Coastal Beauty