Delft Island, Jaffna: How To Visit And The Places To Visit On This Coastal Island

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.

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Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.

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What Is The Best Time To Visit Glacier National Park? Find The Answer Here!

BY  Mashum May 31, 2023

There are very few places on Earth as beautiful as the Glacier National Park. It was protected in the year 1910, during the beginning of the American conservationist movement. This national park ranks with the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone as one of the most astonishing natural beauties of the world. Keep reading till the end to find out more information on the best time to visit glacier national park! About Glacier National Park Glacier National Park is actually an American National Park that is located on the border of Canada and the United States. This park encompasses a total area of more than 1 million acres. The park features two mountain ranges, more than a thousand different species of animals and plants. It also has more than 130 lakes. Best Time To Visit The best time to visit Glacier National Park can vary depending upon a lot of different factors. 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It connects the east and west sides through the middle of the park - which makes a crossing at Logan Pass. Go On Trails There are over seven hundred miles worth hiking trails in the Glacier National Park. There's trails for every sort of person out there - be it 1 mile - 20 miles. You need to remember that hiking is an extremely popular sport during summer time and you would need to ensure that you arrive early. That is to be done so that you can secure a parking spot and be ahead of midday crowds. Sign Up For Activities Inside the Glacier National Park, there are plenty of activities to partake in. There is a rope course, horseback riding, and rafting options. These are perfect choices for a guided day tour inside the park premises. To Wrap It Up! That was all for information regarding the best time to visit Glacier National Park. Thank you for reading up till here. I hope you found the information useful. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the same. 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Paris Transforming Historical Sites Into Olympic Venues (Olympics 2024 Travel Plan Made Easy)

BY  Sibashree Aug 2, 2024

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Get your travel plan right by knowing the historical places to visit, why they are significant travel destinations, and how choosing them as Olympic venues is a sustainable move.   Paris Transforming Historical Sites Into Olympic Venues (Make Changes In Your Travel Plans)  https://www.instagram.com/p/C95mF-atRPK/?img_index=1 Various historical sites in Paris have become the stage for gala Olympic events. So, know the historical places to visit if you are traveling to Paris now and want to enjoy the games and the history of the iconic city altogether.   Here, you will first see a table mentioning the historical venues and the Olympic events that will take place there. 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If you are traveling to different Olympic venues in Paris, you will notice the following sustainable practices.  No use of diesel generators  Connection to the grid, enabling the use of sustainable energy  Solar panels in the Aquatics Centre and Olympic Village  Geothermal cooling systems in the Olympic Village (No use of traditional airconditioning system)  Use of recyclable material in building the Aquatics Centre, the only new permanent venue   More Insight Into Sustainable Transformation Of The World’s Most Iconic Tourist Sites Into Olympic Venues In 2024  Further, the International Olympic Committee and Paris are abiding by the promise of sustainability by transforming historical sites into Olympic venues. In the Paris Olympics 2024, 95% of the events will take place at existing historical sites or buildings. 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In a report to the International Olympic Committee, they wrote,   “Temporary venues in iconic locations, which will see the city’s greatest sites transformed into stunning stages for sport and embedding the Games in the public domain.”  Along with practicing sustainability, this move has been a wonderful way to impress spectators and get more advertisers and sponsors on board.   Olympics On Mind: Space Travel And The Greatest Sports Event  The frenzy for the Summer Olympics 2024 in Paris reaches the sky. The six living astronauts in the International Space Station showed that they had the Olympics on their minds.   Jeanette Epps, Mike Barratt, Sunita Williams, Tracy Caldwell Dyson, and Butch Wilmore kickstarted their mini Olympics in space by passing the Olympic torch.   In the July 26th video published by NASA, we get to see how the astronauts playfully gear up for their events. Jeanette Epps and Sunita Williams shook up their arms, and Butch Wilmore gulped a water globule roaming around his head. Then, he stretched his upper body.   Sunita Williams further showed some gymnastics moves to up the Olympic spirit in space. However, Butch Wilmore shot-putting a duct tape ball and Mike Barratt launching a discus were the highlights of the fun activities in space.   Matthew Dominick, the NASA scientist currently living off Earth, has said, “Over the past few days on the International Space Station, we've had an absolute blast pretending to be Olympic athletes.” The activities were more fun because of the weightlessness in the space.  4 Who knew that there would be a marriage of space travel and the Olympics like this?   Final Words   With Paris transforming historical sites into Olympic venues, it’s time to plan a trip to the French capital from 26th July to 11th August.  It’s time you enjoy the greatest sports events and encounter the best chapters of French history at once. These picturesque locations are also great for clicking photographs for posterity and garnering attention on your socials. Also, visiting these places this season can be a small contribution on your behalf to acknowledging the importance of sustainability in travel, tourism, and gala events.   So, are you planning to visit Paris during the Olympics? Bon voyage! Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024]

READ MORE 5 Popular 2 Week Treks in Nepal

5 Popular 2 Week Treks in Nepal

BY  Sibashree Mar 21, 2025

Nepal, a land of majestic peaks and fresh natural air is a dream destination for Trekkers around the World. Nepal holds the world's most prominent mountains and provides lasting trekkers with refreshing journeys through forests, tri-level fields, and snow-covered paths across its varied natural landscapes.  Nepal's many short trek routes like EBC, ABC, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Upper Mustang Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek, let's all adventurous explore nature and culture in no amount of days. These five enjoyable Nepal treks below provide an excellent hiking experience over  just the time of two weeks.  1. Everest Base Camp Trek No journey can compare to the allure of Everest Base Camp Trek, one of Earth's most attractive hiking trails. As you travel up on this famous Moderate to Challenging difficulty level trail towards the heart of Khumbu, each step brings you closer to the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest. After landing in Lukla, travelers penetrate the Sherpa towns and dense rhododendron forests prior to crossing high altitude, glacier areas. As we move forward, Hikers reach Namche Bazaar, a lively mountain settlement with its delightful sights of prayer flags and teasing Everest views alongside Lhotse and Ama Dablam.  After this segment, the trail goes to Tengboche Monastery which preserves an old Buddhist heritage offering amazing views of Himalayan peaks. Starting the journey to Everest Base Camp tests your strength but promises you an icy and memorable encounter with High Mountain wilderness that carves into your memory. The Everest Base Camp trek runs for as little as a 12day period even despite its steep environment and altitude. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) represent ideal times for this trek as the stable weather in this time frame lets you see the mountains in their best light. If you want to skip some days to get aerial view of the Himalayas, you can take Everest Helicopter Tour which gives you 30 minute of stunning mountain views including the Everest. 2. Annapurna Circuit Trek The Annapurna Circuit route leads trekkers across Nepal's diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests bottoms then high-elevation meadows then ending at the edge of the Himalayan range. The route circles Annapurna Massif, offering awe-spiring views of peaks likeAnnapurna Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. The highlight of the trek is one of the world's highest trekking passes, Thorong La Pass (5,416m). The ascent here is tough, but despite the steep climb people reach the top feeling proud, enjoying breathtaking views across the horizon. While walking along the trails, hikers discover villages influenced of  Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist traditions blended, experiencing the warmth of theGurung’s, Thakali, and Manang communities. Let’s not forget about Tatopani's natural hot springs. A dip here makes People experience relief from their tired muscles prior to heading to Poon Hill to witness one of the world's stunning sunrises over the Himalayas. This trek can be as long as 30 days, but we also have a 13 days route for this moderate to challenging Circuit trek. Advisable time periods would be March to May and September to November for an experience that is undisturbed by nature. 3. Manaslu Circuit Trek If you want to explore more remote and undisturbed trekking trails the Manaslu Circuit trek package stands out as a preferred route. The trek routes of the eight highest peaks in the World, Mount Manaslu (8163 meters) guides travelers through glacier rivers and scenic high-altitude passes. Unlike Everest and Annapurna, The Manaslu trail stands apart for it’s uncrowded and peaceful nature providing hikers perfect space for immersion in Nepal's unspoiled nature. The path follows original paths used by salt traders taking you through small Tibetan villages that have stayed true to their traditional ways since time immemorial. The most hard but fulfilling part is Passing through Larkya La La (5,106 meters) that requires physical fitness and endurance which results in incredible mountain views of Manaslu, Hiking Himal and neighboring peaks.  Trekkers find supreme enjoyment on the challenging Manaslu Circuit Trek. You need 14 days to complete this adventure and the advisable time period which offers optimal conditions would be from March to May and September to November. 4. Upper Mustang Trek This moderately difficult Upper Mustang Trek leads adventurers to Nepal's hidden land where trekkers encounter a stark contrast to Nepal's typical lush hillside regions. Also known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom”, Mustang exists below the Annapurna range rain shadow, creating a beautiful desert-like landscape with deep canyons, eroded cliffs, and ancient caves. This trek feels like stepping in the past. This Ancient Tibetan territory holds centuries of Buddhist culture. Its many old monasteries, chorten temples, and traditional brick houses line its landscape. The walled fortress of Lo Manthang shows its whitewashed houses and royal palaces beside colorful fluttering prayer flags. The distinct features of this destination go beyond its special landscape. Mustang stayed hidden to foreign visitors until 1992, when they finally opened it to the public. The trek generally takes 14 days. The best experience would be between spring and autumn months, when the skies are clever and the weather dances mild. 5. Annapurna Base Camp Trek When seeking a quick but dazzling hiking adventure, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek represents an excellent choice.  In 14 days this trek brings trekkers deep into Annapurna Sanctuary, where a glacial amphitheater hosts Annapurna's peaks, including its main summit and four surrounding giants, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli. The Annapurna region's lower slopes start with trails that run through cultivated fields, passing bamboo patches and traditional Gurung communities. Before the final ascent to the Annapurna Base Camp, hikers often stop to visit the Jhinu Danda for its natural hot springs.  This Moderate difficulty trek is indeed a little tough, but the 360-panorama view you'll get from here, that makes it all worth it.  The road to Annapurna Base Camp frequently links to Poon Hill, where trekkers enjoy the sunrise views above Annapurna andDhaulagiri ranges. The trek is suitable for both intermediate and advanced walkers. To make the Hike even more memorable, advised seasons to visit would be Spring and autumn. Final Say No other nations on earth have trekking routes that match the legacy of the Himalayan routes of Nepal. Whether you dream of the mighty Everest Base Camp, wish to explore the hidden routes and valleys of Mount Manaslu and Upper Mustang, or want to dive into the rich culture of Annapurna region. There's a trek for it all. All these treks mentioned are perfect for the time saving Travelers who want an unforgettable Himalayan exploration during their brief vacations. Each one can be completed within two weeks. A short adventure that leaves a long and lasting impact on your memorial lane.