Interesting Facts about Australia that will surprise you!

BY  Sibashree Sep 12, 2024

No, it’s not the battle of the Starks, Lannisters, and other houses of Westeros. In Canada lies Kootenay National Park, the actual land of ice and fire. The glacier-made canyons and valleys sing the song of the ice, while the hot springs and grasslands keep the “fire” element alive here.  Also, the national park is a hub of ancient fossils, encouraging walks through the fossil trails. Moreover, you can take a scenic drive through the park, rich in Indigenous culture, history, architecture, and cultural landscape.   So, do you want a virtual tour of this Canadian national park? THIS is where your journey begins! THESE Are The Things You Will Do At Kootenay National Park With no cell service available in Kootenay National Park, you can get lost in the wilderness and explore the most fascinating landscape. However, being respectful to the wildlife is a must for this national park. This August, I came across disturbing news while doing my research on Kootenay National Park.  I have been in touch with a local from Radium Hot Springs for quite some time now. He told me that a grizzly bear coming out of Kootenay National Park was almost struck by an SUV on 19th August 2024.  This incident occurred on a busy highway in southeastern British Columbia, and fortunately, the Kia Sportage SUV made its way to the other side safely. Further, it was a lesson on why following the safety guidelines is crucial while driving in and around the Kootenay National Park. On the major routes of Kootenay National Park, you will have to maintain a maximum speed of 56 mph.However, on the minor routes, the highest driving speed limit will be 37 mph.  Also, around one month before the incident, on 24th July 2024, there was a minor fire in the  Sinclair Canyon slopes (near Radium Hot Springs) of the national park. It was called the Berland Ridge wildfire. This fire was under control thanks to a helicopter bucketing water on it. However, outside the park’s southern boundary, there was a blazing fire that was brought under control after pain-stricken efforts.  So, these incidents show how mindful and cautious you need to be while taking part in the following activities.  Hiking In Kootenay National Park (Hikers’ Favorite Trails) The hiking trails in Kootenay National Park are full of elevation gains and losses. Also, today, the national park has more than 70 hiking trails at easy, moderate, and difficult levels.  However, I have curated a few hiking trails in the table below. After interacting with a couple of hikers, I found out that these are the ones most preferred. Name of the Trail Difficulty LevelDistanceLocationHighlightsMarble CanyonEasy1.4 Km with 42 M Elevation Gain Located near Lake Louise, AlbertaHiking, snowshoeing, and running are the favorite activities here.It is a pet-friendly and kid-friendly trail. It is a year-long hiking trail. Stanley Glacier Trail Difficult 10.9 Km with 607 M Elevation Gain Located near Lake Louise, AlbertaSnowshoeing, camping, and hiking are popular activities on this trail.You can take your dog as a company.June to September is the best time to hike this trail. Sinclair Canyon via Juniper Trail Moderate5.8 Km with 291 M Elevation GainIt is close to Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia.You will have to hike through a beautiful cedar fir forest on this trail.The view of verdant Sinclair Canyon Falls and the Columbia Valley from this trail is breathtaking.Marble Canyon to Paint PotsModerate2.9 Km with 110 M Elevation GainRadium Hot Springs (Marble Canyon Parking Lot  - 89 km east of Radium Hot Springs, Paint Pots - 86 Km east of Radium Hot Springs).Explore a good mix of mature and burnt forest throughout the trail.Behold the Vermillion River running parallel to the trail. Floe LakeDifficult10.5 Km with 1,110 M Elevation Gain Near Radium Hot Springs (72 Km East)Backpacking and camping are popular activities on this trail. The trail leads to the Floe Lake Backcountry campground. This popular meadowy trail is known for its views of peaks, glaciers, and the beautiful Floe Lake. Numa CreeksModerate 6.3 Km with 385 M Elevation GainThe trailhead is near the Numa Falls, which is 80 Km east of the Radium Hot Springs. It is a forested trail.The trail leads to heavy avalanche paths in the park.  The hikers’ words about the trails in this national park are quite encouraging. Let’s find out what they are saying about the mesmerizing hiking trails.  “This is a beautiful, deep canyon hike. The trail crosses the canyon multiple times to view the ferocious Kootenay river below. Hiking boots aren't necessary since it is a well-traveled trail.” - Deborah Turcotte on the Marble Canyon Trail  “The trail was mostly dry and in very good condition. No snow on the trail, just a few short wet spots. Trek up is mostly sheltered but a bit chilly and windy in the bowl so bring layers as the temp changes quickly when the sun is behind clouds. Still lots of snow in the bowl. Found one rock with fossils. There are a few small waterfalls on Stanley Peak. Lots of boulders at the base of the bowl to sit and enjoy a lunch and 360 views. An easy to moderate 3-4 hour hike with nice views of Stanley Peak, Storm Mtn, and the Kootenay Valley.” - Sue W on the Stanley Glacier Trail  Kootenay National Park Camping  Kootenay National Park is a wonderful place for frontcountry and backcountry camping. You can even live in oTENTiks and spend some unforgettable days in the park under the sky.  Frontcountry Camping You can camp near the Vermillion, Kootenay, and Simpson rivers. Also, you can find some quiet spots near Radium Hot Springs village.  Summer is the best season for front-country camping in the national park. However, the sites remain crowded. So, you must go for a prior booking.  Further, the daytime temperature in the national park remains between 16-23 degrees centigrade. Still, the temperature at night can drop below 0 degrees centigrade. So, abiding by the camping rules is crucial, and especially, be particular about the things you will have to carry. Moreover, like camping in any national park, here also you have to ensure that you don’t leave any trace behind as you leave the site.  Backcountry Camping Backcountry camping and backpacking are the best ways to explore the wilderness of this Canadian national park. However, you must make a prior booking and carry a backcountry permit if you want to spend some days and nights amidst grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elks, and cougars.  Further, there are six backcountry camping grounds in the park, five of which are located along the  Rockwall Trail. The  Verdant Creek Trail has the sixth camping ground.  Random camping is not allowed during summer, as protecting the landscape and vegetation is crucial. This restriction applies from May to October.  However, in the winter months, you can do random camping in the designated areas. You will still need a permit for this. As I have mentioned, the Rockwall trail is the most prominent place for backcountry camping in the park. This site is also popular for the presence of various multi-day hiking trails. These trails are: Honeymoon Pass and Verdant Creek Tumbling - Floe The Rockwall  Tumbling - Helmet - Ochre Loop Numa Creek Helmet Creek and Falls Tumbling Creek Helmet - Ochre Junction In the popular backcountry camping areas, the trails are maintained quite well. Further, there will be amenities like food storage cables, food lockers, picnic tables, and tent pads.  Living in oTENTik An oTENTik is a modern fusion of a cabin and a tent. In the park, you will find the oTENTik site on the Redstreak campground’s A loop.  If you stay in an oTENTik, you will wake up amidst nature, and taking a bath at the hot springs will be the most rejuvenating experience. Then, you can explore the nearby hiking trails and gorge on traditional meals cooked in the campfire.  Relaxing At Radium Hot Springs  Beneath the colorful Sinclair Canyon mountains lie the most refreshing hot springs. Further, the mineral-rich water of the hot springs does not have any odor, and you can take a bath with your entire family.  To reach the Radium Hot Springs, you must drive from Banff and Lake Louise for around 1.5 hours. Further, the journey is as interesting as the destination, as you will get to small turquoise lakes, falls, canyons, and bridges over rivers as you drive through the Kootenay National Park. Also, don’t forget to stop at the following locations to make the most of your journey. Continental Divide (The line diving the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds) Marble Canyon Hike Paint Pots Trail Numa Falls Kootenay Valley Viewpoint (It is the place to get the most beautiful view of Vermilion and Mitchell Ranges.)  Olive Lake Trail and Day-Use Area However, the highlight of the journey, of course, is the Sinclair Canyon, where you will also find big horn sheep roaming. As you hike through the Juniper / Sinclair trail, you will get a “bird’s eye view” of Sinclair Canyon.  Further, as you enter the Radium Hot Springs village, you will see an iconic steel horn sculpture. The “Bighorns Public Art Sculpture” was officially unveiled on 7th April 2021. Moreover, Clara Reinhardt, the mayor of Radium in 2021, said,  “We chose something that implies a sense of arrival to Radium, the Columbia Valley, and beyond. We captured the undeniable natural beauty of the curved horns through a Fibonacci spiral—the golden ratio in nature and art.” “We wanted to create a piece of art that speaks to both the history and the future of bighorn sheep in Radium. We captured the undeniable natural beauty of the curved horns through a Fibonacci spiral—the golden ratio in nature and art.” - Adam Meikle (Artist of the Bighorns Public Art Sculpture) Burgess Shale Fossil Hike  The Burgess Shale Fossil Hike in the national park will give you access to Mount Stephen and Walcott Quarry. These are UNESCO Restricted Sites. Further, you will get to see some of the oldest fossils in the world here.  However, in total, you have three routes to explore in the Burgess Shale Fossil Hike. Let’s discuss them in detail.  Walcott Quarry Starting Point: Takakkaw Falls Difficulty Level: Difficult  Elevation Gain: 825 Meters Duration: 11 Hours Return Distance: 22 Kms Walcott Quarry is a classic example of a fossil hike. Also, the top view of the Emerald Lake from here is amazing. Further, you will find Burgess Shale creatures here, which were found in fossilized conditions at the mountaintop in the Yoho National Park.  “The Burgess Shale organisms lived 508 million years ago in a time period that Geologists call the Cambrian, which began at 541 Ma (million years ago) and ended by 485.4 Ma. The first fossil occurence of most animal lineages (at the phylum and class levels) occur in the Cambrian. As a result of this fact, and because the fossils are well preserved, Paleontologists studying the Burgess Shale fossils can deduce a great deal about the ancestory of animal lineages.” The Burgess Shale fossils were discovered at the Walcott Quarry site in 1909 by Charles Doolittle Walcott. 1 Mount Stephen Difficulty Level: Difficult  Elevation Gain: 795 Meters Duration: 7.5 Hours Return Distance: 9 Kms As you hike through the Mount Stephen trilobite beds, you will get to overlook the “town of Field” in British Columbia. Railway workers in the 1880s used to call the town of Field the space of “stone bugs.”  Further, during this trek, you will see trilobite fossils (now extinct and one of the earliest marine arthropods), and the view of the Kicking Horse River from the trail is amazing.  Stanley Glacier Difficulty: Moderate Return Distance: 10 km Elevation Gain: 385 m Duration: 7.5 hours You will start hiking the Stanley Glacier in a fire-swept forest. The forest has lodgepole pine and wildflowers. Further, along your route, you will get to see a turquoise river, waterfalls, and the best view of the Stanley Glacier. Moreover, you will get to see the fossils of hyolithids, sponges, trilobites, and sponges here, and they are from the Eldon Formation.  Cambroraster, an ancient arthropod, and many other species are found in the quarry near the Stanley Glacier. Further, the shell of a Cambroraster looks like the Millennium Falcon spaceship in its shape. Important Kootenay National Park Data At A Glance  Before you start for the Kootenay National Park, don’t forget to have a look at the stats. Location: British Columbia, Canada Established: 21st April, 1920 Area: 1,406 km² Highest Landscape: Deltaform Mountain (3,102 m) Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 (As Part of the “Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks ) Visitor Center: Kootenay National Park Visitor Centre (7556 Main Street East; Radium Hot Springs, B.C.) How to Reach: Via Highway 1 from Banff, AB or Calgary, AB/Via Highway 95 at Radium Hot Springs, BC Also Read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  sagnika Feb 27, 2025

Be it an adventurous or a laid-back experience, we have all that and much more in the best Alaska cruises available. If you are planning a vacation in the summer of 2025, you should make bookings on one of these cruise lines.   Additionally, the way these excursions are planned, you will find many affordable packages. It is one of the coolest February vacation ideas if you have plans to go to Alaska. This summer, you will get to see beautiful snowcapped mountains.   Let me talk more about the cruise lines in detail. The several packages and the ships of these cruises create the perfect environment for you, especially when you are on vacation, be it with your family or your partner.   Check out the Best Alaska Cruises to Go This Summer!   If you are planning to travel to Alaska this summer, let me share with you some of the best Alaska cruises. These cruises are perfect for your family vacation or maybe a honeymoon cruise as a couple.   These cruises are a perfect place for you to check out the beautiful panoramic view while enjoying all kinds of luxury. There are several packages which are quite affordable, hence, you can go on some of the best cruises for families.   Furthermore, you will have the most enriching experience when it comes to having private rooms and balconies on a cruise. Going on some of the best cruises for couples, the organizers make sure you have privacy and all other amenities to make it perfect.   1. Norwegian Cruise Line   One of the most popular and safe cruise lines, Norwegian Cruise is known as one of the best Caribbean cruises. They are also one of the best Alaska Cruises to go on this summer! Departing from Seattle or Whittier in Alaska or Vancouver in British Columbia, the cruise ships offer $622 per person for a cruise trip.   It is the starting rate for seven-night sailing on cruise ships in April 2025. There are several Alaska cruise ships namely Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Jade.    You can check out several highlights while on this cruise, such as Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan (Ward Cove) Skagway and Juneau. You will find bliss when on this cruise checking out these beautiful scenarios.   Additionally, there is indoor entertainment such as laser tag, mini-golf, teen clubs, themed parties, video arcades, racetracks, and aqua parks. These cruises are perfectly suited for big families along with kids. You can also go on a canoe ride surrounded by spectacular views, a waterfall, a forest, and Arctic tern nesting ground.   2. Celebrity Cruises   If you are planning an adventure cruise trip with your partner, this is the one for you. Departing from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward from Alaska, the Celebrity Cruises company has three Alaska cruise ships.   Celebrity Summit   Celebrity Edge   Celebrity Solstice   For the 2025 Alaska season, Celebrity Cruises has organized itineraries of seven nights. It is inclusive of Hubbard Glasier, the world’s longest tidewater glacier 76 miles long, and Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm Fjord.   Furthermore, there are other trips such as a 13-night itinerary where you can explore small-town destinations namely Talkeetna, Alaska. There are themed tours which you can take to explore national parks and wildlife viewing.   Furthermore, these cruises also have adult-based entertainment and activities on board so couples will enjoy it. Starting from bars, lounges, and complimentary and specialty restaurants along a spa, couples can enjoy themselves together.   If you want more privacy, you can totally book a villa or suite, so that you can enjoy yourself in the private lounge, private restaurant, and Luminae at The Retreat along with a sundeck! The packages start from $858 per person from Vancouver to Seward in August 2025.   3. Holland America Line   Another premium service cruise, Holland America Line offers a wide variety of cruises over 75 years. With a variety of fleets, Noordam, Zaandam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Koningsdam, the cruise takes you on a beautiful journey.   There is also an added highlight, living in an exclusive lodge in Denali National Park and Preserve. There are several opportunities for you to check out some of the coolest animals, be it wolves, moose, caribou, and others.   Additionally, Holland America has also achieved certification of the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM). They are the only cruise line that has hence, you can enjoy certified and sustainable wild Alaska seafood on board.    You will experience culinary excursions while on this cruise line. Additionally, you will experience the local culture quite closely through traditional activities and food.   4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises   The cruise ship, Seven Seas Explorer is ready to take you on a cruise trip in May 2025! The ship will be departing from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Anchorage, Alaska. So, you can accordingly board the ship based on your preference and reservations.   With a wide variety of voyages, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers you packages ranging from seven-night voyages to fourteen-night sailings. These trips will be organized between May to September 2025. The ship has 746 passenger capacity with all the amenities available.   You will get all-balcony suites creating the perfect living quarters for you on your vacation. Additionally, every package has an additional charge, so the starting package is $5850 per person, and it goes up accordingly based on your itinerary and accommodations.   With each package, there are complimentary spirits, fine wines, dining at restaurants, unlimited Wi-Fi access, free valet laundry service, prepaid gratuities, and other services. It is completely based on the type of package and the suite you have chosen; accordingly, the services are catered.   5. Royal Caribbean International   Departing from Seattle or Seward from Alaska or Vancouver from British Columbia, the Royal Caribbean International offers some of the best Alaska cruise itineraries starting from five to seven-night cruises. You can also choose to extend it to eleven to thirteen days based on your plans!   Starting from $697 per person, the package cruise on Quantum of the Seas is hand-made for you if you want to experience some of the best highlights of Alaska. The trip is organized between May 2025 to September 2025.   You can visit Denali National Park, one of the highlights of the Cruise tours. Additionally, there are beautiful views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. There will be indoor pools so, you can enjoy a cool summer while going on a cruise in Alaska.   If you are looking for a kids’ friendly trip, there is musical entertainment, laser tag games, an escape room, bumper cars, movie nights, and live performances!   6. Silversea Cruises   https://www.instagram.com/p/DD7zDPUvdVQ/?img_index=1 The cruise line has currently 40 voyages lined up for the 2025 season in Alaska. One of the newest ships in the market, Silver Nova has advanced technologies along with asymmetrical design conforms that Silversea Cruises as an organization has contributed to being environmentally friendly.   Additionally, there is another cruise ship called Silver Moon. Do note that the departure cities of the cruises are Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska. You can book your cruise with them for May 2025 on either Silver Moon or Nova for a seven-day cruise trip from Vancouver to Seward.   It will cost you around $3900 per person with facilities and services! It is an all-inclusive fare including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as champagne, minibars in rooms, a gourmet dining option, one excursion on every port, butler services, and other amenities.   Furthermore, the cruise has a capacity of 728 guests who will have spacious suites along with outdoor space, luxurious lounge areas, and activity spaces. Of course, there are additional outdoor activities, however, you have to pay more if you want to attend them.   7. Princess Cruises   The cruise line has been organizing trips for 50 years, establishing a long history in Alaska. Starting from San Francisco, Los Angeles Vancouver, British Columbia, or Whittier, Alaska, these ships will take you on a trip to explore Alaska.   Starting from $408 per person package, the days can be set anywhere between four to seven days. Of course, with the increased number of days, the package will also be $908 in June 2025. Princess Cruises has a wide selection of tours, along with a tour director.   In the package, you will find some sightseeing trips and meals included. Of course, many of them are selected based on their preferences, availability, and inclusion in the package. You can visit the local places, meet the local people of Alaska, have photography sessions along with going fishing.   8. Seabourn Cruise Line   It is an Award-winning cruise line, Seabourn Cruise brings out the best when it comes to expedition and luxury cruising together. If you are an adventure-seeking traveler, this is your pick of the lot.   With Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller planning your food itinerary, can you imagine the delicious cuisine you will get? Guess what, you will feel like you are having food in a swanky country club-esque atmosphere.   The seven-day Alaska trip will ensure that your excursions from the ports include biking, hiking, bear viewing, and kayaking. You can go on this cruise if you want a nature-focused experience. Furthermore, there are other luxurious experiences such as having caviar and champagne.   Ready to Cruise on an Adventure?   When you are planning to go on a cruise, let me share with you some of the best Alaska Cruises that will give you the time of your life. Additionally, the vessels that take you on these cruises are perfect, be it with their rooms, lounges, and other facilities.   I have always wanted to watch the sunset on the ocean! Imagine being surrounded by mountains with the sun glowing overhead while you cruise along beautiful panoramic views. Comment below on which of the cruises is perfect for your vacation plans.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must 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.