Swiss Delights: Mountains, Lakes, And Chocolate

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  Abdul Aziz Mar 6, 2024

When you apply for a visa application when traveling to any country of the world, you have to submit certain documents. Hence, among them, a two-way itinerary is a must. This will show the embassy of the target country that you have planned your entire trip. Moreover, it will also disclose that you fulfilled your purpose of visiting the state and coming back to the origin.  Apart from this, when applying for various types of visas, you need other documents. Therefore, you must show your passport, photos, visa application form, cover letter, invitation letter, proof of stay, and enough financial sources. Consequently, be sure to check the guidelines of the concerned embassy through which you are applying. This article will explain everything you need to know about the two-ways itinerary for visa application. Therefore, hold on and read the following blog post. What is a two-way itinerary for a Visa Application? Its alternative names are transport booking, round-trip itinerary, or confirmed flight itinerary. This is a document the embassy needs during the visa application process. Moreover, you have to fill out a visa application form and there is a section in that form that asks you for your travel plans. This means that you have to disclose your exit and arrival countries along with other details. An itinerary is of two kinds, one-way and two-way itinerary. The one-way itinerary is when you leave for your target country and have no intention of coming back to your hometown. However, the embassy may ask for a return or two-way itinerary to show that you will be back home soon. Furthermore, it acts as evidence to present that you won't start staying illegally there after your visa expires. Besides, a two-way itinerary unfolds your flight details. This may include the place you are going, the date and time when you are departing, and how long are you planning to stay. Moreover, it is also important to share whether you will stay in a hotel or at the house of a host, such as a friend or a family member. What is proof of itinerary? You need an itinerary when applying for a visa application. This may fall into two categories. However, it is important to have a proof of itinerary to show it to the respective personnel. A POI is a confirmed ticket. The embassy gives you a confirmation code or approves your itinerary at the time of your visa application. This means that you have booked or reserved your tickets. Importance of Two-Way Itinerary: Why It Is Essential The importance of a two-way itinerary is beyond the horizon. However, it is not a real ticket. When applying for the visa application, you have to prove to the embassy that you have purchased your flight tickets. However, the officials are aware of the fact that buying an actual ticket upfront may cause you more money to lose. There are many reasons for getting a dummy ticket instead of an actual one. For instance, your visa application may get rejected or delayed due to some obvious reasons. Moreover, you are unable to have a tentatively scheduled trip. Therefore, buying an actual ticket is a bit risky especially when you have to lose a huge amount of money before your trip. On the other hand, a two-ways itinerary for visa application will save you from the trouble of the ‘no refund’ or ‘no cancellation’ policies of some embassies. Therefore, it is advisable to go with a round-trip itinerary or fake flight ticket when submitting the documents. If your visa gets approved, you can buy the actual ticket and start your journey. There are also other alternate methods through which you can compensate for this segment of your visa application process. They are mentioned beneath in detail. Related: 5 Leading Golden Visa Programs For Wealthy Investors Step-by-step Guide to Get a Round-Trip Flight Itinerary When applying for a visa to a Schengen or any other country, you need to fill out a form. Moreover, the form may have several sections that you need to complete. One of them is putting your round-trip flight itinerary information. Therefore, be sure to follow the steps mentioned below to get the procedure right. The first step is to provide information related to your flight reservation and hotel booking. This will help the embassy confirm the sites you are visiting and the place of your stay. Therefore, you need to include this information in the form as well as in the itinerary. What is the itinerary for the US visa? The itinerary for the US visa is the same as for other countries. Moreover, it may also show your inner flights scheduled. For instance, you are headed from the US to India. The inner flights may disclose where you will be traveling in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, or Agra. Secondly, you have to show your return ticket. This is especially important if you want to commute by other means instead of a flight. For instance, if you have any plans to come back on a train or want to experience the road adventure. It is one of the most important requirements of the process to provide proof of onward travel. Irrespective of the information listed above, you can also briefly discuss your travel plans. For example, this may include your daily activities or the events or business meetings you intend to attend. The second last step is to submit your visa application, along with all the other supporting documents. For instance, the flight reservation document, place of stay or invitation letter, and daily schedule of the trip. Lastly, wait patiently for the response from the embassy. It may usually take fifteen days. However, in rare cases, the embassy may take a month to reject or approve your application. Always seek a logical reason if your application is rejected. Besides this, you can look for other methods to get an itinerary. You can buy cheap flight tickets or search for airlines that offer refundable tickets. However, all these methods come with their pros and cons.  Read Also: From Sunrise To Sunset: A Day’s Itinerary For Exploring Benidorm Viva Las Vegas: Your Ultimate Travel Itinerary For An Unforgettable Trip! Temples, Markets, And More: Your Ultimate Bangkok Itinerary

BY  Sibashree Jan 15, 2025

Staying ahead of new travel requirements is essential for business travelers to ensure seamless international mobility. Let's find outHow To Prepare For Etias? With the introduction of ETIAS travel authorization on Etiaseu, preparing for your trips to Europe has never been more important. This digital system strengthens border security and streamlines the process for legitimate travelers. Understanding how ETIAS and corporate mobility intersect is key to avoiding disruptions and maintaining efficiency in your business operations.  It's understanding application requirements or planning for multiple trips; this guideline provides the essential steps you need to take to navigate the new landscape confidently. Understanding ETIAS and corporate mobility: a new era of business travel In today's interconnected global economy, efficient cross-border movement has become a cornerstone of successful business operations. The relationship between ETIAS and corporate mobility is reshaping how companies approach international travel.  The introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) marks a significant milestone in corporate travel management, thanks to Etiaseu. As businesses expand their international footprint, the need for streamlined travel authorization processes has never been more critical.  This new system represents a fundamental shift in how corporations manage employee mobility, offering a balance between enhanced security measures and operational efficiency. For multinational companies, implementing ETIAS signals not just a regulatory change but an opportunity to modernize their approach to international business travel.  The system's digital-first approach aligns perfectly with the current trajectory of corporate digitalization, providing organizations with tools to manage employee movement across borders more effectively than before. What is ETIAS and How It Impacts Business Operations? The corporate world is witnessing a fundamental shift in international travel protocols with the implementation of ETIAS. This sophisticated pre-screening system introduces a new layer of security while streamlining business travel to the Schengen Area.  For multinational corporations, this means adapting their mobility strategies to incorporate automated authorization processes that facilitate seamless employee movement. Key operational impacts include: ●  Reformed travel planning timelines ●  Digital integration requirements ●  Enhanced compliance tracking ●  Automated authorization management ●  Streamlined documentation processes Key ETIAS Requirements for Corporate Travelers The intersection of ETIAS and corporate mobility creates new requirements for business travelers entering the Schengen Area.  According to recent corporate mobility trends, the system introduces standardized protocols requiring precise documentation and careful planning. Understanding these requirements is crucial for maintaining efficient business operations across borders. Essential requirements include: ●  Valid business passport with minimum six-month validity; ●  Corporate travel documentation; ●  Proof of business purpose; ●  Company authorization letters; ●  Financial guarantee documentation; ●  Return travel confirmations. ETIAS application process: a step-by-step corporate guide Modern corporations must develop a systematic ETIAS and corporate mobility management approach, ensuring consistent compliance across all business units.  Successful implementation depends on creating standardized procedures that can be replicated in different departments and regions, maintaining operational efficiency. The process encompasses: Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility Step 2: Gather Required Documents  Step 3: Access the Official ETIAS Portal Step 4: Fill in Your Personal Information Step 5: Add Travel and Health Information CategoryPossible QuestionsHealthHave you been diagnosed with any serious infectious diseases in the past 5 years?Are you currently receiving treatment for any condition that may pose a public health risk?Have you been hospitalized for a contagious disease in the last 12 months?Do you have a medical condition that requires special attention during your stay in the Schengen Area?TravelHave you visited any conflict zones or countries affected by war in the last 10 years? Have you been deported or refused entry from any country within the past 5 years?Have you overstayed a visa in any country in the past 5 years? Have you previously been denied a visa to any Schengen Area country?Criminal RecordHave you ever been convicted of a serious crime, including terrorism, human trafficking, or drug smuggling?Are you currently under investigation for any criminal offense in your home country or terrorism?Have you ever been involved in any activities related to organized crime or terrorism? Have you been convicted of a crime involving violence or sexual misconduct in the past 10 years?   Step 6: Review and Submit Your Application Step 7: Pay the ETIAS Fees Step 8: Track Your Application Status Training and preparation for corporate travel teams The evolution of ETIAS and corporate mobility demands comprehensive training programs for corporate travel managers and support staff.  Organizations develop robust systems that ensure consistent compliance while maintaining operational efficiency in this new era of business travel. Implementation strategies should focus on: ●  Digital literacy enhancement; ●  Compliance protocol training; ●  Documentation management systems; ●  Emergency response procedures; ●  Regular policy updates; ●  Performance monitoring metrics. What To Do After ETIAS Approval? Once your approval of ETIAS comes through, the validity stays on for three years until your passport expires, or whichever happens before. With each ETIAS, you can use it for multiple trips, as long as the trips don’t exceed over 90 days and also within a 180 day period. Steps After ETIAS ApprovalActionCheck ETIAS validity ETIAS is valid for 3 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Ensure passport is linked to ETIAS Verify that your ETIAS is linked to the passport used during the application. Update ETIAS if personal information changesInform authorities of name changes or passport renewals to update ETIAS. Carry the correct passport during travelAlways travel with the same passport you used to apply for ETIAS. Be aware of the 90/180-day rule during staysEnsure you don’t exceed 90 days in a 180-day period during your visits. Renew ETIAS when necessaryApply for a new ETIAS when the current one expires, or your passport is renewed.  Wrapping Up! This new era of corporate mobility requires a balanced approach between regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Embracing ETIAS as an opportunity for modernization, businesses can transform their travel management systems while ensuring seamless international operations. Read More: Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures