Delft Island

Delft Island is the only island in Sri Lanka where wild horses can be seen. The reason for this is that it was an island where horses were brought to the country by the colonial people for various purposes and later allowed to go wild. That is, not taking proper care of it. Later, the animals became extinct and became dwarfed due to lack of proper nutrition. (Some say horses are also part of a mixed animal). Delft Island is located in the Palk Strait of the Indian Ocean.

An island off the coast of the Jaffna Peninsula, it is the second largest island in Sri Lanka. It is about 49.5 square kilometers in size. A peninsula is a landmass surrounded by the sea on three sides.

Delft is a Divisional Secretariat in the Jaffna District in the Northern Province. There are six Grama Niladhari Divisions for administrative purposes.

The island is named after the Dutch town of Delft. (Somewhere it is said that this was the person who later discovered / first landed on this island.) But I do not know for sure. In the past, the island was known as Neduntiv.

There is a hospital, a court, a school, a post office, a police station. The Navy makes a significant contribution to the affairs of the island's civilian population.

Ancient kings used the island as a fortress due to its tactical warfare. It has since been used as a fort by various nations who conquered the country. The fort was later rebuilt by the Portuguese and used by the Dutch.

The ruins of an ancient dagoba can be seen on the island. It has a lower base and muscle rings. There is also a stone called the writing stone. The stone is said to be growing. There are ruins of a hospital built during the Dutch period on the island. Nearby are the ruins of a Dutch court.

A dove tower can be seen. It is located on the grounds of a Dutch hospital. In the past, the dove was the main messenger used for communication.

Baobab Tree:
There is a giant Baobab Tree. This plant is taken from abroad and planted here. The reason for this is that horses eat the leaves of this tree and use the parts of this tree as medicine for horses' diseases. It stores water and sheds leaves when it is dry. The leaflets here state that the leaves are the most nutritious food in the world.

The Lighthouse (Queen's Tower):
The Queen's Tower is on the edge of the island and could not be reached this time. A photo of it has been quoted online. There are also ruins of an ancient temple called Shiva Kovil.

There is a fairly large mark on Hanuma's foot. The land of the Himalayas with medicines to cure Goddess Sita's illness. It is said that part of the island was brought to Sri Lanka and some say that the island collapsed as a result. Like the fort, the walls of the houses are made of coral. Those corals are made of Caco3, that is, calcium carbonate. It is a unique feature.

Route:

From Jaffna to Kurikadduwan Jetty (KKD PIER). 32.km should go. From there. 12.km have to go by sea. There are buses from Jaffna to Kurikadduwan. Boat services are available for this. 8.00 am (Vadatharaki boat), 9.00 am (Kumuduni boat) etc. Boat services are available from the island to the jetty again. The two boats leave the island at 2.30 and 4.30 pm. There is no charge for these boats.

Private sector boat services are also available at a cost of Rs. 80 / = per person. It is advisable to reach the jetty at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time of the boat. Before departure, you can call the naval check post at Kurikadduwan Jetty on 076-3030946 to see if the boats are leaving on the relevant dates.

Private taxi owners arrive after approaching the island. They can visit the island in their car. Prices vary. (Three wheelers, vans etc.)

A major problem on the island is water scarcity. There are also cases where horses die due to lack of drinking water during extreme dry seasons. But the Navy is doing everything possible to protect the wild horses.

Accommodation : There are hotels for accommodation. Food and drink are also available on the island. There are sand snakes on this beach.

Located in: The island is located in the Palk Strait of the Indian Ocean

Distance from Jaffna to Delft Island - From Jaffna to Kurikadduwan Jetty (KKD PIER) 32 km should go. From there 12 km have to go by sea.

Famous for:

• Baobab Tree
• Writing stone (cobra stone / stone near the temple)
• The Lighthouse (Queen's Tower)
• Hirigal wall design
• Dutch tower built by pigeons.
• Dutch Fort.

Contact Information:

• Phone: 076-3030946

Special remark:

• A beautiful island. It is the duty of the tourists not to harm its culture or environment.
• Don't forget to bring enough drinking water with you when you go
• A reserve under the Department of Wildlife Conservation,Delft. Therefore, harming living beings is a punishable offense.
• Return to Kurikadduwan Jetty and take another boat to Nagadeepa Island. There is also an old Hindu temple.
• On the way from Jaffna to Kurikadduwan Jetty you can see another giant biobab tree at Kayts and when you go to Arali Point you can see the Kobbekaduwa monument. Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa's car exploded again to testify to the bombing.