Delft Island

Introduction

Delft Island, known locally as Neduntheevu, is a flat, coral-based island that feels like a world frozen in time. Located in the Palk Strait between Sri Lanka and India, it is famous for its wild ponies—descendants of horses left behind by Portuguese and Dutch colonizers. The landscape is distinctively rugged, defined by limestone fences, ancient baobab trees, and ruins made entirely of coral. For the intrepid traveler, Delft offers a raw and hauntingly beautiful experience that contrasts sharply with the tropical greenery of mainland Sri Lanka.

Top Attractions

1. The Wild Ponies: Roaming freely across the “Pony Plains,” these small, hardy horses are a living legacy of the island’s colonial history and its most famous residents.
2. Dutch Fort & Coral Walls: Explore the ruins of a colonial-era fort built entirely from coral and limestone. The island is also unique for its elaborate “coral fences” that separate properties.
3. The Growing Rock: A sacred stone believed by locals to naturally increase in size over time, wrapped in traditional cloths and deeply revered.
4. Giant Baobab Tree: Planted by Arab traders centuries ago, this massive tree features a hollow trunk large enough to stand inside, serving as a silent witness to the island’s maritime history.

Transportation

Where to Stay

Nearby Attractions

• Nagadeepa Purana Vihara (30 mins via boat): An ancient Buddhist temple on a neighboring island, often visited on the same day as Delft.
• Jaffna Fort (45 mins from pier): A massive star-shaped colonial fort back on the mainland.