Delft Island
Jaffna, Northern
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Delft, known locally as Neduntheevu, is a flat coral-and-limestone island in the Palk Strait off Jaffna, and the only place in Sri Lanka where wild horses roam free — descendants of animals brought by the Portuguese in the 16th century for military breeding, later continued by the Dutch and British before the practice was abandoned. Scattered across the island are the ruins of a Dutch fort, an old stable, and a stone "Queen's Tower" once used for navigation, alongside a giant baobab tree brought from Africa centuries ago, one of only two on the island of Sri Lanka. Reaching Delft takes a roughly hour-long boat crossing from the Jaffna peninsula, which keeps visitor numbers naturally low.
Best time to visit
July to September, when the sea crossing is calmest and the island stays dry.
Visitor tip
Ferry schedules and sea conditions affect access; plan the return journey carefully.
Local pick
Look for the "Growing Stone," a coral formation locals say is still slowly increasing in size — one of several small oddities scattered around the island beyond the horses and ruins.
Quick answers
Where is Delft Island?
Delft Island is in Jaffna, Northern Province, Sri Lanka.
When is the best time to visit Delft Island?
July to September, when the sea crossing is calmest and the island stays dry.
How far is Delft Island from Colombo?
About 292 km in a straight line. Road journeys are longer, so check current travel times before you go.
What is near Delft Island?
Nearby places include Nagapooshani Amman Kovil (about 4 km away), Casuarina Beach, Karainagar (about 24 km away), Jaffna Clock Tower (about 26 km away), Jaffna Fort (about 26 km away).
Add to my itineraryNearby places
- Nagapooshani Amman KovilJaffna
- Casuarina Beach, KarainagarJaffna
- Jaffna Clock TowerJaffna
- Jaffna FortJaffna
More places in Northern Province
Planning a trip? See the top attractions in Sri Lanka, the best time to visit and how many days you need.