Delft Island (Neduntheevu)
A flat, remote island reached by an hour’s boat from Jaffna’s coast, with feral ponies, coral walls, a baobab and a long day’s travel to see them.
What Delft Island actually is
Delft, or Neduntheevu, is a flat island in the Palk Strait west of Jaffna, roughly 6 km wide and 8–11 km long depending on which source you read. Its area is quoted as about 50–62 km². You reach it from Kurikadduwan jetty on Pungudutivu, which is about 45 minutes by road from Jaffna, then about an hour by boat. The Navy runs a service and private boats also operate.
The Portuguese called it Ilha das Vacas, ‘cow island’; the Dutch gave it the name Delft. The signs of that history are scattered: a small coral-and-limestone fort, a dovecote, coral-block field walls and the remains of a lighthouse-style tower. There are also the ruins of a Buddhist stupa, a large baobab said to have been brought by Arab traders, and a coral formation locals revere as ‘growing’. Feral ponies, descended from horses left by colonial rulers, roam the grassland. Estimates range from several hundred to about a thousand.
It is a long day for what is mostly scrub, coral and sea. Most of the population is Catholic and many left during the war, so the island is quiet. Come for the journey and the emptiness, and be realistic about transport once you land.
Worth your attention
The ponies
Feral horses graze on the plains and around the wells. They are wild, so watch from a distance. Numbers are uncertain: sources say anywhere from about 500 to 1,000.
The baobab
A large baobab, said to have been planted by Arab traders, stands almost alone. You can walk around it; one guide says not to climb it.
Coral-stone ruins
A small Portuguese-built fort, a dovecote, and old stone walls and wells made of coral blocks, all low and sun-bleached.
The ruined stupa
The remains of an ancient Buddhist stupa, with old inscriptions mentioned by one source, are among the less-visited sights.
Before you go
Do this
- Take the first boat and confirm the return time at the jetty before you leave.
- Bring water, food, sun protection and cash; the island is basic and the water is brackish.
- Arrange transport for the island in advance if you can; tuk-tuks are few and a tractor or minibus is common.
- Keep your distance from the ponies.
- Pack for a rough crossing in windy conditions.
Know this first
- Ferry times change and sources disagree; check at the jetty and ask about the last return.
- Island roads are dusty, rough and have little shade.
- The island has few facilities, so a missed return boat means an overnight.
- Sea and weather can cancel crossings; the wet season (October–January) is least reliable.
Getting to Delft Island (Neduntheevu)
Most people see Delft Island (Neduntheevu) as part of a stay around Jaffna. Our Jaffna guide covers where to stay, how long to give it and what else is nearby.
Coming straight from the airport, the relevant run is Colombo Airport to Jaffna — fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting inside arrivals with a name board.
Read the full Jaffna guideFrom Colombo Airport
Car up to 3 passengers; vans quoted on the route page. No night surcharge.
Delft Island (Neduntheevu) — frequently asked
What is Delft Island?
Delft, or Neduntheevu, is a flat island in the Palk Strait west of Jaffna. It is known for feral ponies, a baobab, coral-stone ruins and its remoteness.
How do you get to Delft Island?
From Kurikadduwan jetty on Pungudutivu, about 45 minutes by road from Jaffna, then roughly an hour by boat. The Navy operates a ferry and private boats also run.
Are there really wild ponies on Delft Island?
Yes. Feral horses descended from animals left by the Portuguese, Dutch and British roam the plains. Estimates run from about 500 to about 1,000.
Can you visit Delft Island in a day?
Yes, but only just. With the road transfer, boat, and island travel, it fills a full day. Check the return boat time before you go.
Also worth stopping for around Jaffna
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