Delft, Sri Lanka’s forgotten island

Delft Island is about as remote as it gets in Sri Lanka. Located in the Palk Strait – the area between India’s state of Tamil Nadu and the Northern part of Sri Lanka – Delft is a small and isolated island that was out-of-bounds to tourists for many years during the recent civil war, but remained mostly unaffected by major conflict. Delft is perhaps best known for its population of wild horses, which were left on the island by the Portuguese and remain an iconic feature of the rural life here.
Experience Overview
The day is one of discovery! Your chauffeur driver will drive you along the causeway to board a boat which will take you to Delft Island, off the Jaffna peninsula. Your host for the day is a Pastor, who originally hails from Sri Lanka’s tea country. Having made his home at Delft, your host will show you around this remote island, allowing you to take in the sights of the old Delft Fort, an ancient Baobab tree and how Palmyra toddy and crafts are made with local farmers. Ask to see the wild ponies grazing. End the day with a simple lunch with the Pastor and his wife at their humble home. Before leaving Delft, a swim after lunch at the beach, not far from your host’s house offers for one of the most relaxed and non-touristic encounters you will have on this journey. The beach is not developed, and has a calm and gentle sea.
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