Neduntheevu
Neduntheevu
4
About
Delft island is an Island in the Palk Strait, northern Sri Lanka. This island is named as Delft in the Admiralty Chart unlike the other islands, whose names are Tamil. The island's area is 50 km² and it is roughly oval-shaped. Its length is 8 km and its maximum width about 6 km. Delft Islands flat grounds adds to the beauty of its breath taking views.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
187 reviews
Excellent
81
Very good
67
Average
29
Poor
7
Terrible
3
Alu-Poo
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka731 contributions
Mar 2020
Delft is an old coral reef. So instead of rocks there are old corals in the soil everywhere. They use the corals to build walls (houses and garden) which makes it very special. There are some spectacular landscapes: where the horses are, the beaches, around that old Dutch stable. You can see some old Dutch buildings (fort, pigeon nest, stables). There is a beauitful baobab tree and it is nice to watch the wild horses (foals, fighting males, drinking, mud bath etc.). There are also birds to be seen (Indian curser, waders at the beach). And the overall feel of Delft is so calm (not much traffic). By the way, there are small shops to buy drinks and cookies and such (some people said there aren't). We came with the ferry in the evening, stayed two nights and went back with the ferry in the morning. This way we had a full day to enjoy Delft. Absolutely worth it.
Written March 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cedric R
Colombo, Sri Lanka39 contributions
Jan 2020
Was an average tour i guess as its a 1.15min ride on boat to Island. Mostly isolated and empty houses we went on a tour of the island in a hired van which cost us around 6k. Nothing much to see other than a load of abandoned houses and a few attractions.. Good for a first time traveller to experience it
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saseni m
7 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Delft was really an unexpected surprise. One that should not be missed by anyone visiting Jaffna. It has historical sites (which are ruins now) mostly built by the dutch, a large baobab tree and one of the calmest beaches I've ever seen. You can also see various birds and wild horses in the island.
There is a ship operated by the navy and RDA leaving Kurikudduwan pier at 8 am and its free. The people living and working in Delft are given priority when boarding the ship and there are limited number of seats. You can also hire a private boat for around Rs. 35,000. It takes around an hour to reach the island. We had a vehicle arranged at the island to take us around. We had lunch at Delft and returned in the 3pm ship. There is another boat returning at 11 30 am. There is even a hotel in the island where you can spend the night at Delft.
Overall, this was an exceptional trip which I would not hesitate to recommend.
There is a ship operated by the navy and RDA leaving Kurikudduwan pier at 8 am and its free. The people living and working in Delft are given priority when boarding the ship and there are limited number of seats. You can also hire a private boat for around Rs. 35,000. It takes around an hour to reach the island. We had a vehicle arranged at the island to take us around. We had lunch at Delft and returned in the 3pm ship. There is another boat returning at 11 30 am. There is even a hotel in the island where you can spend the night at Delft.
Overall, this was an exceptional trip which I would not hesitate to recommend.
Written July 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TwoMumsTravelling
Colombo, Sri Lanka51 contributions
Oct 2020
We hired a open pickup and did a two hour tour of the island. saw some lovely houses many deserted with owners living in colombo / overseas, kovils all being painted brillant colours, the boabab tree, the wild horses, the old fort.
The travel over was an experience, crowded boat taking the office staff and teachers to the Island.
The travel over was an experience, crowded boat taking the office staff and teachers to the Island.
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris D
9 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
A lovely island after a free qhr boat ride provided by the sri lankan navy. The boat ride alone was interesting but may be a little rough at times and possibly overcrowded. We took our pedal cycles across which was no problem. We cycled round the island and stayed overnight. Our 'hotel' was very basic with a sea water shower which we did not use. Most people had a day trip and didnt stop. Glad we went
Written February 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Duminda_r
Brisbane, Australia84 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
It’s good day trip from Jaffna. Need to leave at least by 7.00am to catch the ferry run by navy. There is return ferry at 3.00pm. Ferry is free but bit over crowded and uncomfortable. It takes 45mins. While on the island arranged a safari keep for around Rs10k. Driver will take you to most the attractions including to see ponies. There are few places to stay overnight but we didn’t check.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony
1 contribution
Feb 2018 • Solo
Here are the prices and times:
Kurikadduvan to Delft
8.00 (Free)
9.30 (Free)
13.30 (80 RS)
16.00 (Last boat)
Delft to Kurikadduvan
7.30 (80 RS)
11.30 (80 RS)
16.30 (Last boat) (Free)
Bus 776
17.30 (Last bus)
The Bus 776 brings you from Jaffna Center to Kurikadduvan.
That bus is there every half hour so you have time.
The bus drive takes 1 hour.
Kurikadduvan to Delft
8.00 (Free)
9.30 (Free)
13.30 (80 RS)
16.00 (Last boat)
Delft to Kurikadduvan
7.30 (80 RS)
11.30 (80 RS)
16.30 (Last boat) (Free)
Bus 776
17.30 (Last bus)
The Bus 776 brings you from Jaffna Center to Kurikadduvan.
That bus is there every half hour so you have time.
The bus drive takes 1 hour.
Written February 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BadruA19
Dhaka City, Bangladesh9 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
The island is one on the best things to see in Jaffna. Situated 1 hour by boat from Kurikedduwan (which is again 1 hour by bus from Jaffna Main Town) it s distance from the mainland has resulted in both its natural environment and local's lifestyles to be preserved as if it were from a few hundred years ago. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates serene atmosphere and unspoiled nature.
HOW TO GET THERE:
(1) Take a bus from Jaffna Central Bus Stand to Kurikedduwan . The first bus is at 6 40 am. Take this one because the ride is 1 hour long.. and you will miss the only boat to Delft Island if you take the next bus at 7 20 am. The ride is through the Kayts Causeway and is extremely beautiful.
(2) The last stop is the dock/jetty for the boats. The jetty is controlled by the Sri Lankan Navy and they are extremely helpful.
TIP : If you are a foreigner (non-Sri Lankan), then upon showing your passport, you may be ensured a seat (by skipping the line) as the line for the locals can be really long. That happened with us. Carry your passport as the Navy might require to see it.
(3) The first and ONLY morning boat is at 9 am. (sometimes they even leave about 10 mins) so to be on the safe side, be at the jetty by 8 - 8 15 am. There is one boat at 12 noon but if visitors catch that one, they wont be able the catch a ride back after seeing the island.
(4) The boat ride is free. It also sways a lot and is very closed with small windows.. hence travelers with motion / sea sickness.. take measures.
WHAT TO SEE :
Visitors can hire a tuk (for 1 - 3 people) or an open air vehicle.. Tuk will cost about 1500 rupees. To see the island without a motorized ride is impossible unless on wishes to stay back the night.
To see: Remains of Dutch Fort, Dutch Pigeon Hole, growing rock, giant tree, wild horses (very lovely!) etc.
HOW TO GET BACK:
Again, the ONLY after mid-day boat back from the island is at 2 30 pm. Be at the jetty at least half an hour prior unless one wishes to stay back or be stranded in the island.
NOTE THAT : there are no washroom/toilets in the island for visitors. Either visitors can request locals to use their washrooms, or they can use the one in the Delft Hospital (which is conveniently located in the site of the Dutch Fort remains).
Bicycle would be a good form or transportation, but there are no places to hire them.
There are no restaurants (only tea and small snacks may be found) hence carry your own food and water. There are also no arrangements for accommodation for visitors.
Even with all these limitations, Delft is very worth a visit. :)
HOW TO GET THERE:
(1) Take a bus from Jaffna Central Bus Stand to Kurikedduwan . The first bus is at 6 40 am. Take this one because the ride is 1 hour long.. and you will miss the only boat to Delft Island if you take the next bus at 7 20 am. The ride is through the Kayts Causeway and is extremely beautiful.
(2) The last stop is the dock/jetty for the boats. The jetty is controlled by the Sri Lankan Navy and they are extremely helpful.
TIP : If you are a foreigner (non-Sri Lankan), then upon showing your passport, you may be ensured a seat (by skipping the line) as the line for the locals can be really long. That happened with us. Carry your passport as the Navy might require to see it.
(3) The first and ONLY morning boat is at 9 am. (sometimes they even leave about 10 mins) so to be on the safe side, be at the jetty by 8 - 8 15 am. There is one boat at 12 noon but if visitors catch that one, they wont be able the catch a ride back after seeing the island.
(4) The boat ride is free. It also sways a lot and is very closed with small windows.. hence travelers with motion / sea sickness.. take measures.
WHAT TO SEE :
Visitors can hire a tuk (for 1 - 3 people) or an open air vehicle.. Tuk will cost about 1500 rupees. To see the island without a motorized ride is impossible unless on wishes to stay back the night.
To see: Remains of Dutch Fort, Dutch Pigeon Hole, growing rock, giant tree, wild horses (very lovely!) etc.
HOW TO GET BACK:
Again, the ONLY after mid-day boat back from the island is at 2 30 pm. Be at the jetty at least half an hour prior unless one wishes to stay back or be stranded in the island.
NOTE THAT : there are no washroom/toilets in the island for visitors. Either visitors can request locals to use their washrooms, or they can use the one in the Delft Hospital (which is conveniently located in the site of the Dutch Fort remains).
Bicycle would be a good form or transportation, but there are no places to hire them.
There are no restaurants (only tea and small snacks may be found) hence carry your own food and water. There are also no arrangements for accommodation for visitors.
Even with all these limitations, Delft is very worth a visit. :)
Written October 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OlenaPetrosyuk
London, UK62 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
Interesting experience, and a very non-touristy one. The area is very ambient and peaceful, did not see any tourists really. You need to go where exactly you are going (map or gps) as wont be getting any help from locals. Waiting for a ferry is a bit of a nightmare. Overall exausting - but worth seeing. it is a very different angle on Sri lanka.
Written February 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter T
32 contributions
Apr 2015 • Solo
There are a string of islands off Jaffna which are mostly accessible by road except Delft and one or two others, for which you need a ferry. To get to the ferry is about a 45 minute drive from Jaffna (the main road is under construction -- April 15) so maybe an hour. The ferry goes at (roughly) 8:30 and 9:30 in the morning, and at 1:30 in the afternoon. We missed the 8:30, but made the 9:30 -- the ferry is free, there is a lot of talk about private ferries and navy ferries, but it seemed like there was only one. The trip takes about an hour. The boat is very small and old, but it was kind of fun. There are tuk-tuks awaiting you on your arrival, so you can tour the island (cost on average 1500 rupees). Delft Island is mostly noted for the ruins of Dutch and Portugeuse Forts, and the drivers will inevitably take you to the main sights -- a baobab tree, a field of a herd of wild horses, etc. Much of the inhabited part of the island is divided by stone fences (actually coral). I got to take a tour of a fishing village, which was interesting. In truth, there isn't much to see here. You can get a drink of water, tea, etc., at establishments across from the ferry. There is a hotel, but who knows. The ferries head back at 2:00 and 2:30, and they are hot, hot, hot. Bring water, wear headgear!!!!!!!
Written April 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi could anybody let me know whether it is possible to hire a private ferry through Sri Lankan Navy to reach the delft island ? If so , does anybody have a contact number ?
Thanks
Written March 17, 2020
Can we take my scooter with me on ferry to delft ?il if can how much they charge ?
Written March 5, 2020
Sorry, only just saw this. No scooters. It’s a passenger only ferry. Which forces you to hire a tuktuk to take you around (or walk, but it’s not pedestrian friendly).
Written March 10, 2020
Hi, how long does it take to tour the island and are their timings for the ferries?
Any contacts you have.
Written April 1, 2019
It took us about 2 hours. As we went with a guide I am not sure about ferries. We used sunrise in Sri Lanka. As you are in Sri Lanka, they may be able to help with some questions.
Written April 1, 2019
If your asking about the boat ride to & from, the Sri Lanka Navy operates 3 boats starting form 8:00am to go & 2 boats starting from 2:30pm to return. The ride costs about 50 to 100 rupees only. You need to be there really early, because there are days where the crowd is huge.
Private boats also can be booked, needs to be done at least a day in advance. Costs from 6 to 20 thousand, depending on size & number of passengers.
Written December 11, 2018
The accommodations seemed pleasant from the outside but we did not stay on the island.
Written July 25, 2018
The new boat service do we have to stay under the deck.
Written December 31, 2017
No, in fact, on the return trip is was up on the roof talking to local guys.
Written December 31, 2017
HI
You mentioned a hotel
Can you tell me it’s name . The price ?
Is there some food available on the island?
We want to spend 2 nights
Thanks a lot
Written December 21, 2017
Hi Malith, How long it will take to visit Delf island and important places ?
Written August 28, 2017
hi..itz depends..for us it took approx.2-3 hours (excl. lunch) since we wanted to return via 2.30 boat. we just skiped the sea bath too. if you can spend 4-5 hours i think itz better since you can visit every places n feel it. from kurikadduwan (punkuduthive/nagadeepa jati) its approx. 1-1.15 hourse to reach the delf and it also depens on the speed of the boat.
Written August 28, 2017
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