Delft Island
A coral-fenced island where wild Portuguese ponies roam the windy plains
About Delft Island
Delft Island (Neduntheevu) is a remote, flat island off the Jaffna peninsula. Surrounded by shallow waters and coral reefs, its landscape is stark and windswept, fenced entirely with walls made from chunks of coral. The island's most famous residents are the wild ponies, descendants of horses left behind by the Portuguese. Visitors can also explore ruins of an old Dutch fort and ancient stupas.
Location on Map
Destination Guide
January to September (dry, clear weather). Take the government ferry from Kurikadduwan (1 hr from Jaffna). Only 1-2 ferries run daily — check the schedule carefully.
1 day (day trip from Jaffna)
Key Highlights
- ✨Wild Ponies
Descendants of horses introduced by the Portuguese 400 years ago, the Delft ponies roam the entire island in feral herds — completely untamed.
- ✨Coral Stone Walls
The entire island is divided into land plots by walls built entirely from chunks of white coral — an extraordinary landscape unique to this island.
- ✨Dutch Fort Ruins
The crumbling remains of a Dutch fortification, slowly being reclaimed by the sea and by fig trees growing through the walls.
- ✨Ancient Stupa
A small Buddhist stupa on the island showing the ancient multi-religious character of the region.
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