Delft - relatively undiscovered tourist destination

The Portuguese called it Ilha das Vacas, the Dutch called it Delft, and the locals call it Neduntivu. Located in the Palk Straits southwest of Jaffna, Delft is a relatively undiscovered tourist destination.

Legacies of the past

The Dutch Fort on Delft, much smaller than the Galle and Jaffna forts, is located behind the island's small hospital and made of limestone and coral. It's a magnificent site worth exploring. It was little strange walking through the hospital to get there though.

Also made out of limestone and coral is the pigeon house, the old Portuguese equivalent of a mail distribution centre today. The wild ponies are a legacy left behind by the Portuguese, after the Portuguese left, the Dutch took them over and then the British used them for transport.

Baobab trees, which are not native to the island, are another legacy of the Portuguese. Ask your tuk tuk driver to take you to the 'big boabab tree', with a huge, hollow trunk. The remnants of the 'horses stables' are surrounded by fields separated by limestone walls, similar to those still used as fences for the homes of the residents.

Magic and mysticism

Currently about four feet tall, the rock growths slightly every year. There are stories of locals who remember the rock when it was just a foot or two high. One might assume that the the temple being constructed opposite is in someway connected to the magic and mysticism of the rock, when in actual fact, the 'phenomenal' growth is likely just the living coral of the 'rock' which is continuing to grow. There's also the remains of two stupas and a 'Giant's footprint' an imprint in the limestone that (sort of) looks like a, well, giant's footprint.

The passenger service to Delft was an old fishing boat with a few seats and smelly old lifejackets. I took the 9am ferry (though it was running late) . Recently, the Vada Tharakai 11 passenger ship service from Kurukadduwan Jetty to Delft was relaunched.

The much needed ferry is apparently "fully equipped with modern technology" and can transport up to 100 passengers. The journey takes about an hour each way and unlike the ferry to Nainativu, the ferry ride to Delft is free. Delft is a worthwhile visit. For now, it is an unspoilt paradise, with plenty of sights and activities to offer, from religious sites to crystal clear waters and historical architecture.

-Internet