| Neduntheevu, also spelt Neduntivu, is better known under the Dutch colonial name of Delft Island. The island covering an area of about 8 km length and 6 km width is the second largest and remotest of the eight Tamil islands to the west of Jaffna Peninsula. The dry Neduntheevu, built of a coral bank, is home of Tamil-speaking people, many of them are Christians. Neduntheevu‘s main attraction for tourists is its untouched nature, which is home to a population of feral horses, a unique kind of wildlife in South Asia. During the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial periods, Neuntheevu was used for horse breeding, which turned out to be a difficult task but lucrative business in tropical Asia. In the 20th century, after the breeding programme had been stopped, the horses ran wild. Another quite extraordinary attractions of Neduntheevu is a Baobab tree of African origin. An island round tour on Neduntheevu will also show you a miracle coral stone that is said to be growing vertically, the lighthouse at the southwestern shores, coral walls, an ancient stupa and last not least the Portuguese and Dutch Fort. Visiting Neduntheevu is usually a day excursion, regular boat service from Kurikadduwan Jetty, which can be reached by road from Jaffna. Simple accommodation for guests is available on Neuntheevu, too. Find our detailed description of Neduntheevu alias Delft Island here... |
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