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Discovering Delft: A Journey to Sri Lanka’s Island Paradise – By Bhanuka – eLanka Nestled off the northern coast of Sri Lanka, Delft Island stands as a testament to the country’s rich historical tapestry and natural wonders. Often overshadowed by its more popular counterparts, this hidden gem beckons intrepid travelers with promises of archaeological marvels, unique wildlife, and a serene escape from the tourist trail. Unveiling History: Delft Island, also known as Neduntheevu, carries the echoes of a bygone era. Stepping onto its shores feels like a journey back in time, where remnants of a Dutch colonial past and the ancient Tamil Kingdom merge seamlessly. The island is adorned with weathered ruins, including an old Dutch fort and a colonial-era hospital, each telling a story of centuries gone by. The Baobab Sentinels: One of the island’s most distinctive features is its population of Baobab trees, believed to have been brought ...

Stupas of Delft Island – evidence of earliest human habitation – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Known as “Neduntivu” or “Nedunthivu” by residents in Jaffna, Delft Island is commonly referred as “Delft Island”, inherited from Dutch Colonials during their rule in Jaffna. Although, Delft Island is a vast island, it is mostly uninhabited. At the northwestern coast of Delft Island, there are ruins of three ancient Buddhist stupas (dagobas) known as “Cholan ruins.” Two stupas are of medium or small size, yet the largest stupa has a circumference of 32 meters. Their ground walls are restored by the Department of Archaeology. Buddhist ruins on the Island were first reported in 1832, by a person utilizing the pseudonym “Pen” (PENN) to “Colombo Journal” newspaper. Around the main stupa, there are remains of four smaller stupas. All these are bell shaped. There had been two stupas on the sides of the steps towards the ...

Sep 16, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Arundathie Abeysinghe, Cholan ruins, Delft Island, Jaffna, Nedunthivu, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Buddhist Temples

DELFT ISLAND – by Des Kelly Our thanks to Charles Schokman, for this wonderful video account on the Nothern-most tip of Sri Lanka. I enjoyed it, as I know all e’Lankans will, too. Desmond Kelly. (Editor-in-Chief) e’Lanka. Delft Island, Jaffna | The most remote village in Sri Lanka Hi Sri Lankans Worth watching if you have not visited this place before ...

Nov 1, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, DESMOND KELLY Tagged Delft Island, Des Kelly, Sri Lanka

Pigeons Nest – protected monument in Delft Island – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Image Source : amazinglanka Located on the adjoining land of Delft Divisional Secretariat, the unique Pigeons Nest (Dovecote) is a historic landmark in *Delft Island. Considered as a special creation by the Dutch Colonials during the 17th – 18th centuries A.D., the Dutch had used *homing pigeons as an expedient to send messages between the adjoining islands, ships and the mainland. According to historical sources, during the Dutch Colonial Era, the Dutch who lived in Delft Island and surrounding islands have constructed the Pigeons Nest for the arrival, exit as well as for resting purposes of homing messenger pigeons. It is a one hour’s boat ride from Delft Island to the mainland. Hence, the pigeons had to fly over the Indian Ocean for over an hour to reach the mainland. The square-shaped nest is constructed with limestone commonly found ...

Apr 23, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Delft Island, Dutch Colonial Era, Homing pigeons, Jaffna, Pigeons Nest