Delft Island National Park
Delft Island National Park
In the island of Delft (Neduntivu), the Delft national park is a national park of 18 square kilometers designated by the Strategic environmental assessment of the northern province conducted by the government with the assistance of the United Nations Development Program and the United Nations Environmental program. Delft National Park is the only place in the world to observe wild ponies, who are believed to have been introduced to the island by the Portuguese. The delft island is accessible by both water and air, with a boat ferry taking up to an hour, starting from Punkudativu.
The island is inhabited by a small community of people and is surrounded by white beaches and corals and shallow waters. Over 60 species of birds and a multitude of butterfly species can be spotted in the Delft National Park, in addition to several other sights, including the ruins of ancient stupas.
In May 2015 the government announced that a part of Delft, along with Adam's Bridge, Chundikkulam, and Madhu Oya would be designated national parks. Delft became a national park on 22 June 2015 with an area of 1,846 ha (4,562 acres).
