Chundikulam National Park:

  Apart from the famous destinations, there is so much in Sri Lanka that has not been explored yet. Chundikulam National Park is your gateway to experience new things and go beyond the popular attraction in this beautiful tropical country.

If you are someone who is fascinated by the beauty of nature, you should definitely give this place a try. Let’s discuss some astounding facts about this breathtaking national park

Chundikulam National Park  is an less known  destination ,which is located in  northern part of Sri Lanka, approximately 12 km (7 mi) from north east of Kilinochchi district and approximately 38 km north from Jaffna town and west from the  Jaffna lagoon and it has a high historical and cultural value with rich biodiverse heaven and a home for variety of wildlife including elephants, deer, and several species of birds, reptails vegetation, makes it as an unique destination for  eco-tourism.

Despite its significance, it remains relatively unknown compared to other national parks in the region.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, nature and bird lover its a paradise for you. Because Over the years, this sanctuary heaven has expanded in size and has become recognized as a key conservation area for various  diverse species, including migratory birds such as the painted stork, black-headed ibis, spoonbill.  and  also it offers excellent opportunities for capturing birds in their natural habitat, as well as other wildlife and the scenic beauty of this area.  Read More.

-------History-------

 Chaundikulam National Park  has antique history, where it was once used as a military training ground during the civil war in Sri Lanka.  This park is surrounded with hug tall tress and was established as a bird sanctuary in 25^th February 1938 ,under the protection act. This Park is also crucial for the preservation of various species of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the region. Therefore, after the civil wars in May 2015  chundikulam  , Adam’s bridge, Delft, and the Madhu road were officially announced to be converted into national parks  as a reserve to protect the region's rich flora and fauna. Thondamanaru lighthouse and its surroundings, became a home to the ancient which add a unique dimension to the park.

These historical and cultural significance made his park more attractive destination for tourists. Therefore , by promoting these historical sites and incorporating educational programs, visitors can learn about the rich heritage of the region and gain a deeper understanding of its significance. This approach would help foster a sense of appreciation and respect for the park's cultural and historical heritage.  By developing it into a major attraction place while maintaining eco-friendly practices and sustainability, one can ensure the long-term conservation of its natural resources. 

-------Significant of  Chaundikulam National Park?-------

 One of the significant reasons why Chundikulam National Park is important is its role in preserving biodiversity. The park provides a sanctuary for many endangered and endemic species found in Sri Lanka. Visitors can witness the beauty and diversity of these plants and animals, contributing to their conservation efforts. The park also serves as an essential corridor for the movement of wildlife and plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem balance. However today its protected area for wildlife conversion and ecotourism. This national park is surrounded by different species of flora and fauna and it’s  under the protection of the department of wildlife conservation. This park is home for various range of habitants with some rare and elusive mammals like the fishing cat, the sloth bear and the jungle cat and for number of birds, favoring a great number of terrains, can flock and thrive within the area. In this arid and wild land  many kinds of habitats have evolved: beaches with sand-dunes, salt marshes, wetlands, thorny scrublands, dry forests, tanks, mangroves and of course the lagoon. 

-------Eco-tourism and Sustainability : In Chundikulam National Park-------

 To develop Chundikulam National Park into a major attraction place, it is crucial to implement sustainable practices and eco-friendly. Furthermore, the village promotes sustainable tourism by supporting local businesses and communities. Visitors are encouraged to purchase locally made products and support local artisans, contributing to the local economy and empowering the local community.

------- How to Travel?-------

Map of  Chundikulam National Park: 

Accessing Chandikulam National Park can be an adventure in itself. The most practical way to reach the park is by taking a scenic train ride from Colombo to Kilinochchi,followed by a short drive to the park. The railway journey offers beautiful vistas of Sri Lanka's countryside, villages, and paddy fields, making it an enjoyable travel mode for nature lovers. Can be reached by hiring tuk-tuk , buses and taxi from Jaffna - the journey may take around 1-1.5 hours, depending on the traffic conditions and this  sanctuary is 24hrs open throughout the year.

COST

 You will defiantly agree it is a naturalist’s paradise due to it’s the best place to capture birds in their most unguarded, spontaneous, intimate or dramatic moments.

                        So, grab your camera and embark on a journey to this 

-------Best Time To Visit-------

Summers are considered to be best too visit  wildlife sanctuaries. Sri Lanka is mostly sunny and dry throughout the year. Monsoon seasons are worst to visit wildlife sanctuaries. So you should not prefer visiting during the months of October, November, December, January, and February. Other months will suit you best to visit this place. You can look forward to the different opportunities offered by this national park more clearly in the bright sunlight.   

   

 ⮜⮜ DETAILS  ⮞⮞

Season Time| November -March when a large number of migratory birds arrive at the sanctuary. During this period, you can witness a great variety of bird species.

Opening Hours| It is open 24 hours for tourists to visit this place. For a better experience, you can visit here during early morning so you can watch various species of animals and birds more clearly. In dark it is difficult to spot animals and birds can’t be seen during the night.

Permits and Cost |To enter the sanctuary, you need to obtain a permit from the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The permits can be obtained at their Jaffna office or online through their website. The cost of the permit is relatively low, around 500 LKR (approximately $3 USD).

Entry Fees |You have to pay differently according to your nationality and age. It is not too expensive and this place is worth spending money.                                                                                                 

        Entry fees are given as follow:                                                                       

ü Foreign adults: 15.00 U.S. dollars or its equivalent to Sri Lanka rupees.

üLocal child (6-12 yrs): Rs. 30

üForeign child (6-12 yrs): 8.00 U.S. dollars or its equivalent to Sri Lanka rupees

ü Service charges: 8.00 U.S. dollars or its equivalent in Sri Lanka rupees.

Tips

•  It is a criminal offense to harm any animal or bird in this national park.
• Bring a telephoto lens to capture the birds from a distance without disturbing them.
• Carry a tripod to steady your shots, especially for capturing close-ups of bird behavior.
• Patience is key in wildlife photography, as birds might take some time to come into view or exhibit interesting behaviors.
• Be respectful of the wildlife and their environment. Avoid disturbing nests or getting too close to the birds.
• Dress in camouflage or neutral colors to blend in with the surroundings and avoid scaring the birds.

 -------Things To Do in Chudikulam------

Various opportunities are waiting for you in Chundikulam national park resort. You can explore various species of animals, birds, plants including herbs and trees. So, let’s just start this exotic journey of Chundikulam national park as follows –

1. Boat riding

                    Take a boat ride in chundikulam lagoon and explore the mangrove forests.

2. Bird watching 

The park is home to around 150 species  of birds, including the endemic Sri Lankan junglefowl and Sri lanka Grey Hornbill.

3. Wild Safari 

Chundikulam National park safari offers you a great chance of watching wild animals to the closest. You can look into their world and observe their actions closely. Various animals like leopard, deer, sloth bear , monkeys ,other than that mugger crocodile and saltwater crocodiles , reptiles and amphibians including the Indian python and common monitor lizard can be seen in this national park. In addition to its impressive range of wildlife, the parks vegetation is equally fascinating. Read More 

4. Discovering the parks Flora & Fauna

Chundikulam National park is home for over 200 species of birds- including migratory birds  that visits the park during the winter seasons. You can spend here a day and experience the lap of earth’s nature. Believe me, it would be one of the best experience of your life because not only animals and birds. The park surroundings also offers an unforgettable scene where its surrounded by mangroves, sea-grass beds, palu , kumbuk trees ,  with  various types of medicine plants also can be seen here with the colorful flowers and the bright shade flora will make your day so special and some of the birds  that can be spotted in the park are the black-tail godwit, red-knot and lesser sand plover.

5. Photography 

If you’re a photography enthusitc then this is a best chance for you. All you should  have  is to take your DSLR and take out your hidden photographer and have some great clicks. The park’s unique biodiversity and beautiful landscapes , Different type of spices of plants animals and birds to make it an ideal spot for photography.

6. Fishing- The chundikulam Lagoon is a popular spot for fishing, with several species of fish and prawns available in the lagoon.

7. Hiking – There are several hiking trails inside the park, allowing visitors to explore the parks diverse flora and fauna.

8. Camping - This park is a great spot for camping , with several camping sites available inside the park.

-------Places To Visit Near Chundikulam National Park-------

 If you have more time on your hand, you can also check out these places near Chundikulam National Park once you are done visiting the park.

1. Needuntheevu

       It is a splendid place surrounded by amazingly  beautiful plants and trees. You can sit here while relaxing and watching the exotic view of the sunset. It is an ideal place for bird watching and photography. Click here , You can learn more about Delft island in my blog.

2. Lake View Park

 It is a splendid place surrounded by amazingly beautiful plants and trees. You can sit here while relaxing and watching the exotic view of the sunset. It is an ideal place for bird watching and photography.

3. Nayaru Lagoon

    

This place situated near the Chundikulum National Park is famous for its peaceful environment. You can visit here anytime and have a great time while watching great natural sceneries. fed by a number of rivers, the lagoon is surrounded by dense forests and flora. It is a great secluded place for nature lovers to visit. Read More

4. Kayts Causeway

This place is best for nature lovers. This place will take you to the world of amazing birds. You should visit here early morning and feed different species of birds. You can spend here hours while watching birds and noticing their actions and reactions. Different species of water birds can be seen here in the migratory season .

  ------- Where to Stay ?-------

Since the sanctuary is relatively less known , you might be worrying about the accommodation but yet there are limited accommodation options nearby  as eco friendly loges but yet if your un satisfed you can try these places because they are not so expensive and you can make choice according to your budgets. 

Best accommodations are 

Friend’s Inn | Prices and Availability

Hotel Atna |   Prices and Availability

Akr Hotel Private Limited |  Prices and Availability

 Barathi Star Hotel and Hall | Prices and Availability

Solivan Guest House  | Prices and Availability

They offer you great services that will make your stay more comfortable and exciting. These hotels are also couple friendly. The polite and friendly staff of these hotels will make your stay more reliable and comfortable. They can arrange cabs and tourist guides for you.Food offered by them is also hygienic and great in taste.

TIPS | But It's all ways recommended to stay in Jaffna and make a day trip to the sanctuary.

                                                                    ------- Conclusion-------

Overall, even though Chandikulam National park is a lesser-known destination, it has offered more authentic, rich in biodiversity and offers a unique off-the-beaten-path experience compared to other popular wildlife sanctuaries for their visitors. Chandikulam is a prime example of a destination that has embraced sustainable practices to preserve its unique ecosystem and promote responsible tourism. From the conservation of natural resources to the promotion of eco-friendly accommodations and transportation options, Chandikulam has taken several steps to ensure that tourism activities do not harm the environment. The village also emphasizes the importance of awareness and education, both among tourists and the local community, to foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment. By implementing these sustainability practices, Chandikulam is not only protecting its natural beauty but also promoting a sustainable and responsible tourism model.

Therefore, I believe Chandikulam National Park is truly a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Due to  its unique biodiversity, conservation efforts, and serene surroundings. It is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful and immersive nature experience. 

Now that you have learned alot Chundikulam National park , 

                --So, grab your camera and embark on this journey --- 

to this hidden gem in Jaffna  where you can have alot fun with unlimited memories .😉

You will defiantly agree it is a naturalist’s paradise due to it’s the best place to capture birds in their most unguarded, spontaneous, intimate or dramatic moments. 

References

Jaffna Birds Research Team. (2021). Bird Diversity and Habitat use of Chandikulam Lagoon, Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka."Available at: https://jaffnabirdsresearch.wordpress.com/2021/03/30/bird-diversity-and-habitat-use-of-chandikulam-lagoon-jaffna-peninsula-sri-lanka/

Ministry of Tourism Development. (2015). NationalEcotourism Strategy and Action Plan of Sri Lanka. Retrieved fromhttp://www.sltda.lk/sites/default/files/finaldraftnesap.pdf

Department of Wildlife Conservation. (n.d.). National Parks in Sri Lanka. Retrieved from https://www.dwc.gov.lk/index.php/en/national-parks/national-parks

BirdLife International. (2020). Important Bird Areasfactsheet: Jaffna Peninsula highlands. Retrieved fromhttp://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/jaffna-peninsula-highlands-iba-sri-lanka/details

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. (n.d.). ChandikulamBird Sanctuary. Retrieved from https://www.sltda.lk/chandikulam-bird-sanctuary

 "Chandikulam National Park," Department of Wildlife Conservation, Sri Lanka, https://www.dwc.gov.lk/index.php/en/national-parks-aamp-reserves/national-parks/chandikulam.html

"Chandikulam National Park," Sri Lanka Tourism, https://www.srilanka.travel/attractions/chandikulam-national-parkSangiliyan Thoppu (Sangiliyan Statue) Jaffna

Explore the Natural Heaven in Jaffna's Islands : The Ultimate travel guide for Delft Island Sri Lanka

 I had traveled up north to experience Jaffna, a place that remained out of bounds for tourists for a very long time. I often search for those places which are not on regular tourist brochure or tourist itinerary but these are amazing places will sure make you feel wow. Some of these places not only makes you rich in experience but help you grow as human being. Day by day we enjoy and love being at most amazing, untouched and yet not touristy places like Jaffna  it felt quite intimidating as a single woman traveler. Jaffna’s islands are beautiful, quirky and a delight to discover. There’s no real specific sight to see  rather, the attraction here is the journey and the islands themselves, which have a real end-of-the-world feeling. However Delft Island was quite the opposite It remains one of my favorite places in Sri Lanka. 

This little-known island is a paradise for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. With its untouched landscapes, unique wildlife, and intriguing cultural heritage, it is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka.

Delft Island

Delft Island is archeologically important heritage , which  is called as  (Neduntheevu in Tamil, or Neduntivu in Sinhala).  Dutch named it as Delft Island which is known for its unique landscapes, wild horses, and historical sites like the Baobab tree and one of our favorite things to do in Jaffna. It is a magnificent island with rich history with references of Chola Dynasty, Portuguese , dutch and the british. Its Located about 30kms from Jaffna city and its and outlying coral and limestone island since the period of  British Colonial .

It was also the first time I really noticed the effects of climate change - the whole Island was covered in water with the water table very high due to rising sea levels and recent unusual flooding. Scary. Getting to Delft is no easy feat, but if you want to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, this is your place.  Read more .

Map of the Delft Island

 

How to get there 

To get here, take 766 bus from Jaffna bus station at 6:30am (90r per person) or hire a tuk tuk to the pier for (1000rs) for the jetty to take the ferry called Kurikkaduwan and there are frequent buses from Jaffna bus stand to Kurikkaduwan.

Road to island is itself fascinating , It goes through some of most marvelous straights with both aside of a sea,where many fishermen do  using  nets and hooks and sightseeing of 100s of birds including Flamingo, Kingfisher and many more This place is surely bird watcher’s paradise too.

From Jaffna, take a ferry from Kurikadduwan (KKD) harbor its an hour away on Punkudutivu Island

Bus
Kurrikaduwan - Delft Island : There are frequent buses commuting on this route.	Jaffna - Kurrikaduwan bus timings: ·         6:30 am ·         8:30 am ·         9 am ·         10 am
Ferry
Delft Island to Kurrikaduwan:
Morning ferry: 6:30/7 am (Depature)	Afternoon ferry: 2:30 pm (Return)

 

Ferry is operated by the Sri Lankan Navy and leaves sharp on time.For Local  100LKR- Foreign 500Rs ($3) per person) one way. Ferry can only accommodate 100pax , so this ferry is pretty crowded, so don’t expect comfort and it's important to get there 30mins before departure. The journey takes one hour to get to the ferry at KKD.  During the journey you see many island on right side -  one Hindu Kovil built, as soon all islands are left behind and once ship enters to the rougher sea. Heat on your head is nullified by cool breeze and excitement..For returning home, I recommend catching the 14:30 ferry in.Kurikadduwan harbour best.                                                                            

TIP - At the time of arrival its advisable to confirm the return ferry timings with Navy officials available at the Delft island jetty .

How to get around the Delft Island |Upon arrival on the island, you can hire a tuk-tuk to take you around to all the major sights Because Walking in the heat may not be the good option so better to hire a tuk tuk and help the local community.

Cost  1500 - 2500rs or Bicycles can be rented at the jetty for around 200-300 LKR ($1-2) per hour and drivers offering island tour package for 1500 - 2000 LKR (3-4 hours of tour).

Eco Toursim and sustanbility

One way to achieve sustainability on Delft Island is through the promotion of eco-tourism, could minimize the environmental impact while generating benefits for the local communities. By adopting eco-tourism principles, tour operators and visitors can contribute to the island's conservation and development. Several eco-tourism initiatives have already been implemented on Delft Island. For instance, local communities have established nature trails and bird-watching spots to showcase the island's diverse flora and fauna. These initiatives encourage visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the island while minimizing disturbance to the wildlife and vegetation.

Another aspect of sustainable tourism on Delft Island is the preservation of its cultural heritage. The island is home to historical and archaeological sites, such as the ancient Baobab tree and horse stables from the Dutch colonial era. It is crucial to ensure that these sites are protected and preserved for future generations.

Where to Eat and Drink on island?

Only handful of local shops available on the island. Food can be hard to come by on the Islands; there's one small  restaurant "Island Hut' just the Jetty which serves vegetable roti and fried wade, otherwise a few small markets sell the odd snack. is also a canteen available just behind Fr. Xavier statue.

 Tip | Carry your own water, snacks, and sunscreen as amenities may be limited.Food can be hard to come by on the Islands; there's one restaurant at the Jetty which serves vegetable roti and fried wade, otherwise a few small markets sell the odd snack. We definitely recommend you, Bring all the food and water at least 2L of water you’ll need and reconsider visiting in the hotter months (April and May enough for the day. )

Life on Delft Island:

Landing on Delft and you are greeted by Sri Lankan Navy officers, few local tuk tuk drivers, fishermen and fishing vessels, shows it's predominantly fishing community stays here. This island is about  8km long and 6km wide with a population of approximately 4,500 people, still its been underdeveloped .

Since I were  not big tuk tuk ride fan I decided to walk much to amusement of few locals who gave us snare and explore some nearby sites. Yes, it's possible to walk around due to presence of good no of trees and cool breeze. Later we hired a local guide with tuk tuk for 500LKR for half a day tour.

Where to stay ?

Guest House Pradeshiya Sabha - Budget 

I was planning to stay at Guest House Pradeshiya Sabha, as it was recommended by my tuktuk driver but the people just wouldn’t lift the phone call and no one showed up at the reception during my 1 hour wait time there.

Phone number: 021-2225210     Price: Non A/C room – SLR 2000, A/C room – SLR 3500

Delft Samudra - Luxiouers

I eventually stayed at Delft Samudra.I loved my stay there. It was my birthday next day so it was nice to have a bit of niceties. The staff was nice enough to get me dinner when it got dark and I was too tired from all the walking. Prices and availibility

What to see/do in Delft Island?

1.      Coral fence and walls:

    This island is full of corals, You will be able to see how its beautifully designed and madeup and how the villagers had searched the  exact shape to fit one above another using coral stones. Read More

2. Ruins of Dutch, Portuguese fort and hospital

This fort is smaller in size compared to the Galle fort or Jaffna fort. It is made up with corals and limestone. The fort was probably located here due to the favorable mooring facilities offered by the bay for old vessels and its  easy for landing facilities.Read More

3.       Dovecote or pigeon Nest  

A unique structure used to house messenger pigeons to other areas during the Dutch reign  There was only  one dovecote, dutch used it as home to many pigeons. During Signage of Colonial era , Dutch used to send messages across islands through these pigeons. Click here

4. Giant Footprint: 

There is a giant footprint, less evidence to prove so not sure it's man-made or a natural formation. Some call it  as Adam's , Lord Hanumuns footprint, some locals believes its a foot of Lord Shiva. There are many mythological stories.Read More

5.      Baobab tree| 

     

    It’s a huge fabulous  native tropical tree from Africa, also grown in other warm regions and  planted during the 7th century by Arab sailors in  (34 locations across northern province) of Sri Lanka during the Portuguese rule.The trees can store large quantities of water in their trunk and shed leaves during the dry season. The flowers can grow up to 7 inches wide. I learned that the fruits of Baobab tree is known to be one of the most nutrient-rich fruits in the world. There is a large hollow within its trunk and there's space enough for 2- 3 people. left by Arab merchants Read More.

6.      Growing rock:

     It's similar to a Hindu shrine and there was no backstory to this except the claims of locals who say they have seen the rock grows few inches every year. It's not coral, unlike nearly everything else on the island.This was validated by my tuktuk driver who came across as an honest person.Read More

    Tip - Remove your shoes/slippers before you enter the premises.

7.      White Sand Beaches:

It’s a beautiful  clean pristine sea with gentle waves. Entire beach on your own without anyone or disturbance. What I liked about this place was walking around it. It’s by the coast (of course), and the beach there was incredible beautiful. It was not ideal for swimming for sharp rocks and violent waves but to watch the emerald green waters hit the rocks was beautiful.

8.      wild horses: 

Actually I haven’t seen wild horses  yet in my life. This is most amazing site to see those.. These horses were introduced by the dutch (some say Portuguese) and they continue to flourish on the island. It’s said to be home of more than 500 horses and so fascinating to see most domesticated animal enjoying, running at free will.

    9. Dutch Horse Stables | Crumbling horse stables built during the Dutch occupation, housing horses from all over the world Read More    

    

10.  Canal : It was monsoon which meant the canal was overflowing and our tuktuk couldn’t cross this section but I’m glad we went nevertheless because it was very beautiful. By the time we reached the canal was already soaking wet so I just embraced the rain

11.  Banyan trees 

     

    There was a banyan tree that my tuktuk driver took me to see and the fun part was, no one can tell which is the original trunk anymore. It’s so wide and spread out – multiple parts have established strong roots.Read More

12.   Queen’s Tower

    

    This 55-foot tower used as a light house to navigate ships in the dark. Instead of Light  fire will lit at the base would be reflected up the spire of this tower Read More

13.  Walk around 

       Once I decided to stay back in the island (even though I was packed for a day trip), I had my tea and walked as much as I could before the night fall. It was incredibly beautiful to walk the empty lanes of this island lined with beautiful traditional Tamil houses with corals making for boundary walls. The coastline wherever I went was absolutely stunning.The one thing that left me awestruck was just how clean the island was. The general sense of cleanliness in Sri Lanka including the remote parts is praiseworthy.

14. Camping

   Delft island is also a great ideal place for camping.

Click  here to Read More about the more places to visit in deflt island

Conclusion

Overall, Delta Island has significant potential to promote eco-tourism and attract tourists. By leveraging its unique biodiversity, pristine landscapes, and commitment to sustainability, the island can position itself as a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Implementing strategies such as preserving natural resources, offering educational programs and guided tours, establishing partnerships, utilizing digital marketing, and incorporating cultural experiences can help Delta Island become a popular spot for eco-tourism. With careful planning and investment in infrastructure and marketing efforts, Delta Island can attract a growing number of tourists seeking authentic and environmentally responsible travel experiences.

-------Hope you enjoyed reading my blog------

References

NBC News. (2018, April 24). Sri Lanka's 'forgotten' island of Delft. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/sri-lanka-s-forgotten-island-delft-n868701

The Peninsula. (2019, December10). A Pioneering Eco-Tourism Project. Retrieved fromhttps://www.peninsula.com/en/discover/activities/hot-moments-eco-tourism-getty-mauritius#.XxelKBB7lPY

Travel Triangle. (n.d.). DelftIsland In Jaffna: An Unexplored Charmer Amid The Indian Ocean. Retrieved fromhttps://traveltriangle.com/blog/delft-island-in-jaffna/

Lonely Planet. (n.d.). Delft:Discovering the Island. Retrieved from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/sri-lanka/delft-island-neduntheevu

Ragupathy, P. (1987). Early settlements in Jaffna, An archaeological survey. Thilimalar Ragupathy. Madras. p. 17-22.

 Dayananda, T. A. (2022). Delft doopathe Stupa maluve eth akshara: Abhilekhana Sangrahaya-3 (in Sinhala). Department of Archaeology. p. 151-157. ISBN 978-624-5840-16-8

   Devendra, D. T. (1969). "A Ruined Dagaba in Delft". The Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland. 13: i–iii. ISSN 0304-2235. JSTOR 43483470.