Delft Island Baobab Tree (Adansonia digitata)
About This Place
Delft Island Baobab Tree (Adansonia digitata)
A rare and ancient Baobab tree located on Neduntivu (Delft Island), Sri Lanka. Believed to be 300–400 years old, possibly introduced by Arab traders or the Portuguese. The tree is famous for its hollow trunk, large enough for two adults to stand inside side-by-side. The Baobab is not native to Sri Lanka — it's indigenous to Africa, Madagascar, and Australia. Historically, it was used medicinally for horses during colonial times. The tree, known locally as "Perukka Maram" (Tamil) or "Aliya Gaha / Ali gas" (Sinhala), is designated as a protected archaeological monument (since 2011). It is one of the largest and most unique trees in the country, drawing visitors for its botanical rarity and striking form. The circumference is about 7 meters, and its trunk height is approx. 7–9 meters. Though the island is remote, the tree is easily reachable once on Delft.
Difficulty
🧭 moderate
Best Time
📅 Dry season (ideally Jan–April or June–Aug); avoid heavy rains. Mornings/late afternoons are best for temperature and photography.
Safety Rating
Accessibility & Visitor Info
Access via ferry from Kurikadduwan Jetty to Delft Island. From there, local tuk-tuks or bikes can take you to the site. Roads are rough but navigable. Facilities are minimal, so self-preparation is recommended.
📖 Legends & Stories
While not tied to mythical folklore, the tree is wrapped in local oral history and colonial narratives, reflecting centuries of foreign contact. Stories claim Arab traders or the Portuguese introduced it. The tree symbolizes resilience and has survived through many eras of the island's history.
Location
📍 Find It Here
9.512480, 79.715391
Community
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