Yes, you read that right—you don’t need a boat to reach the island of Kayts! Like Mandaitivu, Punkudutivu, and Karaitivu (tivu means "island" in Tamil), Kayts is accessible by road. While there’s no need for a boat, having your own transportation is essential, as public transport is limited. But that’s precisely the charm of these islands—their quiet, untouched beauty.
Instead of bridges, you’ll reach these islands via causeways built at sea level. Depending on the weather, the shallow waters stretching out on either side shimmer in shades of turquoise or light blue. The historic causeway connects Kayts to the mainland—a 3.25 km stretch constructed by the British in the 19th century to facilitate transport and trade. Today, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding coastline, making it a favorite spot for photography. Whether you cross by car, motorcycle, or bicycle, the journey itself is an unforgettable experience, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and nearby islands.
Along the way, colorful fishing boats rest on the shore, creating perfect photo opportunities. If you spot fishermen at work, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation—gestures, a few words, or even Google Translate can lead to some interesting interactions! That said, you might not encounter many people at all, as the islands have a bit of a ghost-town feel, with broken roads and abandoned houses. Many families left during the 20-year civil war, and remnants of the past still linger.
If you’re looking for an interesting sight, you’ll find an African Baobab tree on Pungudutivu. Native to Madagascar, the tree was most likely brought to Sri Lanka by Arab traders, who were skilled seafarers and among the first foreign visitors to the island—centuries before the Europeans arrived.
The islands are home to a predominantly Tamil population, with several Hindu temples, churches, and even a mosque. Interestingly, the name Kayts has colonial roots, originating from the Portuguese Caes dos Elefantes ("Elephant’s Quay"), as this was once a hub for shipping elephants to India. Under Dutch rule, the name gradually evolved into Kayts, as it is known today.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September, but you can still explore the islands year-round.
DO bring your own water and some snacks. Unlike other parts of the country, finding open shops here can be challenging. In fact the only restaurant we found was at the ferry point in Pungudutivu. But hey: there we got fresh shrimp!
DON'T arrive too late in the day—you’ll want as much time as possible to explore and take in the beauty of these remote islands!
