Analaitivu Island

Analaitivu is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the world, and is made out of limestone. At one time, if it had been surrounded by water, it would have been an island no bigger than 24km2. Since you can’t simply walk to it from the shore, you need to fly over it and land on a reef.

Analaitivu has many small caves in addition to a large cave that was inhabited during the British rule of Ceylon. The largest cave complex is built on the steep vertical side of a cliff over which sheer cliffs descend some 2,000 feet to the sea floor.

History

Analaitivu Island is known in a Tamil poem (Song of the Ancient War and Bliss) written by Paripāṭi Tirumūlai. This island, an hour’s boat ride away from Pulicat lake, was prophesied to be one among thirty-seven islands visited by Pōtima Ngũndoñsela Rulers—the rulers who had been exiled at Vatta Kuru vi, a vast expanse of land in the middle of Vatta Nadu.

(Vatta Kuruvi is located at present-day Sivagangai district). Northern kings, who ruled the remnants of Pandyan Empire, were told to build a palace and live there before they would be crowned as new rulers. After thirty-five years of exile at Vatta Kanawa vi (modern Sivaganga district), when Ruhuna Kingdom was under Dutch rule during 1700s and 1800—the island became part of Sri Lanka. A small fort was built on the island and is still in existence now known locally.

Climate

Wideleaved spinifex (crassulacean acid type) grassland, dry mudflats and rocky shores of sea side dunes and beaches to 160 metres in depth are found around the island. A shoreline forest buffer lies in north east coast consisting of patches with sandy soils, littoral mangrove swamps and saline seag rass flats and bed.

Opposite shoreline tree shrublands, mangrove swamp forests to 375 m in depth are found along the south coast of island from north-west end towards Pulicat lake and Kelegama delta. Haystacks made up by longhorn cacti (pillura) plants, balansa trees and olivewood (manilkara naga) on rocky slopes at 45 metres above sea.

Culture

The island has long been inhabited and still boasts a “Kadavu” traditional village. Anthurium is the most popular plant on.Analaitivu Island, in recent years it has become rare outside light-polluted localities. The island was known as Anuradhapura Kadum (the capital) for many centuries – hence referred to today simply as ‘Kadavu’.

In 1948, an ancient stone circle at Kadavu was discovered, believed to be from the 7th century BC. The island is also known for its traditional dances of “Kaduvai” (derived from Kadavu), a Kathakali dance performed in rangoli form.

Yesterday’s festivities here are still outstanding traces which many believe them with history and culture . It has been recently declared as historic destination by government it will have nannys role around wesel.

Tourism

The island was one of the earliest markets for tropical hardwoods and shell horns, acquired by exporting goods via Kadavu river. Sewolayfisadun (ancient estuary) which lay to south east is protected under Sabaragamuwa Wildlife Sanctuary; today its water ringed with coralline algae & “Rhodophyllum ciliatum”.

The famous ‘Anuradhapura Festival’ housing traditional dances takes place on Karaiharitha Poya Day, namely the 9th day of full moon before 7th month in Kadavu. The island has a small airport from which daily flights to and from Colombo are operated by Air Lanka. On the other hand Mokurua Island is located just 10 min by ferry and was a working farm for the British.

Transport

Kadavu is located at a distance of 18 km from Anuradhapura. Most activities are available on island such as Coir Board, Table Tennis and Badminton only provided indoor facilities in school building with daily cleaning done by Children & Boys Club “Ala Muthidunni” under St Lucy’s Social service Society Pvt Ltd today.

Kadavu has good road access. There is around a total of 3 ferry services between Kadavu and Anuradhapura, depending on the number of ferries required to transport visitors from Colombo to Anuradhapura—this makes it difficult for day trippers looking for alternatives routes.

Cuisine

Kadavu is associated with a variety of land-based foods, coastal resorts and sea resources that have been harvested throughout its history. Food habits are attributed to the different society from on both island (Kokkimuni & Kadavusilpola).

Being part of Dutch colonial empire for 400 years which supported by fish farming only in Mokuvera lagoon one could find the tradition, taste of cuisines yet all foods were prepared with fresh and traditional ingredients only.

No artificial flavours were added to the food products until now it is easy for people of Kadavu Island comparing to coastal places in many parts of Sri Lanka, who differently used a lot filtered salt water and different additives but their are no such effects on kadaviousa vandana (Kadavu diets).

Wildlife

There are many other endangered species of the island which could be seen in wild. In fact specimen has been sold to various museums, one is Round Island Elephant (“Elephas maximus pielipuroensis”)- a highly endangered small coatis found on and around Anuradhapura lagoon (however it was declared extinct).

Recently scientists reported that there is missing population of elephants being spotted in all ranges for better proof some elephant tracks were found from Galgatoya National Park. Many birds such as the Sri Lanka jungle crow (“Corvus leucocephalus”) and pigeon (“Columba verreauxi”) can be spotted for tourists although all these are endemics of Sri Lanka, In addition to that you meet also some about 100 species of butterflies especially in crested bower bird sanctuary.

Conclusion

Kadavu Island is unique especially in the sense that it has a natural heritage intact and yet sheltered from human activities.Nature here had always been worshiped throughout history, many deities were present such as Nanjana Wikramasinghe (Kintaro), Maruthakaswamy (Mahamaya Arapatha bhedo) & Muniasiniya Mangala Basti Kaduvatte Damsaka Nayanar (Kataragama Kanda Sesekedera Pandith Amarasiriya Maha Nayaka thera).

The various nature temples in Kadavu are still being maintained and there is a tradition to attend these festivals on a regular basis.World heritage of Kadavu Island as declared by UNESCO through its International Mother Tongue Committee has given information about how this tiny island country away from all luxuries had managed to maintain.

FAQs

What Is Analaitivu Island?

Analaitivu Island used to have a single village called Analaiti (pronounced as “Ana-laytiva”).This appeared to be an organic settlement and was considered one of the ports on Sulawesi which sailed between eastern Indonesia, Celebes & Sunda. The island is located in East Nusa Tenggara province; about 140 km from Maluku islands, about 800 km north of the centre line drawn through North Sulawesi, and about 400 km south of Jakarta. The island has a land area of 433.041 km² (167 sq mi) which is the second largest island in Indonesia after Bangka Island (which is 636.493 km² or 2502 sq mi).

What Documents Are To Be Obtained?  

Visa on arrival possible but required under Indonesian laws; you will also require your return ticket as this is considered as top priority.

Can I Stay Overnight At The Airport On Arrival?  

Only if you are catching an earlier flight there will be a short stop-over, however it’s recommended that  you have a good book to pass time! They do run CTB bus tours but these often include time for people to go out of their way; please ask your hotel or tour company about additional arrangements especially if transportation from Maluku

Is It Safe To Take Analaitivu Island?

The government has a town guard who are mostly friendly but show up every so often; on occasions one can get drunk and rowdy especially around feast times. As long as you keep to yourself don’t let it affect your visit, feel free of alcohol consumption!

Where Is The Best Place To Shop On Analaitivu Island?

Besas grocery store, Octopi and Gulls Cafe at Benoa offer plenty of options if want a simple lunch or dinner; super markets like Salama sells drinks at night as well as souvenirs and fresh food – all reasonably priced.