Where is Kachchativu Island located?

Kachchativu is a small island in the Palk Strait, roughly midway between the northern tip of Sri Lanka and the southeastern coast of India near Rameswaram. It is administered as part of Sri Lanka's Northern Province.

Can tourists visit Kachchativu Island?

Regular tourist visits are uncommon and require advance authorisation from Sri Lankan authorities. The most practical opportunity to visit is during the annual St. Anthony's Festival in late February or early March, when pilgrim boats depart from ports near Jaffna. Outside this window, access is restricted.

When is the St. Anthony's Festival on Kachchativu?

The festival is held annually, typically in late February or early March, though exact dates shift slightly each year. It lasts around two days and draws Catholic pilgrims from both Sri Lanka and India. Boats from Rameswaram and from Jaffna-area ports carry devotees to the island for open-air Mass at the St. Anthony's shrine.

Do Indian nationals need a visa to visit Kachchativu during the festival?

Under a special provision of the 1974 maritime agreement between India and Sri Lanka, Indian pilgrims attending the St. Anthony's Festival may visit Kachchativu without requiring a standard Sri Lankan visa. This provision applies during the festival period and does not extend to general tourism at other times.

Who owns Kachchativu Island?

Kachchativu is sovereign Sri Lankan territory. A bilateral maritime agreement signed in 1974 between India and Sri Lanka formally recognised Sri Lankan sovereignty over the island. The agreement has been periodically contested by politicians in Tamil Nadu, but Sri Lanka considers the matter settled under international law.

Are there any facilities or accommodation on Kachchativu?

There are no hotels, restaurants, or permanent civilian facilities on the island. A small rest house is used during the festival period, and the St. Anthony's shrine is maintained year-round. Visitors must bring all food, water, and supplies. There is no freshwater source on the island.

How far is Kachchativu from Jaffna?

Kachchativu lies approximately 24 kilometres off the coast of the Jaffna peninsula. The boat journey from ports near Jaffna takes around one to two hours depending on vessel type and sea conditions. Boats operating during the festival period depart from points along the northern and northwestern coast of the peninsula.

What is there to do near Kachchativu if I am visiting the Jaffna region?

The Jaffna peninsula offers the Dutch-era Jaffna Fort, the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, and a network of lagoon islands reachable by ferry, including Delft Island with its wild horses and colonial ruins. The surrounding waters support fishing excursions and birdwatching, particularly during the winter migratory season.