Best Places to Visit in Maldives

If you are looking for some relief from the crowded metropolises of the West amidst natural beauty, then hop on a Male tourism. The sprawling capital of the Maldivian archipelago, Malé island, Maldives, is located in the Kaafu Atoll. It is quite urbanized and heavily built up. There are plenty of things to do in Malé as it ...

Shimmering clear water, gorgeous coral reefs, and white sand beaches – the Maldives is a virtual heaven on earth. Shaped like a banana when seen from above, the amazing Banana Reef in Maldives draws scuba divers from far and wide. The fish are far from scared of photographers, creating some of the best underwater shots the ...

Strewn like a jewel across the waters, the lush, green Baros Island in the Maldivian archipelago is a perfect destination for anyone looking out to get a break from daily life. The island is dotted with classically elegant beach villas, water villas, and private pools, making it a popular honeymoon getaway. There are tons o...

Lying snugly at the South of North Male Atoll in the Maldives, the Hulhumale Island is a beautiful combination of the nostalgia of the past and the thrill of the future. This artificial, reclaimed island lies around 8 kilometres off the North East Coast of Malé and was created to ease the housing crisis and congestion in Ma...

Lying in the Kaafu Atoll at a mere 27 kilometers away from the capital Malé, the charming Maafushi Island is the largest and most popular island in the Maldives. One can travel from Male to Maafushi Island by using local transport such as speed boats, public ferries, and more. Maafushi Island in Maldives amazes tourists wit...

Lying in the heart of the Maldivian island chain is the inhabited island of Meradhoo, which is part of the Addu or Seenu atoll. Part of the Meradhoo-Feydhoo district, this island is a brilliant blend of habitation and solitude, with its long beaches and golden white sand beckoning one to visit. There are several places of i...

Located in the northern region of the archipelago, Utheemu Island in Maldives is equally admired by tourists for its scenic beauty and historical significance. Also known as Haa Alif Atoll, the island is about 297 kilometers (185 miles) north of Male, the capital of Maldives.

History about Utheemu Ganduvaru              

Utheemu Island in Maldives is the birthplace of the national hero – Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, who, along with his brothers, was known for fighting and defeating the Portuguese invaders in the 15th century. In 1573, he was crowned as the Sultan of Maldives and raised the flag of Utheemu Dynasty, which ruled till 1692 with the lineage of eleven Sultans after him.

The palace of the Sultan has further strengthened the presence and tourism of this island in the states of Maldives. The locals are well-acquainted by the attraction of Utheemu island, but most of the tourists are not well-aware of this place. In addition to the palace, ‘Badi Fasgandu’ is absolutely a must visit place where one can observe local life, and can also catch a glimpse of the glorious history at Bodu Thakurufaanu Memorial Centre and pay tribute to the Kadhuvalhu old mosque.

With the help of an experienced boatman, it is not difficult to get to the island. The only way to reach the Utheemu Island in Maldives is via sea route. However, the island lacks a harbor or jetty for safer docking of the boat. This is one strong reason why Utheemu Island is not amongst the most visited tourist and excursion spot.   

Facts about Utheemu Ganduvaru

1) The island is about 900 meters long and 700 m wide.

2) Utheemu Ganduvaru is the 500-year-old traditional wooden palace or childhood home of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu.

3) According to the locals, the island changes its shape with the change in season.

Accommodation on Utheemu Island

Due to the accessibility problem and lack of accommodation on the island, it is not ideal for the tourist to be chosen as their long holiday destination. But the prominent scattering of the nearby islands, provides some good options to the visitors. It is important to note that getting to Utheemu Island from any neighboring island can be very difficult, as long as, you are not with an experienced local boatman.

Located in the South province of the Maldives, Feydhoo is one of the archipelago’s inhabited islands and abounds in flora and fauna. The people who reside here were formerly of Gan, and are self-sufficient. While not as fertile as Gan, Feydhoo Island is luxurious with rich trees, green vegetation and shorelines that captiva...

For travelers who love to get a glimpse of ethereal beauty, the natural shores of Fua Mulaku in the Maldives are certainly a dream come true. Located at the Southernmost tip of the archipelago, Fua Mulaku, has the largest of the Maldivian islands,and draws travelers from far and wide and offers serenity, beauty and natural ...

Known for its mysterious hawittas or mounds, ancient temples and urban delights beautifully blended with the rolling blue waters, Kudahuvadhoo beckons tourists to the Maldives for a visit. The capital of Dhaal Atoll, this unique tourist spot offers tons of activities that visitors can enjoy, while also being the perfect get...