Overall, there are 26 remarkable natural atolls that stretch from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to the Addu City in the south over an area of roughly 298 square kilometres. Now, these are further divided into 20 separate parts. All have their own charms, with some being tourist hotspots and others being uninhabited – almost untouched by mankind. The Haa Alif Atoll has 42 islands. Just 14 are inhabited and there are three tourist resorts in the atoll. The Haa Dhaalu Atoll or Southern Thiladhunmathi Atoll forms the southern part of the Thiladhunmathi Atoll. Yes, Thiladhunmathi has northern and southern divisions. The Northern Miladhunmadulu Atoll or Shaviyani Atoll is located in the north of the Maldives. The Noonu or Southern Miladhunmadulu...
Overall, there are 26 remarkable natural atolls that stretch from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to the Addu City in the south over an area of roughly 298 square kilometres. Now, these are further divided into 20 separate parts. All have their own charms, with some being tourist hotspots and others being uninhabited – almost untouched by mankind. The Haa Alif Atoll has 42 islands. Just 14 are inhabited and there are three tourist resorts in the atoll. The Haa Dhaalu Atoll or Southern Thiladhunmathi Atoll forms the southern part of the Thiladhunmathi Atoll. Yes, Thiladhunmathi has northern and southern divisions. The Northern Miladhunmadulu Atoll or Shaviyani Atoll is located in the north of the Maldives. The Noonu or Southern Miladhunmadulu corresponds to the southern section of Miladhunmadulu Atoll and its capital is Manadhoo. The Northern Maalhosmadulu Atoll or Raa Atoll includes Northern Maalhosmadulu Atoll proper and the island of Alifushi. The Lhaviyani Atoll or Faadhippolhu Atoll has an interesting history – the famous island of Maafilaafushi here was the capital of the separatist Kingdom of Boduthiladhunmathi.
Kaafu Atoll consists of Kaashidhoo Island, Gahaafaru Atoll, and Malé Atoll (including the North Malé Atoll and the South Malé Atoll). Malé, the capital of the Maldives is located here but it’s not under the Kaafu administrative division. The popular destination of Maafushi is located Kaafu and there’s a private beach here, where you may strip down to your bikini.
Vaavu Atoll comprises the natural atolls of Felidhu Atoll and the Vattaru Reef and is one of the least populated. It also includes two geographical atolls of Felidhu Atoll and the small egg-shaped Vattaru Reef.
The Mulaku Atoll or Meemu Atoll is famous for its historical mosque and also shipwreck from 1573. This site is located off the Kolhuvaariyaafushi Island’s south eastern reef. The Southern Nilandhe Atoll has 56 islands with just seven inhabited ones.
The Kolhumadulu Atoll or Thaa Atoll is known for the island earlier known as Kolhumaduva during King Koimala’s rule. He was the first to unite all the atolls under one Kingdom.
Haddhunmathi Atoll or Laamu Atoll is a huge spectacular atoll and its size makes it stand out among the other atolls in the Pacific Ocean. The Northern Huvadhu Atoll or Gaafu Alifu came into being after Huvadhu Atoll was split into two districts. Independent travellers need special permission to visit the inhabited islands.
The Gnaviyani Atoll is the smallest administrative unit in the Maldives in terms of size. The Addu Atoll is the southernmost atoll of the Maldives and has its fine share of uninhabited islands.
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