The Northern Atolls, the Maldives’ least-developed region, have become an excellent spot to witness traditional Maldivian life because they are relatively unknown to visitors.
The Northern Atolls of the Maldives are the least populous and frequented area in the Maldives. They are made up of a collection of seven atolls and have a unique beauty in that they have less vegetation than the Central and Southern Maldives.
The weather in this section of the Maldives is likewise less dependable and is vulnerable to greater storms than the rest of the country.
History:
Maldives Northern Atolls ia one of the historical place in Maldives : Utheemu Island in Haa Alifu, which is a 500 years old Sultan Palace and Maldivian National Hero Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Azam.
The national hero Mohammed Thakurufaanu, who drove the Portuguese colonists out of the Maldives in the 16th century, was born on the island of Utheemu in the Haa Alifu Atoll. Maldivians visit the island now as a site of pilgrimage to view his little wooden castle.
Wrecks
There are wrecks around the western margin of the atolls, many of which are just now being thoroughly studied, while Baa Atoll, a Unesco World Biosphere Reserve, features pristine seas, rich marine life, and Hanifaru Bay, the famed manta ray feeding zone. You’ll frequently feel like you have the Northern Atolls to yourself, as there are just a few resorts and guesthouses.
Also Read: Diamonds Athuruga Maldives Resort & Spa.
The Nothern Atolls:
The List of Maldives Northern Atolls are :
- Haa Alifu Atoll
- Haa Dhaalu Atoll
- Shaviyani Atoll
- Noonu Atoll
- Raa Atoll
- Baa Atoll
- Lhaviyani Atoll
Must see attractions in Northern Atolls:
Utheemu Ganduvaru:
Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, one of the most respected heroes in Maldivian history, was born and raised in Utheemu Ganduvaru. Utheemu Ganduvaru, or Utheemu Palace, is located in Utheemu on the Haa Alifu Atoll, in the Maldives’ northernmost reaches.
For eight years, a band of warriors commanded by Mohamed Thakurufaanu and his brothers opposed the Portuguese. To avoid arrest, they would land in the dead of night on several islands, fight the Portuguese, and flee before sunrise. They eventually arrived at Male’ and defeated the Portuguese rulers there. The people picked Mohamed Thukurufaanu as Sultan after being freed from the Portuguese yoke.
Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu reigned over the Maldives for 12 years until dying in 1585. He was known as a Sultan who was kind, just, and concerned about the plight of the people. Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu is also credited with forming the country’s first regular military force.
Also Read: Sun Siyam Olhuveli Resort Maldives.
Kan’dhuvalu Miskiyy, Utheemu:
Although national hero Mohammed Thakurufaanu is known to have worshipped here in his childhood, the date of building for this stone-and-wood mosque is uncertain, it has been here since at least the mid-16th century.
It’s a little space with a lovely teak interior visible from the front door. Non-Muslims, however, are unable to enter. Thakurufaanu’s father is laid to rest at this cemetery.
Coconut leaf thatching was used for the original roof. After that, regular steel sheets were used before being replaced with clay, and finally, in 1990, the roofing was replaced with the soil-plated steel roofing that you see today. There are no nails or screws used in any of the carpentry work. On the tomb of Mohamed Thakuru faanu’s father, there are two stones (one female and one male). This is to fool the Portuguese, who claimed that everyone connected to Mohamed thakurufaanu, even if discovered in the grave, would be removed.
And the carpenter was buried near the mosque on the right because it was his will to be buried in a place where he could rest under the shadow of the mosque.
Hanimaadhoo:
This is one of the inhabited islands of Haa Dhaalu Atoll administrative division and is geographically part of Thiladhummathi Atoll in the north of the Maldives.
Hanimaadhoo is home to the atoll airport as well as the most well-developed guesthouse scene. It’s a lovely, friendly island with some fantastic beaches. The Hanomaadhoo Meteorological Observatory is located on this island.
Landhoo:
Landhoo Island is located in the Southern Miladhunmadulhu Atoll and has the greatest mangrove forest. It is yet another island in the Maldives that claims to be a Buddhist historical centre. Landhoo Island is a mash-up of fascinating tales and a treasure trove of cultural information.
On the northwest side, there is an old mound known as “Maabadhige Haitha” by the locals. These are the remnants of a Buddhist Stupa that stands 28 feet tall. The remains are said to be the most important Buddhist ruins in the North Maldivian area. Landhoo’s regions are also known for its folklore. Choose Maldives Vacation to enjoy your trip.
The Resort’s of The Atolls:
Baa Atoll
- Vakkaru Maldives
- Milaidhoo Island Maldives
- Dusit Thani Maldives
- Dhigufaru Island Resort
- Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Raa Atoll
- You & Me Maldives
- Heritance Aarah-Premium All Inclusive
- Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa-Deluxe All Inclusive
- InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, an IHG Hotel
- The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives
- Reethi Faru, Bio Luxury Resort
Manadhoo
- Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives
- ROBINSON NOONU – All Inclusive
- Sun Siyam Iru Veli
- The Beach House Collection at Siyam World