Northern Maldives
The atolls in the Kardiva Channel between the Malé Atoll where the capital is located, and the Goidhoo Atoll are considered to be the Northern Maldives. It’s the least developed area of the country from a tourism and economic point of view. But it’s precisely for this reason that this atoll, as well as the Lhaviyani, Raa, Noonu, Shaviyani, and Haa Dhaalu atolls, are regarded by many to be the best preserved atolls in terms of their natural environment and culture.
Of the estimated half a million people in the Maldives, less than a third live in the north. This is mainly because, being smaller islands and therefore less able to develop land-based resources, large populations are also less likely to settle there.
Although, as mentioned above, the tourist infrastructure is not as developed as in the South, the Northern Maldives are a haven for scuba diving enthusiasts. The seabed around the sandbanks and the coral reefs that frame these small islands are the perfect habitat to allow many marine species to thrive. This is also helped by the fact that it’s not possible for large vessels to sail here due to the shallow waters that surround them.
Another draw of a visit to these northern Maldivian atolls is that they are inhabited by people with a traditional way of life, with the customs of a population that is geographically and ethnically diverse. The coexistence of different religions, a varied calendar of festivities, and a rich gastronomy with a number of influences are just a few examples of this.
Among the atolls in the north of the Maldives, Raa, which offers many facilities for visitors, is highly recommended. It also has natural resources, including the spectacular bioluminescence phenomenon that occurs on the beaches of Vaadhoo Island.
Also very attractive and welcoming for all types of visitors is the Noonu Atoll, made up of 71 islands, only a small number of which are inhabited. It’s, of course, an ideal place for those who’d prefer a quiet holiday, enjoying the warmth of the sea water, sunbathing under the coconut trees and the beauty of the seabed, perhaps with only a snorkel and goggles.
The highest point in the country is in the northern atolls of the Maldives, which are barely five metres above sea level. Not bad, considering that the average height of the Maldives is 1.5 metres, which is why it’s considered the lowest country in the world.
This is slightly misleading, however, as the various Maldivian atolls are merely the visible part of a large volcanic mountain range that rises some 5,000 metres above the Indian Ocean floor.
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