Lhaviyani Atoll

Lhaviyani Atoll, also known as Faadhippolhu Atoll, is a stunning administrative division of the Maldives located between 5° 15" and 5° 35" N and 73° 20" and 74° 40" E. With Naifaru as its capital, this northern paradise comprises 54 islands, of which four are inhabited: Naifaru, Hinnavaru, Kurendhoo, and Olhuvelifushi. The atoll also features 10 operational resorts, making it a prime destination for tourists.

Inhabited Islands

Naifaru

Hinnavaru

Kurendhoo

Olhuvelifushi

Access and Location

The atoll is easily accessible from Male airport via:

- 30-40 minute seaplane flight

- Regular speedboat ferries from Male City

- The recently opened domestic airport on Madivaru island

Natural Environment

Lhaviyani Atoll is renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity:

- Abundant seagrass beds providing nutrition for green sea turtles

- Above-average stingray population

- Healthy hard coral ecosystems

- Some of the Maldives' best house reefs

- The main northern entrance, Kuredhdhoo Kanduolhi, spans 500 meters

Protected Areas

The atoll features several protected areas of ecological significance:

1. Sandbank north of Huravali - Known for manta rays and seasonal whale sharks

2. Anemone Thila - A vast central area rich in anemones

3. Dhiffushi-Maidhoo Wetland - Home to mangroves and Bang (freshwater fish)

4. Maakoa - Notable for its mangroves and large crabs

5. Faadhoo - A wetland sanctuary for migratory birds

6. Dhandhifalhu - A year-round manta ray observation site

7. Kuredhoo Cave - Popular for dolphin sightings

8. Madivaru Thila - Seasonal manta ray aggregation site

9. Maagiri/Bodhugiri - Features coral gardens, reef overhangs, and marine life

10. Dhashugiri Finolhu - The atoll's most populous bird sandbank

Cultural and Economic Aspects

- Fishing remains the primary occupation of the islanders

- Historical industries included sail weaving and coir making

- Naifaru is famous for its mother-of-pearl handicrafts, popular among tourists

Historical Significance

The atoll holds historical importance as the former capital of the separatist Kingdom of Boduthiladhunmathi. During the reign of Sultan Ibrahim III (1585-1609), it played a role in significant political events when Mohamed Rannabadeyri Thakuru, with support from the Adhi Raja of Cannanore, controlled the northern atolls until his eventual defeat by Sultan Muhammad Imaduddin I (1620-1648).

In the 1980s, the island of Maafilaafushi was resettled to address land availability issues in Malé, demonstrating the atoll's role in modern development initiatives.