In the corner of Noonu Atoll, the northern province of Maldives is an island home to more than 2500 people, called Kendhikulhudhoo. The island is one of the most unexplored islands, rich in culture and history. It is among the 10th biggest islands in the Maldives.
Kendhikulhudhoo is located 196.46 km north of the capital city Male’. It takes nearly 4-5 hours by a speed boat from the capital city to the island, and the closest airport to island Kendhikulhudhoo is Maafaru airport, which is approximately 15 minutes by a speedboat.
Geography
The fertile and peaceful island has a unique geography with many mangrove areas, locally known as “kulhi”. They are “Mai falhu”, “Dhimaafalhu”, “Hikikulhi”, “Tholhifalhu”, “Gan’baafalhu”, “Fin’dhana Gonni” and “Gaathudee kolhu”. The island is more than 3 miles long and features huge lakes. The spacious island consists of three major areas “Kendhikolhu Avah”, “Tholhendhoo Avah” and “Kulhudhoo Avah”.
History
In the heart of Kendhikulhudhoo live people from Tholhendhoo, which is the sole reason why the area is named after the island Tholhendhoo. Tholhendhoo is the small island shaped like a circle just a few kilometres away from Kendhikulhudhoo. On 1st January 1993, people of Tholhendhoo migrated to Kendhikulhudhoo due to severe island erosion.
Economy
The people on the island mainly depend on the fishing industry, tourism industry and some on the agricultural industry. The vastly structured island, Kendhikulhudhoo is capable to process 20 tons of fish on a daily basis. However, the business is mainly dependant on the tourism sector, since most of it is transported to the island resorts nearby. Noonu atoll is also well-known for its five-star resorts.
Education
Kendhikulhudhoo is the home for a lot of students from the neighbouring islands. The island has educated the brightest of minds and talented students featuring in the ‘Top Ten’ achievers in the Maldives almost every year.
Speciality
The island is special for its mangroves, its naturally built lakes and the white sandy beaches circling around the island. However, to the people of Kendhikulhudhoo, “Bangu Riha” is what it makes them feel home. The fish named as “bangu” is caught in the lakes of the island. The dish is cooked with a special spice of the Maldives called “dhivehi havaadhu”.
About the writer: Mohamed Jidhadh Ahmed is a hospitality industry professional currently studying at the Taylors University at lakeside, Malaysia. He writes articles related to tourism and is passionate to promote the local tourism sector in the Maldives.
Photo Credits: Visit Kendhikulhudhoo
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