Kolhumadulhu Atoll

Kolhumadulhu Atoll comprises 66 islands, with 13 inhabited, scattered across an expanse of coral reefs and turquoise lagoons. These islands are separated by reefs and together form one interconnected marine ecosystem.

During King Koimala's reign, this formation was called Kolhumaduva when all Maldivian atolls were united under one kingdom. This period represented a key moment of political unity for the island nation.

Residents here depend on fishing as their main livelihood, with processing facilities dotting different islands across the atoll. This work shapes daily life and the local economy in a visible way.

Reaching the islands requires domestic flights to regional airports, followed by boat transfers to individual islands. Planning ahead is important as transport connections can be limited.

Archaeological work on Kinbidhoo island uncovered Buddhist structures, including a large stupa examined by Muhammad Ismail Didi. This discovery reveals that the region once had a different religious past than its present Islamic culture.