Thiladhunmathi, Northern atoll in Maldives
Thiladhunmathi spreads across 44 islands in the northernmost section of the Maldives, with 16 inhabited settlements including Baarah, Dhiddhoo, and Filladhoo. The atoll contains several tourist resorts and extensive coral reef areas that support diverse marine life.
The northern section was administratively reorganized in 1958 when it merged with Ihavandhippolhu to form a larger administrative unit. This restructuring established the political boundaries that define the region today.
The island of Matheerah within the atoll held a shrine where Maldivian kings once sought spiritual guidance for important decisions. Such sacred sites shaped the religious identity of the region and remain part of local memory.
The atoll is best reached by air or sea, given its remote location in the northern reaches of the archipelago. Visitors should prepare for tropical weather and bring sun protection and lightweight clothing.
The atoll ranks among the three largest in the Maldives and sits geographically closer to Sri Lanka and India than to other parts of the country. This northern position makes it a unique gateway to South Asia from a Maldivian vantage point.
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