Joanna James
The mesmerizing islands of Maldives truly possess exquisite beauty. Scattered alluringly amidst the heaving waves of the Indian Ocean, these gorgeous islands provide unmatched delight to tourists. The article below gives details about the atolls in Maldives.
An atoll is a ring shaped reef, island or a chain of islands that is made up of coral. In Maldives, 26 natural atolls can be found. These atolls form a pattern that stretches from 7 degrees 10′ north to 0 degrees 45′ south.
A few centuries ago, navigation in and around the area surrounding Maldives was considered to be quite dangerous as proper maritime charts of the region were not available. However between the years of 1834 and 1836, British captain Robert Moresby who was the captain of the East India Company’s Bombay Marine/ Indian Navy, successfully produced maritime charts of the Maldives which were immensely appreciated at the time. The Hydrographic Service of the Royal Navy printed these charts as three separate maps, which helped the navigators of the olden days to easily travel in the area. Robert Moresby’s admiralty charts were of such high quality that it is said that Queen Victoria herself personally examined them. In fact, these nautical charts are still being used in the present day, as pilots claim they contain data that even the complex modern charts don’t provide.
As mentioned earlier, there are 26 natural atolls in the Maldives. They are namely, Ihavandhippolhu, Thiladhunmati, Māmakunudhoo, Etthingili Alifushi Atoll, Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi, Fasdhūtherē, Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi, Goidhu Atoll, Faadhippolhu, Kaashidhoo Atoll, Gahaafaru Atoll, Male'atholhu Uthuruburi, Male'atholhu Dhekunuburi, Thoddu Atoll, Rasdhu Atoll, Ari Atoll, Felidhe Atoll, Vattaru Atoll, Mulaku Atoll, Nilandhe Atholhu Uthuruburi, Nilandhe Atholhu Dhekunuburi, Kolhumadulu, Haddhunmathi, Huvadhoo Atoll, Fuvahmulah and Addu Atoll.
These atolls have varying sizes and shapes. All of the 1190 islands in the Maldives are grouped in the double chain of these 26 atolls which are spread over approximately 90,000 square kilometres in the Indian Ocean. The northern point of the territory of Maldives is marked by the Ihavandhippolhu atoll while the southernmost point of the country is considered to be the Addu City. The northern and central atolls of the Maldives can be seen forming a regular chain. Between the atolls deep channels can also be found.
The atolls in Maldives create a stunning vista as they lie sprawling in the sunshine amidst the turquoise waves of the ocean. Quite a number of tourists treat themselves to the surreal delight of gazing at this spectacular sight as they soar over the atolls while taking sea plane rides.
There are many spectacular diving and snorkelling sites located in Maldives that make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Some of the atolls here are quite famous among travellers looking for luxurious resorts in Maldives. The Nilandhe Atholhu Dhekunuburi which has stunning resorts like Niyama Private Islands Maldives is a great option to consider if you are planning on enjoying an exotic vacation of bliss in this glorious destination. Another prominent atoll in Maldives is the Male'atholhu Uthuruburi which is commonly known as the North Male Atoll. The capital island of Male is located in this atoll.
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