| With 27 resorts in the
atoll, this is the second zone to which tourism expanded. Alifu
Atoll is comprised of three geographical atolls - Ari Atoll, one of
the largest atolls in the Maldives, measuring 80 kilometres in
length and 30 in width, Rasdhoo Atoll and the tiny Thoddoo Atoll.
If you visit a resort in Ari, you
will be surprised to learn that this is one of the most highly
developed tourist areas in the Maldives. Looking out across the
water from your bungalow you will easily forget that the rest of the
world exists. Only when you venture out and visit other resorts will
you realise that there are other widely dispersed resorts.
This atoll also boasts some
exceptionally exciting dive sites; the hammerhead point in Rasdhoo
Atoll, Maaya Thila in Northern Ari Atoll which is a protected site
and dive sites in the south famous for its sighting of whale sharks
are just some of the highlights.
You may get to your chosen resort in
Alifu Atoll by speedboat or seaplane, an exciting option considering
the beauty of the atolls from the air.
Alifu Atoll is divided into two
administrative zones; South and North Alifu Atolls. There are a
total of 18 inhabited islands with a population of about 10,000.
Thoddoo has a reputation for agriculture, especially watermelons. In
1958 archeological sites on the island were excavated. It was found
that the island was an important Buddhist centre before the country
embraced Islam in 1153. The island’s mosque was built in the 17th
century and has recently been renovated. The mosque on the island of
Mathiveri was built during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar,
during the 17th century. The Friday Mosque in the capital Male’ was
also built during his reign.
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