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Historical Utheemu palace
Written by Akshaya Manoharan on June 19, 2023 Share on

Utheemu island – A trip to the Maldives’ historical experiences

Maldives tourism has emerges worldwide with it’s most prominent name for the beautiful man made water villas and nature made landscapes. If you are planning to Maldives trip, Utheemu Island is a place that you need to know. Also known as Haa Alif Atoll, the Utheemu Island in the Maldives is located in the northern region of the archipelago and is about 297 kilometres (185 miles) north of Male, the capital of Maldives. The island is about 900 meters long and 700 meters wide. The island of Utheemu became home of the Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, who defeated the Portuguese invaders during the late sixteenth century. While there are the same old seashores with gentle white sands and sparkling water, there also are historical spots such as the Utheema Ganduvaru, the timber palace where the Sultan grew up. Let’s discover more about the history of Utheemu island.

Also read: Historical Places in Maldives

History of Utheemu island

Utheemu Island in the Maldives is the birthplace of the country hero – Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, who, alongside his brothers was known for defeating the Portuguese invaders during the 15th century. Utheemu Ganduvaru is the childhood home of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu and it is a 500-year-old traditional wooden palace. In 1573, he is crowned as the Sultan of Maldives and raised the flag of the Utheemu Dynasty, which dominated until 1692 with the lineage of eleven Sultans after him. The palace of the Sultan has strengthened the presence and tourism of this island inside the states of Maldives.

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Utheemu museum
Credits: Google images

The locals are nicely-acquainted by using the attraction of Utheemu island, however, the maximum of the vacationers aren’t well-aware of this location. In addition to the palace, ‘Badi Fasgandu’ is without a doubt a should go to vicinity in which you may examine local lifestyles. You can also seize a glimpse of the records at Bodu Thakurufaanu Memorial Centre and pay tribute to the Kadhuvalhu old mosque.

With the help of a skilled boatman, it isn’t always difficult to get to the island. The simplest and only way to attain the Utheemu Island in Maldives is through the sea course. However, the island lacks a harbour or jetty for safer docking of the boat. This is one the major reason why Utheemu Island isn’t amongst the maximum visited traveller and excursion spot.

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How to reach Utheemu island

Utheemu is discovered in the north of the Maldives. Being the birth-island of ruler Mohamed Thakurufaanu, it’s been one among the fundamental Tourist points of interest in the Maldives. The location gets a large wide variety of tourists complete day long. For tourist who surprises a way to reach Utheemu can go to the place through flight or ferry. On touchdown at “Male International Airport”, you can both board a flight (domestic) to Hanimaadhoo Domestic flying area or get on a ferry to the island. It is a pleasant journey with the aid of flight as there’s a dearth of the correct jetty at the island.

Seaplane transfer to Utheemu island
Credits: Unsplash

However, if you are lucky to get a boat, it’d absolutely take easy 20 mins protecting the breathtaking view in the direction of the island. Maldives is well connected by means of both air and waterways. Within 2 hours, travellers will sense on cloud nine to understand Maldivian history in Utheemu and visit the ways-famed Utheemu palace that becomes the home of a ruler who rebelled towards the Portuguese.

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FAQ

Are resorts available Utheemu island ?

No, this historically significant island does not have any resorts, the nearby resorts are Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Hondaafushi Island Resorts, J Resorts Alidhoo, Himeyn Beach Maldives, JA Manafaru.

When are these Islands open ?

The timings of Utheemu Island in Maldives are 09:00 am to 06:00 pm all seven days of the week.

What is significant about utheemu ganduvaru?

Utheemu Ganduvaru is the wooden palace in which Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu lived and grew up. It is well preserved and evokes more than any other existing building in the Maldives, the lifestyle of the rich, centuries ago.

How to get to Utheemu island?

Utheemu islands can be reached via Speedboat or Ferry. On landing at “Male International Airport”, travelers can either board a flight (domestic) to Hanimaadhoo Domestic flying field or get on a ferry to the island.

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