Ari Atoll 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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