Welcome to Addu

Welcome to Addu City, our haven of calm in the heart of the Indian Ocean, and the gateway to the Maldives’ secluded southern atolls.

Here in Addu, British Eastern Fleet Commander Admiral James Somerville once sought to create a secret base in the middle of the Indian Ocean – protected from the outside world. His vision became known as Port T, which would later become RAF Gan and today serves as the main International Airport for our unique tourist destination.

Addu Geography

A total of 24 natural islands of various sizes lie on a heart shaped coral rim. The islands on the western side of the Atoll have been linked by a man-made causeway that links the islands of Hithadho, Maradhoo, Maradhoofeydhoo, Feydhoo and Gan, an extent of 14km. On the eastern side of the atoll, lie the islands of Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo and the tourist resorts Herathera and Shangri-la’s Villingilli Resort & Spa.
At the Southern tip of the Atoll is Gan International Airport. Gan marks the most southern point in the Maldives as well as the most southern point in South Asia.

Unlike other atolls of Maldives, Addu harbors a natural anchorage within the atoll basin, very calm and safe for vessels at all times, and is not affected by seasonal changes. The atoll possesses four channels that lead into the lagoon. In the north are Kuda Kandu and Maa Kandu, in the south Gan Kandu, and the wider Villingili Kandu are to the southeast.
The islands have lush vegetation; some have mangroves and marshy taro fields which are unique throughout the islands of Maldives.

Addu History

There are no exact records of when the first settlers arrived in Addu Atoll, but several historians and researchers have concluded that people were living on these islands for more than 2000 years. It is believed the first settlers originated from Sri Lanka and India. The Maldives was previously a Buddhist nation until it embraced Islam 800 years ago. The people of Meedhoo island in Addu were amongst the first to convert to Islam in the Maldives.

Despite its isolation, Adduans have always been energetic, creative and self-reliant. The community has always thrived on fishing, farming, weaving, toddy tapping, but the most significant of all the community’s achievements was its trade vessels. Addu is well known for its able sea navigators and vessels. The Addu-built wooden sailing vessels would regularly travel to Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, and even as far as China for trade, carrying local produce such as coconuts and sweet savories made from toddy. The traders would then return with goods like grains, fabrics, medicinal herbs, spices, perfumes, etc. There were also annual trips to Arabia for the pilgrimage in Mecca.

Addu Climate

The Maldives has a tropical climate distinguished by two seasons: dry from December to March, and wet from May to November with moderate winds and rain. March is the usual month noted for clear water with temperature remarkably consistent at around 30°C.

Addu People & Culture

The Maldivian identity is a blend of cultures, reflecting the peoples who settled on the islands, reinforced by religion and language. The earliest settlers were probably from southern India, Arabia, and other regions of Southeast Asia. Evident is a huge influence of South, South West African and Asian cultures in the Maldives.

Addu society, as in the rest of Maldives, was distinguished by strong social divisions. Traditionally, the upper classes—with names like Don Seedi, Don Kaloa, Fulhu, Manik, and Didi—were close friends and relatives of the sultan and his royal family. Yet, even among these families, there were marked differences. Well into the 20th century, HCP Bell, a well known explorer, noted that “a Didi marrying a Maniku lady raises her to his own rank; but, strictly speaking, the children of a Maniku father and Didi mother are not entitled to the appellation Didi”.

Years ago, it was unacceptable to eat with a member of an inferior class, and people of a lower class mixing with a superior only sat on a low stool. Now these distinctions are not acceptable in the society. Indeed, nowadays the terms Maniku and Didi are sometimes used as nicknames. Today, social rank is based more on merit than family linage.

Addu Language

The dialect spoken in this atoll (Addu bas) is quite different from the official form of Dhivehi language. It has some similarities with the dialect of Fua Mulaku (Mulaku bas).

Traditionally all educated islanders from the three different atolls of the south adopted the Addu Bas as lingua franca. Hence, when for example an islander of Huvadhu met with another from Fua Mulaku, they would use the Addu bas to talk to each other. Addu bas is the most widespread and popular dialect in the southern region of Maldives.

Addu Economy

The economy is mainly based on Fisheries and tourism. Three tourist resorts, together with Gan international Airport and Hithadhoo Regional Port, operate in Addu City. Small scale agricultural farming exists and most people are employed by state and government institutions. Comparatively Addu City has a strong economy and businesses thrive.

How to Reach Addu

Gan International Airport is connected by SriLankan Airlines via Colombo at the moment. More international airlines are expected to begin operations in the near future.

Addu is a 75 minute flight south of Velana International Airport, Male’. The city has an international airport on Gan which caters to both domestic and international airlines and private jets.

There are numerous daily flights between Male’ and Addu by local airline–Maldivian. Sailing yachts and boats can directly visit Addu since Addu Atoll is among the 3 clearing points in Maldives for international yachts.

A cheaper and more adventurous way of getting here would be to hop on a cargo boat from Male’ and sail through the atolls anchoring at some islands along the way. Although this may take 2-3 days, it definitely lets you enjoy the beauty and interact with lively locals.