Kulhudhuffushi

Kulhudhuffushi is the largest town in the northern Maldives and the regional centre for the Haa Dhaalu atoll, historically known for coir rope: coconut husks were soaked in the mangrove mud for months, beaten and twisted into rope that was traded across the Indian Ocean, and women still do the work in places. The town has an airport built on reclaimed mangrove, which was contested locally when it was approved.

History

Heavy rains and storms struck the island in 1812, 1819 and 1921, and the Keylakunu storm halved its population; since then its people have been known across the Maldives for unity and hard work (Wikipedia, Kulhudhuffushi).

Highlights

• The coir rope making - husks soaked, beaten and twisted, still done by hand in places.
• The regional centre - the largest town in the northern atolls.
• The mangrove - the wetland the rope process depends on.
• The northern position - a base for reaching the far northern islands.

When to go

November to April is the dry season with easier travel. Flights run from Malé daily. The northern atolls are quieter than the centre year round.

Things to know

This is a working town with almost nothing set up for visitors. Rope making is not staged and finding it happening takes asking. Accommodation is limited.

Nearby

Utheemu is north, and Hanimaadhoo airport is northeast.

Key facts