Miladhunmadulu

Coral reefs, pristine beaches and gentle breezes are what attract most visitors to the Miladhunmadulu Atoll on the Maldives Islands. Explorer Thor Heyerdahl wrote about these islands during his visit. He believed the Redin people of the South Miladhunmadulu were the first inhabitants of the archipelago, arriving around 2000 BC, as discussed in his book, The Maldive Mystery. With a total land area of 115 square miles, the 1200 islands comprising the Maldives are formed of coral on the crowns of a submerged volcanic mountain range. None of the islands rise to more than 6 feet (1.8m) above sea level and most are uninhabited. Often considered to be the 'last paradise on earth', the islands have sandy beaches, swaying palms, lagoons and a luxuriant growth of coconut palms, together with breadfruit trees and tropical bushes. Fish abound in the reefs, lagoons and seas adjoining the islands; sea turtles are caught for food and for their oil which is used as a traditional medicine.

Noonu Atoll