The Island
About Nolhivaranfaru
Nolhivaranfaru is one of the largest (171.2 hectares) inhabited island of Haa Dhaalu Atoll administrative division and geographically a part of Thiladhummathi Atoll in the north of theMaldives.
It is located in between the island of Nolhivaram and Hanimaadhoo on the eastern fringes of the atoll. It is small predominantly agricultural community. Until taken over byKulhudhuffushi, Nolhivaranfaru used to be the capital of the Haa Dhaalu division.
Of historical significance of the island is that following the 1752 capture of Male’ by the Ali Raja of Cannanore and his Malabari navy, Sultan Muhammad Imaduddin III of the Maldives was held captive on Kavaratti island in the Laccadives.
Hussein Gadhahamaadhi Manikfan of Nolhivaramfaru is said to have aided Muleegey Dom Hassan Maniku in the fight against the invaders. They succeeded on April 7, 1753 and reclaimed the monarchy back to Maldivian rule. Several places of historical importance still remain on the island and on other islands in the vicinity.
Nolhivaranfaru currently has a population of approximately 1200 people, with a large percentage of it working away from home in Male’ or in tourist resorts elsewhere. Compared to most islands in the Maldives, Nolhivaranfaru is considered an island with a relatively low-density population. The island is a little more than 5 minutes by speedboat from Hanimaadhoo International Airport located to the north of Nolhivaranfaru.
With the first step on the island, tourists will be amazed by the hospitable and welcoming locals roaming calmly on the white sandy roads of the island. The friendly people, laid-back lifestyle of Nolhivaranfaru has a unique charm, while those looking to fill their days with adventure will discover there’s plenty to do during their tropical island holiday. While the environment offers you a relaxing and a soothing ambience, the peacefulness and the calmness that’s encapsulated every bit of the island gives visitors a feeling of safety and protection any where on the island.
From an environmental perspective, the island has one of the longest and most beautiful beaches anywhere in the Maldives. Its lagoon is renowned for the crystal clear water with its own sand bank on the northwestern part of the lagoon. Manta Rays are regularly spotted year after year swimming within the islands own house reef, while the island’s southern beaches are famous for nesting and breeding of turtles. Dolphins and other marine life are in abundance in the seas surrounding the island and therefore naturally fishing is normally good throughout the year.
From a commercial angle, the island is predominantly agricultural with several farmers growing fruits and vegetables on the mid-southern area designated for agriculture. Several small shops selling day-to-day household items can be found scattered throughout the island. Other than our own in house restaurant, currently there are no major restaurants in the immediate vicinity, but within a short 5-15 minute speedboat ride to Hanimaadhoo or Khulhudhufushi.
Nolhivaranfaru has on the island the following other facilities and establishments.
Island Council Office
Police Station
Health Station
Power Station supplying power to the inhabitants 24/7
