Himandhoo
Himandhoo | |
|---|---|
  Himandhoo Location in Maldives | |
| Coordinates: 03°55′15″N 72°44′35″E / 3.92083°N 72.74306°E | |
| Country | Maldives |
| Administrative atoll | Alif Alif Atoll |
| Distance to Malé | 89.57 km (55.66 mi) |
| Dimensions | |
| • Length | 0.750 km (0.466 mi) |
| • Width | 0.425 km (0.264 mi) |
| Population (2014)[1] | |
• Total | 724 (including foreigners) |
| Time zone | UTC+05:00 (MST) |
Himandhoo (Dhivehi: ހިމެންދޫ) is one of the inhabited islands of the Alif Alif Atoll in the Maldives.
Geography
[edit]The island is 89.57 km (56 mi; 48 nmi) west of the country's capital, Malé.[2] A short seaplane journey from Velana International Airport would take approximately 25–45 minutes to reach this pristine piece of land in the Northern Alif Atoll. Speedboat transfer options are also available to reach the island.
Demography
[edit]| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 515 | — |
| 2014 | 667 | +29.5% |
| 2020 | 824 | +23.5% |
| 2006-2014: Census populations Source: [3] | ||
Economy
[edit]Tourism
[edit]In recent years, Himandhoo has become a rising destination for budget-conscious travelers seeking an alternative to resort tourism. The island is home to several guesthouses offering warm hospitality and comfortable accommodations, including Kuri Himandhoo Inn, White Sand Himandhoo, Origami Inn, and Casa De Himandhoo. These guesthouses are locally run, allowing visitors to engage directly with Maldivian culture and lifestyle.
Himandhoo is particularly popular for its proximity to rich marine environments. Tourists enjoy snorkeling and diving excursions to nearby reefs, where they can encounter manta rays, turtles, and a variety of coral species. Other popular activities include sunset dolphin watching, sandbank picnics, night fishing, and cultural island tours.
The combination of natural beauty, traditional island charm, and modern guest services makes Himandhoo a unique and peaceful destination in the Maldives’ growing network of inhabited island tourism.
History
[edit]Himandhoo has played a significant role in the Maldives’ broader socio-political and religious evolution. In recent years, the island has seen major development efforts aimed at improving local infrastructure and connectivity. In 2020, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) completed a major harbor development project on the island. This included dredging, quay wall construction, breakwaters, and modern harbor lighting. The project enhanced access to the island and supported the local economy by facilitating smoother transportation and trade.
References
[edit]- ^ "Table PP5: Resident Population by sex, nationality and locality (administrative islands), 2014" (PDF). Population and Households Census 2014. National Bureau of Statistics. p. 35. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- ^ "Coordinate Distance Calculator". Boulter.com. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- ^ "Table 3.3: Total Maldivian Population by Islands" (PDF). National Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
| Haa Alif | ||
|---|---|---|
| Haa Dhaalu | ||
| Shaviyani | ||
| Noonu | ||
| Raa | ||
| Baa | ||
| Lhaviyani | ||
| Kaafu | ||
| Alif Alif | ||
| Alif Dhaalu | ||
| Vaavu | ||
| Meemu | ||
| Faafu | ||
| Dhaalu | ||
| Thaa | ||
| Laamu | ||
| Gaafu Alifu | ||
| Gaafu Dhaalu | ||
| Gnaviyani | ||
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