Kuruhinna Tharaagandu (Kaafu Kaashidhoo)

The island of Kaashidhoo lies about 86 kilometers from Male, the capital. Although the island belongs to the administrative region of Male’ Atoll, the Kaashidhoo atoll is a separate natural atoll north of Male’ Atoll, separated by the Kaashidhoo Channel. Kaashidhoo is known for its agriculture and is one the biggest suppliers of fresh fruits and vegetables to the Male’ market.

The island is the site of one of the largest archeological sites in the country that demonstrates the Buddhist past of the Maldives before the advent of Islam in the twelfth century.

The site known as the Kuruhinna tharaagandu are the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery believed to have been in use in the pre-Islamic period. The excavation conducted between 1996 and 1998 revealed the ruins of what would have been a sprawling monastery complex with multiple structures. The excavated site is almost 1900 square kilometers and revealed more than sixty coral stone structures, which archeologists believe is just a part of the whole complex. As one would expect only the lower part of structures have survived during the nine hundred years since it has been abandoned.

Kaashidhoo is linked with Male’, by ferry services. Contact your guesthouse or resort for further information on schedules.

Kaashidhoo, Kuruhinna tharaagandu

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