Heritage Island

Bodu Havitta is the larger of the two Havittas still recognizable on Vaadhoo, the remains of a Buddhist stupa from before the Maldives' conversion to Islam.

Sheik Muhammad Jamaluddin (Vaadhoo Dhannakaleygefaanu), a Malé-born scholar, spent 40 years studying in Yemen before returning to GDh Vaadhoo during the reign of Bodu Thakurufaanu.

Vaadhoo's modern Friday Mosque complex is the island's principal cultural heritage site, on grounds with over 1,400 years of history.

Encased within the walls of this ancient memorial, built during the era of Sheikh Jamaluddin, lies the final resting place of two esteemed Yemeni scholars remembered for their profound piety and learning.

Estimated to be over four centuries old, this grand Banyan tree commands the island’s skyline, serving as its most prominent natural landmark visible from the sea.

Bureki Ranin, daughter of King Abu Bakr and wife of Sultan Kalhu Muhammad, was a formidable figure in Maldivian history.

Long before the Maldives embraced Islam in 1153 CE, Queen Kaanzikamana held power in Gan, Addu Atoll.

This is a pond discovered on the island when the Ayada Resort was being built.

Local tradition holds that GDh. Vaadhoo was inhabited thousands of years ago by the Redin, a legendary pre-settlement people described as physically tall and strong.

Gala Miskiiy is a historic coral stone mosque revered for its architectural craftsmanship and deep connection to Maldivian heritage, featuring a prominent coral stone well within its courtyard.

This is an ancient mosque built early on from coral stone.

Among the most prominent historic landmarks on GDh. Vaadhoo are the Dhombeyya Mosque and its accompanying stone bathing tank (Veyo).

Oral traditions record that after the respected Islamic scholar Kalhufandiyaaru Kaleygefaanu relocated from Malé to GDh. Vaadhoo, he dedicated much of his life to instructing and advising the island’s residents.

Among the historic landmarks of GDh. Vaadhoo, the area known as Bodevada is notable for its ancient coral stone well.

Aliya Meriya Ruggan'du is a sprawling, fertile agricultural zone on GDh. Vaadhoo, distinguished by its expansive coconut palm groves.