Most visitors assume that Maldivian history begins with the sultans, but the islands had a much older past. Kuruhinna Tharaagandu, on the island of Kaashidhoo in Kaafu Atoll, is one of the places that shows it. Visit Maldives includes it among its cultural hotspots, along with Hukuru Miskiy, Muleeaage and other sites. The name refers to the remains of an ancient stone structure, a reminder that long before the conversion to Islam in the twelfth century, the islands held communities with Buddhist and earlier traditions, and that their builders worked in coral stone, as later generations did. It is not a polished heritage attraction. There is no large visitor centre, and what remains is modest: low ruins, mounds and the atmosphere of an island that has kept its secrets quietly. That is much of the appeal. For travellers with a taste for archaeology and a little time, it is a rewarding half-day away from the sandbank crowds.
Understanding the setting
Kaashidhoo lies in the northern part of Kaafu Atoll, to the north of Malé, and is known as a farming and fishing island with a quieter pace than the tourist hubs. The site is part of a broader pattern of pre-Islamic remains found across the country, many of them mounds, known locally as havitta, that contain the buried remains of Buddhist stupas and monasteries. Much of what survived was recorded by explorers and archaeologists in the twentieth century.
Exact details of the structures at Kuruhinna are best learned on the island itself, so treat anything you read beforehand as an outline and ask locally. Archaeologists have long been interested in the way these early communities used coral and stone, and the site is a useful reminder that the Maldives has been settled and shaped by human hands for a very long time.
Getting there
Kaashidhoo is reached by sea from the Malé area, and the options and timings change, so confirm them with your accommodation or a local operator rather than relying on a fixed schedule. Public ferries may not serve the island daily, and some days have reduced service, so a private speedboat or a locally arranged trip is often more practical.
Allow most of a day. Take plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and sturdy shoes, since the ground may be rough and shade is limited. Carry some cash, as facilities on small islands are basic, and bring a light cover-up so you can dress modestly in the village.
Visiting well
Archaeological sites are fragile, so look and photograph but do not climb, move stones or take souvenirs, and follow any instructions from islanders. Ask permission before photographing people. Respect local customs around dress and prayer times, since this is an inhabited island, and remember that islanders are going about their daily lives, so a friendly greeting goes a long way. Also check the weather before you travel, because rain can turn paths muddy and make the sea crossing less comfortable, and bring a light waterproof layer in the wetter months.
If you are lucky, a resident may be willing to point out features of the site and share stories about it. Pair the visit with a swim and lunch on the island's visitor beach if one is available, and consider it as a complement to the museum and mosque in Malé, which together tell the later chapters of the same story. For travellers who want more than sandbanks, it is the Maldives behind the postcard.
What to expect
The experience
A trip to Kaashidhoo in Kaafu Atoll to see the remains of an ancient pre-Islamic stone site.
Best time
Morning, when it is cooler, and in the calmer months for the sea crossing.
How long
Most of a day including the boat journey, with an hour or so at the site.
Tips
Confirm transport with a local operator, dress modestly, bring water and sun protection and do not climb on the ruins.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History and archaeology fans who want to go beyond the usual resort circuit.
- Families
- Better for older children with an interest in history; the journey is long and the site is modest.
- Couples
- A quiet, off-the-beaten-track day for curious travellers.
- Pair with
- The National Museum and Hukuru Miskiy in Malé.
- Time needed
- Allow most of a day.
Good questions
What is Kuruhinna Tharaagandu?+
It is an ancient stone site on Kaashidhoo, listed by Visit Maldives among its cultural hotspots. It is linked to the islands' pre-Islamic past.
How do I get to Kaashidhoo?+
By sea from the Malé area. Ask your accommodation or a local operator for current options, since public ferry service does not cover every island every day.
Is there an entry fee?+
No ticketed attraction experience is offered. Follow local guidance on the island.
What will I see?+
Modest ruins in an island setting rather than a developed visitor centre, so expect an atmospheric rather than a polished site.
What should I wear?+
Dress modestly in the village, with shoulders and knees covered, and bring sturdy shoes and sun protection.
