Vaadhoo

Vaadhoo is an inhabited island of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, located approximately 437 km south of Malé. The island has significant Buddhist archaeological remains including a ruined stupa called Vaadhoo Bodu Havitta (about 90m circumference, 12m height) and another mound called Vaadhoo Kuda Havitta. Thor Heyerdahl visited the island in the 1980s and investigated these ancient ruins, finding carved coral stones representing Buddha's foot with Vajrayana symbols. The island is also home to Vaadhoo Jamaaluddin School, named after the famous religious scholar Mohamed Jamaluddin (Vaadhoo Dhanna Kaleyfaanu), one of the important scholars of the Maldives. Vaadhoo features a school, health center, and local shops. The surrounding waters offer excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors can explore the archaeological sites, learn about the Maldives' pre-Islamic Buddhist past, and experience authentic southern Maldivian island life.