The most northerly atolls have more of a desert island feel, being so geographically isolated from the capital Male in the central region of the Maldives.
Historically, the relative proximity of these islands to India has been significant: it is believed that Buddhism, which was the predominant religion until the 12th Century, was first introduced to the northern island of Ihavandhu by a Southern Indian prince. And the Maldivian language, Dhivehi, which has Indo-Iranian roots with Arabic influences, is likely to have evolved in this northern region.
Their distance from the capital means fewer visitors and a more untouched feel, with various resorts providing peaceful, luxurious escapes. For those seeking seclusion with a touch of heritage, the northern atolls feel a world away.
