A holiday to Maldives is more than just experiencing the golden sand, blue waters and the colourful marine life.. Definitely a visit to sites of historical and cultural importance such as Utheemu Ganduvaru would add pleasant memories to your perfect holiday in the sun. Utheemu is one of the inhabited islands of Haa Alif Atoll administrative division and geographically part of Thiladhummathi Atoll in the north of the Maldives governed by the Utheemu Island Council. It is famous as the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, who fought an eight year long war to save the island from the Portuguese invaders who occupied the Maldives from 1558 to 1573. The historical and cultural significance of Utheemu Ganduvar is that it was used as a residence in the 16th century by Mohamed Thakurufaanu. A visit to Utheemu Ganduvaru is an easy trip to make while you enjoy a relaxing holiday at one of the Maldives Bungalows such as Anantara Veli, Maldives.
Utheemu Ganduvaru is the wooden palace in which Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu lived and grew up. This name “Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu” is engraved in the minds of the Maldivians since he played a significant role in liberating the country from the Portuguese invaders. Utheemu Ganduvaru is well preserved and well maintained over the years since it was the national hero, Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu’s family palace and where he grew up. It portrays the unique features of the extravagant lifestyle of the rich many centuries ago.
A wealth of information on this historical and cultural sight of Maldives was published by a French sailor namely, François Pyrard de Laval who lived in the island from 1602-1607. A detailed account of the customs and traditions of the Utheemu islanders are presented in his three-volume work. If you intent to spend a holiday in this exotic island make sure that you make a visit to their rich historical and cultural heritage.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+