News Desk
On any given weekend, as the sun casts a golden hue over the turquoise waters of Kudagiri, families spill onto its sandy shores. Children, their laughter mingling with the sea breeze, dart between barbecue pits and shaded pavilions. Mothers unpack home-cooked meals, fathers set up beachside mats, and teenagers pose for pictures with the horizon as their backdrop. Once an empty expanse, Kudagiri has become a vibrant weekend retreat—an artificial island crafted to offer a natural escape.
Developed by the Maldivian government to cater to the growing demand for public leisure spaces near the capital, Kudagiri has welcomed more than 54,000 visitors in just two years, according to the Hulhumalé Development Corporation (HDC). Now, as part of its next chapter, the island is set to unveil an artificial reef—crafted from two decommissioned Donier aircraft, used by Air Maldives Company—to enrich its marine biodiversity and enhance underwater tourism.
“This reef will not only boost biodiversity but also offer an unforgettable adventure for divers and snorkelers,” a spokesperson from the Ministry of Tourism said. By submerging these aircraft off Kudagiri’s coast, authorities hope to create a flourishing habitat for coral and marine life while adding a new layer of attraction for visitors.
Kudagiri has quickly established itself as a staple of family life in the Maldives. Groups arrive early to secure the best picnic spots beneath the island’s ever-expanding canopy of shelter trees. Some gather around the island’s beach, the scent of kulhi-majaa filling the air. Others lounge in hammocks or wade into the shallow waters, as speedboats from Malé and Hulhumalé ferry in more weekend revelers.
To mark its two-year anniversary, HDC leaders, including Managing Director Mohammed Mauroof Jameel and Chairman Ahmed Nasif, planted trees on the island, a symbolic nod to Kudagiri’s growing legacy. The island’s popularity has prompted extended hours—starting in April, after Ramadan, visitors can stay until 11:30 p.m., allowing for evening celebrations beneath the stars. An information counter in Hulhumalé has also been set up to streamline travel and bookings, ensuring a seamless getaway for those seeking a respite from urban life.
The planned dive center ties seamlessly into Kudagiri’s newest project, making it a hub not only for picnics but also for underwater exploration. With the artificial reef promising an evolving marine sanctuary, divers can soon swim through submerged airplane cabins teeming with marine life, adding a layer of adventure to the island’s charm.
Kudagiri’s transformation from an engineered island into a beloved retreat underscores the Maldives’ ability to blend development with conservation. For now, as twilight sets in and families pack up their picnic baskets, there’s a lingering sense that this little slice of paradise—born of sand, sea, and careful planning—has truly become a place to call home, if only for a day.
