Where Are the Maldives Located? Map & Travel Guide
Sun Dec 14 2025
Source: The Maldives
Where Are the Maldives Located, and Are They Part of India?
The Maldives, officially known as the Republic of Maldives, is an independent island nation in the Indian Ocean, located southwest of Sri Lanka. It has its own government, internationally recognised territory and territorial waters, and maintains diplomatic relations with countries around the world. The Maldives is also a member of international organisations, including the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Although the Maldives shares close diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with neighbouring countries such as India and Sri Lanka, it is a fully sovereign nation. It is not part of India, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Indonesia, or any other country.
Geographically, the Maldives consists of coral islands grouped into atolls that stretch north to south across the equator.
The Maldives is governed by a democratically elected president. Under the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives, executive authority is vested in the President, legislative authority in the People’s Majlis (Parliament), and judicial authority in the courts. Geographically, the country is made up of 26 natural coral atolls and is organised into 20 administrative atolls, with local governance carried out through elected atoll, island, and city councils.
Maldives at a Glance
Location: Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka
Islands: 1,192
Natural Atolls: 26
Administrative Atolls: 20
Capital: Malé
International Airport: Velana International Airport
Time Zone: GMT+5
Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Official Language: Dhivehi
Geography of the Maldives
The Maldives consists of 26 natural coral atolls. For administrative purposes, the country is divided into 20 administrative atolls, together with separately administered cities. Travel between islands in the Maldives is typically by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight, depending on the location and distance from Velana International Airport. Some atolls feature islands that share the same lagoon, while others have isolated islands scattered across the sea. Many islands are surrounded by coral reefs that help shelter their lagoons and shorelines, while some atolls are protected by extensive outer reef systems.
The Maldives formed over ancient volcanic foundations beneath the Indian Ocean. Over millions of years, coral reefs grew around these submerged structures, creating the ring-shaped atolls and central lagoons seen today.
History of the Maldives
The Maldives has a rich history stretching back more than 2,500 years. Its strategic location along ancient Indian Ocean maritime routes connected the islands with South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and other trading regions.
Early Maldivian communities were influenced by different cultures and religions, including Buddhism, before the country embraced Islam in 1153. Over the centuries, the Maldives developed its own distinctive language, traditions and island culture, shaped by its close relationship with the sea and its position along important maritime routes.
How Many Islands and Atolls Are in the Maldives?
The Maldives is made up of 1,192 coral islands spread across the Indian Ocean. Geographically, these islands are grouped into 26 natural coral atolls. For administrative purposes, the country is organised into 20 administrative atolls and five cities: Malé, Addu, Fuvahmulah, Kulhudhuffushi, and G.Dh. Thinadhoo.
Of the 1,192 islands:
187 islands are inhabited by local communities.
Around 175 islands are developed as tourist resorts.
The remaining islands are uninhabited or used for agriculture, industry, airports, utilities, and other infrastructure.
The number of islands may change slightly over time due to natural coastal processes and land reclamation projects, but the Maldives officially consists of 1,192 islands.
Private Islands and Villas
Many islands in the Maldives are privately operated as luxury resorts, marked as such on maps. These resorts provide high levels of privacy, luxury villas, and personalized butler services. Some resorts feature multi-bedroom mansions, ideal for families seeking top-tier amenities and exclusive experiences.
Activities and Things to Do
Visitors to the Maldives can enjoy a wide variety of water-based and land-based activities:
Scuba diving and snorkeling: The Maldives is famous for vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Many divers spend multiple hours a day exploring underwater.
Watersports: Activities include banana boat rides, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, paddleboarding, parasailing, and kite surfing.
Excursions: Popular trips include sunset fishing, dolphin watching, island hopping, snorkeling adventures, shopping trips, romantic escapes, and sunset cruises.
For first-time visitors, the Maldives offers a mix of relaxation, marine adventures, cultural experiences and memorable island excursions.
Maldives Atolls Map and Travel Guide
The Maldives stretches across a chain of coral atolls from Haa Alif in the north to Addu Atoll in the south. Below, we highlight some of the country’s best-known atolls, including their locations, travel connections and notable resorts.
Haa Alif Atoll
To visit Haa Alif Atoll, travellers can take a domestic flight from Velana International Airport to Hoarafushi Airport. Depending on the destination, Hanimaadhoo International Airport or Kulhudhuffushi Airport in neighbouring Haa Dhaalu Atoll may also be used, followed by a speedboat transfer.
Noonu Atoll
Noonu Atoll, also known as Southern Miladhunmadulu Atoll, is a secluded destination in the northern Maldives. Located approximately 180 km from Malé, it comprises 71 islands, including 13 inhabited islands, and is known for its pristine beaches, bioluminescent waters and excellent diving opportunities with sharks, manta rays and turtles.
Luxury Resorts in Noonu Atoll
Noonu Atoll is internationally renowned for its exclusive private-island resorts, exceptional privacy and spacious overwater villas.
Soneva Jani: Famous for its expansive overwater villas with private water slides, retractable roofs and an open-air overwater cinema.
Cheval Blanc Randheli: An exclusive LVMH-owned resort celebrated for its refined design, exceptional dining and highly personalised guest experiences.
Velaa Private Island: Considered one of the Maldives’ most exclusive private-island resorts, featuring luxurious villas and its own golf academy.
Raa Atoll
Raa Atoll, also known as Northern Maalhosmadulu Atoll, is a tranquil region in the northern Maldives. It comprises 88 islands, including 16 inhabited islands, with Ungoofaaru serving as its administrative capital. The atoll is known for its clear lagoons, coral reefs, abundant marine life and secluded private-island resorts.
Luxury Resorts in Raa Atoll
Raa Atoll is home to several of the Maldives’ most distinctive luxury resorts:
JOALI Maldives: An art-immersive private-island resort featuring 73 spacious beach and overwater villas and residences with private pools.
Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa: A five-star deluxe all-inclusive resort known for its natural surroundings, spacious villas and extensive dining and leisure facilities.
Lhaviyani Atoll
Traditionally known as Faadhippolhu Atoll, Lhaviyani lies approximately 150 km north of Malé. The atoll includes 54 islands, four of which are inhabited: Naifaru, Hinnavaru, Kurendhoo and Olhuvelifushi. Naifaru serves as the administrative capital. Its clear lagoons, colourful reefs and rich marine life make it particularly popular for diving and snorkelling.
Luxury Resorts in Lhaviyani Atoll
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island: An intimate, fully inclusive retreat offering private butler service, unlimited dining, wellness treatments and personalised experiences.
Hurawalhi Island Resort: An adults-only resort known for romantic stays, overwater villas and the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant.
Baa Atoll
Baa Atoll, also known as Southern Maalhosmadulu Atoll, is located in the central-western Maldives. It comprises 75 islands, including 13 inhabited islands, and was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011. The atoll is especially known for Hanifaru Bay, where seasonal plankton-rich waters attract large gatherings of manta rays and occasional whale sharks.
Luxury Resorts in Baa Atoll
Baa Atoll is home to an exceptional collection of private-island resorts surrounded by rich marine life and pristine coral reefs.
Soneva Fushi: A pioneering barefoot-luxury resort offering spacious beach and overwater villas in a lush natural setting.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas: Features private-pool villas, underwater dining and the Maldives’ only overwater observatory.
Milaidhoo Maldives: An intimate boutique resort near Hanifaru Bay, known for personalised service, privacy and Maldivian-inspired design.
Vakkaru Maldives: A secluded private-island retreat with spacious villas, a vibrant house reef and extensive family and leisure facilities.
The Nautilus Maldives: An ultra-private resort offering only 26 beach and ocean houses, each with a private pool and dedicated butler service.
Dhaalu Atoll
Dhaalu Atoll, traditionally known as South Nilandhe Atoll, lies in the central-southern Maldives. The atoll comprises 56 islands, seven of which are inhabited, with Kudahuvadhoo serving as its administrative capital. Known for extensive lagoons, coral reefs and excellent diving, Dhaalu Atoll combines established local communities with several distinctive resort islands.
Luxury Resorts in Dhaalu Atoll
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort: A refined private-island resort known for distinctive architecture, spacious pool villas, personalised butler service and the Iridium Spa.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives: A two-island resort offering beach and overwater villas, family experiences, surfing and distinctive dining venues.
Baglioni Maldives: An Italian-inspired luxury resort offering elegant villas, fine dining, diving and a relaxed private-island setting.
Thaa Atoll
Thaa Atoll, traditionally known as Kolhumadulu Atoll, lies in the southern Maldives, around 220 km from Malé. The atoll is known for its large coral reef system, sparsely developed islands, surf breaks and rich marine environment. Veymandoo is the administrative capital of the atoll.
Luxury Resort in Thaa Atoll
COMO Maalifushi – Located on Maalifushi Island, COMO Maalifushi is one of the leading resorts in Thaa Atoll, featuring beach villas, overwater accommodation, COMO Shambhala wellness experiences, diving and access to some of the region’s well-known surf breaks.
Five-Star Resorts Near Velana International Airport
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort— Approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport.
COMO Cocoa Island— Approximately 40 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport.
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives— Approximately 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport.
Huvafen Fushi Maldives— Approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport.
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa — Approximately 20 minutes by premium speedboat from Velana International Airport.
One&Only Reethi Rah — Approximately 45–60 minutes by luxury speedboat from Velana International Airport.
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island— Approximately 55 minutes by speedboat or 15 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands — Approximately 45 minutes by luxury speedboat from Velana International Airport.
Velassaru Maldives— Approximately 25 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi — Approximately 40 minutes by luxury yacht from Velana International Airport.
Some of the latest resorts and resorts under development are not marked on the maps.
To begin planning your private Maldives escape, please contact our travel specialists at [email protected].
Reviewed by Maldives Exclusive
Reviewed by Maldives Exclusive, local Maldives travel specialists with over 20 years of experience creating tailor-made holidays across the Maldives.
