Travel between Maldives and Maliku to be possible soon

An independent company in the Maldives has started working to acquire a permit to make direct trips to the former Maldivian Atoll, Maliku (also known as Minicoy).

A company currently providing assistance in finding accommodation for Maldivians in Maliku, Underwater Travel and Tours is currently working to arrange trips to the Indian Town, Maliku via speed launches.

Managing Director of the Company, Mohamed Imthiyaz said that the Indian Government has given the green light for the travel. He said that they are still in discussions with the Maldivian Government on the matter.

Imthiyaz said that if direct travel between the Maldives and Maliku is permitted, travelling would be made much easier. Otherwise, Maldivians have to travel to Cochin and take a 12-hour ferry to Maliku. But a direct launch trip from a northern atoll of the Maldives to Maliku would take about 30 minutes.

Two groups of Maldivians have recently visited Maliku under the guidance of Underwater Travel and Tours. They were a group from the Maldives National University (MNU) and a group from the Maldivian Language Academy. Accommodations and other arrangements were made by Underwater Travel and Tours.

People of Maliku speak in the local Maldivian Language, Dhivehi, and has a number of cultural similarities. Last Eid, a group from Maliku visited Haa Alifu atoll Ihavandhoo and conducted a number of activities in the celebrations.