The short answer
Koagannu cemetery and Meedhoo: what visitors should know first
Go only if you want deep history and are happy to dress modestly. Reach it by ferry from Feydhoo, and ask a local host about access, since the cemetery is a working burial ground.
History and context
The story behind Koagannu cemetery and Meedhoo
Meedhoo shows traces of settlement dating to about 2000 BC, according to Wikipedia. Wikivoyage describes the Koagannu cemetery as roughly 900 years old.
Useful facts
Koagannu cemetery and Meedhoo facts at a glance
- Location
- Meedhoo, by ferry from Feydhoo
- Experience type
- Heritage and cemetery visit
- Known for
- Oldest settlement traces, Koagannu cemetery
- Dress
- Modest; cover shoulders and knees
- Time
- Half day
Why it matters
Why Koagannu cemetery and Meedhoo is worth your time
Meedhoo matters because it pushes Addu's story back far beyond the military period. Wikipedia mentions settlement traces dating to roughly 2000 BC, which would make the atoll one of the earliest inhabited places in the country. A cemetery of several centuries shows continuity of community life.
A visit also teaches humility. The cemetery is in use and the village has its own rhythm. Go as a guest, dress modestly, ask before photographing, and spend a little money locally. The trip is best for history lovers and travellers who like quiet places over polished attractions.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Koagannu cemetery
Described as the oldest and largest cemetery in the Maldives; approach with respect.
- 02
Koagannu Park
A green space beside the cemetery, listed as free and open 24 hours.
- 03
Ferry crossing
A short boat ride from the Feydhoo terminal.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Plan the day around the ferry from the Feydhoo terminal. Check the return time before you leave, because small ferries do not run late. On arrival, ask your guesthouse host or a local guide to introduce the island, as signage is limited.
Meedhoo is described in Wikipedia as having traces of settlement dating to around 2000 BC. Wikivoyage lists the Koagannu cemetery as the oldest and largest in the Maldives at about 900 years old, with Koagannu Park beside it. Treat the cemetery as a place of mourning. Cover shoulders and knees, stay on paths and do not photograph graves or mourners.
After your visit, sit in the park, walk a few lanes of the village and return in time for the ferry. If you are unwell with the heat or the sea, skip the trip, because there are fewer facilities here than on the Link Road.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Check ferry times, including the return
- Dress modestly
- Ask before photographing
- Carry water
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Meedhoo, reached by ferry from the Feydhoo terminal
- Time needed
- Half a day with the ferry
- Best time
- Morning
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The island is flat, but the ferry crossing and village walks mean a half day in the heat. Older visitors should check ferry times and carry water.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket reported; Koagannu Park beside the cemetery is described as open 24 hours and free. The cemetery is a working burial ground, so dress modestly and keep quiet.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Koagannu cemetery and Meedhoo
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
The island is flat, but the ferry crossing and village walks mean a half day in the heat. Older visitors should check ferry times and carry water.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is the cemetery open to visitors?
Wikivoyage lists it as a sight, but it is a working cemetery. Ask locally and be respectful.
How do I get there?
By ferry from the Feydhoo terminal, according to Wikivoyage.
Is it suitable for seniors?
The island is flat, but the ferry and heat make it a longer outing. Choose a calm day.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.