A familiar sight for those who have been to the Maldives, dhonis can be often seen sailing into the horizon. Intrigued? Here’s what you need to know!
What Exactly Are Dhoni?
Dhonis are the country’s traditional wooden boats. Said to date back to the 11th century, these vessels resemble dhows which one will find in the Middle East. The art of building dhonis has been passed on from generation to generation and though its construction has been modernised, traditional boat building still takes place.
The Use of Dhonis Today
Initially, Dhonis were used to transport people or goods but local fishermen soon adopted this sailboat for their journeys out to sea. The onset of tourism further enlarged the scope of this vessel which began to be used by some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Maldives. Today, one’s trip here would hardly be complete without riding on a dhoni!
Diverse Excursions on Offer
There are various ways to enjoy dhoni cruises on excursions offered by properties of hospitality groups like Adaaran Resorts. One can embark on sunrise fishing trips, while equally captivating is sunset fishing using the traditional hand reel technique. Dhonis are also great for romantic sunset cruises as well as for snorkelling safaris or visiting local islands.
Changing Construction & Features
Interestingly, the dhoni’s construction has evolved over time as well. Originally made from wood, today, most vessels are constructed out of fibreglass which is lighter and easier to maintain. Another key change of feature was that while sails were initially used, later, diesel engines were introduced offering more speed.
