‘Kelaa’ meaning sandal wood in English, is a unique island situated geographically in the Thiladhunmathi atoll of the Maldives. This 3 km island is home to a population of over 1600 people and consists of distinct bio-geographical features on different parts of the island. While you could see the white sandy beach on one side, be amazed to see the rocky coral shore on the other side. A mix of sand and stones in the northwest while a newly forming wetland at the very south. Kelaa is an island where the people are inhabited on less than one third of the island, while the rest is the forest to explore. Within this forest is a mangrove or mud land ready to be explored in the middle of the island. Kelaa is one of the inhabited islands that has the largest lagoons in Maldives which is approximately 6km in length.

The people of Kelaa are well known for their hospitality not only to foreigners but also to the locals that visit the island. The people always have a smile on their face, welcoming and kind. The islanders love cleanliness and the island is kept clean by the continuous effort of the people to preserve the natural beauty of the island.

The island Kelaa has a rich history. It was a resting place for the Royal Air Force of the Great Britain during the Second World War. The ruins of these airplanes are yet to be explored in the lagoon of kelaa. During the reign of Sultan Mohamed Ibn Ali(Mohamed Mohyeddine) (AD 192-1701) a mosque was  built which still stands today as a historical place of interest on the island.

Kelaa has a rich culture and is famous for ‘maliku dhandi’ a form of stick dance performed in group. During the Muslim Eid festivals, the youth and children enjoy spraying or pouring water in buckets on to one another. During such occasions special breakfast snacks and feasts are made in almost every house which is visited by the family, friends and neighbors. Kelaa is known for the ‘bimbi bondi’ a sweet made of black malt.