Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has announced that bookings are now available for individuals interested in travelling to Kudagiri Picnic Island.
At a press conference, Marketing and Public Relations Director Niushad Shareef said that bookings can be made by visiting kudagiri.mv. He also advised visitors to abide by the established rules during their stay and said that action will be taken against damage to property. He added that HDC will not be responsible for any loss of personal belongings.
Additionally, HDC urged visitors to wear appropriate clothing and for individuals to use the designated areas for smoking. Visitors are also banned from bringing in single-use plastic.
Final preparations are underway to officially open Kudagiri on February 11. Eight hectares of land was reclaimed for the development of the picnic island. The government has established services including cafe's, huts, bathrooms, beaches, and many other public services in Kudagiri, which can accommodate 500-600 visitors at a time. However, bookings will be available to 300 visitors on opening day.
Visitors will not be charged for travel to Kudagiri Picnic Island on weekends and public holidays. The decision to not charge fees during the holidays is to facilitate the public and allow as many travelers as possible to Kudagiri. Locals travelling to the island are required to pay USD1.6 per individual for the ferry and the entrance fee is USD3.2. However, children under 12 will be charged half these prices. Visitors arriving on a personal transport vessel will have to pay a USD16-33.
Visitors can also book beds while purchasing tickets via the Kudagiri application. Beds can be booked for USD16-78, depending on the type of bed and period of stay. Bookings can also be made for special events such as weddings, birthday parties, and cooperate gatherings.