Royal Island’s Ancient Banyan Trees

Long before the Maldives became known for its world-class resorts, the islands were shaped and identified by nature itself. Among the most significant markers were the banyan trees, ancient giants with sprawling canopies and cascading roots that have stood for hundreds of years.

On Royal Island, formerly called Horubadhoo, several of these banyans still thrive, weaving a story that predates modern maps and navigation. For generations of Maldivian seafarers, these trees were more than natural wonders—they were beacons of guidance. Seen from afar, their towering silhouettes marked the presence of stable land, freshwater, and safe anchorage. The banyans not only anchored the soil but also helped shape the islands’ coastlines, influencing how travelers read the atolls and charted their journeys.

Walking through Royal Island today, it’s easy to imagine those early sailors approaching Horubadhoo’s shores. The banyan groves would have been the first sign of arrival after days navigating by starlight and tides. Beneath their vast branches, fishermen found rest, island communities gathered, and history quietly unfolded beneath their roots.

Even now, these trees define the island’s character. Their interconnected trunks form living sculptures; their roots, like timeworn ropes, have held the land firm through countless monsoons. Each tree has witnessed centuries of arrivals and departures, preserving the memory of a Maldives long before tourism reshaped it.

Royal Island’s banyan trees are more than a beautiful part of the landscape—they are living landmarks, a testament to Maldivian resilience, navigation, and the natural forces that have guided generations across the Indian Ocean.