Matchless beauty, exquisite powder-white beaches, and their stunning blue oceanfront, a few reasons why the Maldives remain one of the most favoured tourist destinations in the world. Celebrities from all over the world have been constantly streaming into this island.
Here is a list of 7 places you should visit in the Maldives.
• Vaadhoo Island: Raa Atoll houses some of the best resorts in the Maldives. Vaadhoo Island which forms a part of this coral reef has roughly 500 inhabitants. You should look out for Sea of Stars, a natural phenomenon occurring here that is spellbinding to watch.
• National Museum: It is an ancient building with a beautifully maintained collection of artefacts that help in tracing unusual historical events of this archipelago. The museum which is said to be the pride of the islanders also has a massive collection of royal relics ranging from the Buddhist and Islamic eras. Must visit for history and crafts lovers.
• Diving with Hammerhead Sharks: Think of the sheer thrill of diving with creatures that measure up to 20 feet in length, with flat and laterally extended heads, shaped in the form of a hammer! Hammerhead sharks are known for their unique, bizarre, shaped heads with eyes on either end. Their massive size coupled with their peculiar appearance seems to be something out of a science fiction movie and diving with them in the depths of the seas is a surefire way to get an adrenaline rush. The Maldives is a scuba diver's paradise as the rich wealth of aquatic life under the vast blue is truly immense.
• Male Friday Mosque: One of the oldest surviving mosques of Male in Kaafu Atoll is the Male Friday Mosque, also known as the Malé Hukuru Miskiy. With every corner ornate from inside out, the mosque dates to the year 1658. Its unique architecture and intricate carvings on the walls became the reason why it was listed in UNESCO tentative World Heritage Cultural List 2008.
• Boduberu Show: A music form founded in the Maldives as early as the 11th century, Boduberu's art has been passed on from generation to generation to retain the culture of Maldives, of which the music forms a large part. Boduberu commonly known by the locals as Baburu Lava and is almost always accompanied by dancing and clapping of the hands. The unique dance form is one of the few thing’s tourists must see for themselves to understand the island nation's heritage along with having a truly wholesome experience of the Maldives.
• Majeedhee Magu: It is said to be Maldives busiest street. And heaven for shopaholics! This is also the most famous street markets in the Male. Crossing the city from the east to the west, it has shops ranging from cosmetics, handlooms, and jewellery to electronic items. Their textiles along with local crafts and Islamic perfumes are a big draw at the Maldivian market.
• Bandaara Kilhi: Translating to ‘State Lake’, Bandara Kilhi is one of two freshwater lakes on Fuvahmulah Island. With an average depth of 12 feet and an area of around 0.5 square kilometres, the lake is one of the largest in the Maldives. Not only are the waters here crystal clear, but the bottom of the lake is formed by decayed corals that are enticing to see. Completing the perfect scenery are beautiful vegetation like banana trees, coconut palms, mango trees, and fern surrounding the lake.
Here we have put together a quick list of things worth knowing before you visit the Maldives.
• There are over 1,000 islands (around 1,190 to be more exact) and each resort you can stay in is typically on its own island.
• A Muslim country, alcohol is not allowed, especially in its capital, Male and you are not allowed to bring any duty-free alcohol as well. But cheer up! At the resorts wherever you are staying, alcohol is available.
• And in case you have googled the Maldives and have come across some pictures of the islands with the luminous plankton (diverse collection of organisms found in water (or air) that are unable to propel themselves against a current (or wind) glowing on the beaches at night), rest assured they are as good or even better than the pictures.
• Island hopping, where you plan your stay in various places is one of the best ways to make the most of your time here. Usually, even when you stay in a resort that has multiple properties on different islands, they tend to recommend trying more than one (think 2-week stay, try one for 1 week and another for the 2nd week).
• Trying swimming with the whale sharks here! You can see them all year round and although there is never any guarantee, the best time of the year to do so is around June to September. That is also the best time of the year to see the Manta Rays too!
• We think it is a good plan to combine your visit with Sri Lanka. Not essential but you will get a reasonable package.
• Thankfully, the weather is consistently good all year round. Though it can be a bit drizzlier in certain months, you can be assured of lots of sunshine to enjoy your day.
• December to April are the peak periods. If you are looking to bag yourself a bargain, try to visit outside of these months.
• One of the best ways to snorkel here is with a guide for your initial snorkel session so do try to find out if your resort has guided snorkels before you visit.
• After you arrive at the airport, you will still need to get on a boat or seaplane to get anywhere else.
• The alcohol at the resorts is not quite as expensive as you would think (if you do not go all-inclusive).
• A stay in a water villa is a must. Even if it has just got one night, it is a Maldivian experience worth having (and worth splashing out for).
