ROMANCING THE DIVES...MALDIVES
Are you looking for a honeymoon that will linger in your mind forever? Maldives!!! is the perfect recipe of privacy and romanticism. For centuries this place has attracted thousands of tourists with its idyllic islands nestled along the Indian Ocean. Maldives known as a great holiday maker, unforgettable honeymoon destination, and just a perfect place for a delightful suntan, truly a place from where nobody wants to comeback. There is so much written about Maldives its pristine blue waters, palm trees and white slippery sands across the beaches but no words can best describe its beauty. Only your own eyes can savour the delicious scenery in every corner of the country. If you are among the one who views Maldives as spot right for sluggishly retiring under the tropical sun in the laps of white coral sand beaches sipping alluring cocktails then you are proved to be wrong. Though it’s your choice, if you just want to be lazy along the coast there are many spots or try the variety of water adventures at your hand. It all starts from where you land; the main airport resides on island and because of less land space one feels like floating over the pint size islands and fishing boats before touching the land. Maldives main source of income is tourism; hence all major islands are home to resorts offering special package tours for couples and families. Government takes keen interest in the safety and entertainment of tourists, so every tourist is left to roam at the islands without any instructions but to enter countryside or villages one is allowed through guided tours. Villages and towns witness a simple living with deep rooted culture in the residents. Glittering turquoise seas with palm groves leaning over it is simply picturesque. Not to forget the shallow lagoons are accurate place for swimmers to experience the greatest pool on earth. Scenes in the movies come alive with swings hanging from the shady palm trees, cruising, diving and snorkeling.
CULTURE
Known to be reserved but the people of Maldives called the Dhivehin are basically of mixed race. Their ancestors are believed to be from Mongoloid, Caucasoid and Negroid races. Exposed to different cultures more prevalent are the neighboring ones that of the Indian, African, Malaysian and Indonesian. The major religion in Maldives is Islam and it can be said that 100 percent Maldivians are Sunni Muslims; surprisingly no other sects are allowed. Also in some parts of the islands aboriginal settlement can be found and people still fear of jinnis and evil spirits that would cast a spell from sea, land and sky. The local hakeem provides the fandhita in case the jinnis take control over any person. The native language is Dhivehi and the call the Maldives as Dhivehi Raajje.
GEOGRAPHY
Located to the west of Sri Lanka, The Maldives borders India, Somalia, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. This makes it quite clear if you are visiting any of these countries then Maldives falls in between which would add to your Southeast Asian tourist list. An independent republic country in the Indian Ocean, just like Indonesia this is an archipelago with 26 natural atolls, 198 habited and 991 uninhabited islands. Measuring 90000 square kms out of which, only 298 square kms is occupied by land. Having said that, the Islands are definitely small low lying portions of land surrounded waters, no question of rivers or mountains in this archipelago, all islands lie on average of 2.4m above sea level. The specialty of atolls is that they are naturally formed by reefs and corals. So when you go for diving don’t miss the tropical species of brilliant fishes housed by the reefs. Though the atolls were restricted for tourist activities until now, the government policy of 2004 made it possible to traffic every atoll in Maldives.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Considered to have a favorable climate throughout the year, Maldives is a hangout that is busy all over the year. Many say that the best time of visit occurs between November and April while May to October is the low season with hot days interrupted by storms and tropical showers. If you are worried about the hot and humid coastal climate then it is also true that the cold sea breezes will make your life easier. A special climate for Europeans that is –winter sun, high season time all through December to April. As said that May to November marks the low season here, with storms and rains resulting in low prices. If your budget is low don’t even think of planning your holiday around Christmas, New Year or Italian holiday as these are days when prices are at its peak because of high demand of resorts.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
‘The pearls of Indian Ocean’ as its always quoted Maldives, is not only exotic but the secluded resorts, world-class spas, cruising vessels, snorkeling, diving and distinct water sports all for sure make heavenly holiday. A country that provides luxury with the combination of romance where under the sun rests water paradises. Thanks to the formation of 26 natural atolls that have made the islands a popular long haul destination. These atolls offer night-fishing trips, scuba-diving, windsurfing that creates an opportunity to see the enormous underwater life communities. Learn the geological formation of Maldives in addition to enjoying your fullest. Officially there are 1190 coral islands in all and main attraction lies beneath the warm waters of the beaches. The coral reefs that are found here are of the finest quality found anywhere in the world. Though from the total area it measures only one percent is accommodated by land and other 99 percent by water/sea Maldives has been defined as the seventh most densely populated country. So when you visit the Islands don’t wonder about the lonely and calm spaces. The popular tourist spots are the atolls of Lhavinyani, Raa, Baa, Alifu, Kaafu, Vaavu, Faafu, Meemu, Dhaalu, and Addu.
Male
Male is the capital of Maldives and a small island jam packed with concrete buildings. As all the islands here even Male are just few meters above sea level and it goes without saying that the city seems to float on water. In regard to its growing population and insufficient land it became necessary to build artificial island called Hulhule. It’s the only city that has an international airport and hence it’s advisable to make use of the stay after arriving at the airport. After taking some rest, a walk around city is recommended where you can witness some old coral walls and one museum in the sultan park. Also the city houses some famous mosques and an Islamic center where the grand Friday mosque is observed. Famous is the mosque of Hukuru Miskiy which is made up of coral stones with Arabic writings on it, this displays expertise of Maldivian artists.
Ari and Felidhu Atolls
Part of the western chain of islands in Maldives the Ari atolls have over 25 resorts in operation. Physically oval in shape the Rasdhoo and Thoddoo Atolls are also part of the Ari atoll while the Felidhu Atoll is shaped like a boot. Don’t miss the popular watermelon plantations and the native dancing women here. The building are not seen at a glance as they are all covered by lush green vegetation but there is variety of choice for selecting a best place to stay. And for diving, Ellaidhoo is the best place that is surrounded with stunning house reef. Popular water sports are badminton, volleyball and water sports like scuba diving; parasailing, windsurfing, catamarans, water-skiing and snorkeling are available.
Baa Atoll
Another name for baa atoll is the Maalhosmadulu, this is the place where sharks are spotted especially in the months of May and July. Comprising of the Goidhoo and Horsburgh atoll that lie to the south, the coral gardens, colorful reef fishes and turquoise waters all make the atoll beautiful. For exciting diving site check out the Baiypolhi mas.
Beaches of Maldives
Some tourists especially visit Maldives to swim, dive and sunbathe. Popular beaches are situated along the Cocoa Island, Banyan Tree Island and the Nika. These beaches are the perfect hangouts for honeymoon couples or group of friends and family. Also the iguana beach is often visited by people keen to see the iguanas rarely found in any part of the world. If you are not an adventure freak then just walk hand in hand with your partner along the pristine white sandy beaches.
Water sports
Second to none Maldives is undoubtedly great hub for water sports. The major known water sport here is the scuba diving. So if you are just going to try scuba diving them May through November is the best time when waters are calm and the wonderful marine species can be seen. If you don’t know to dive not question of worry as there are diving schools to teach the basics and make the most of your journey. Apart from scuba diving there are other water sports which catch the attraction – the catamaran sailing, speed boating, jet skiing, canoeing, wind surfing and para sailing.
GETTING HERE
Maldives has only one International airport located at Male where people can reach easily from allover the world. The chief airlines that are operated to this destination are the Thai airlines, Indian airlines, Pakistan International airlines, Air Lanka, Malaysian airlines and man more. One doesn’t require a visa to reach here but after getting out at the airport you can stay overnight at Male to see the attractions of the city or take speedboats or seaplane to reach your desired destination. You can visit the inner cities on foot or if you like you can try the truck or bus called the dhonis in Maldives. The traditional dhonis are the curved prow that stands up like a scimitar cutting through the sea breezes.
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