The Idyllic Islands Of Maldives

The Republic of Maldives is in the Central Indian Ocean, about 600 kilometers to the southwest of India and Sri Lanka. This archipelago contains includes 26 atolls where in 200 islands are inhabited ones.

The coral Islands of Maldives pull tourists from all over the world to its excellent snorkeling and diving sites.

When to visit

Like in a typical tropical Island, the climate here is favourable and warm throughout the year for tourists. May to November is time for rains. December to April is dry seasons and hence also the peak season for tourists.

If your purpose for making a trip to Maldives is diving or snorkeling, you might need to plan out your itinerary. Visibility is better on the western side of the atolls from May to November and on the eastern side of the atolls from December to April.

March to October is a good time to surf here.

How to reach

The only three yachting points at Maldives are that at Uigamu or Haaf Alif in the north, Hithadhoo or Gan in the Adu Atoll in the South and Male, its Capital. The Island Hideaway in the north has a newly built up 100 berth marina which serves yachts professionally.

The Male International Airport, the major international airport in Maldives is located on the Hulhule Island, 2 kilometers from Male. There are domestic airports as well. Major airlines operating here include the Austrian airlines, Emirates, Air India, Singapore Airlines to name a few.

At Addu atoll is the Gan International Airport.

The atolls of Maldives are connected by seaplanes or boats. You can rent a taxi as well here or ask your hotel to arrange for your transport.

What to do at Maldives

For scuba diving, snorkeling and other water sports, Maldives is nothing less than a paradise. Sea birds make the experience of Maldives complete. With the coral island here being in proximity with each other, the marine life is rich and fishing leaves you very satisfied.

Banana Reef, Fish Head, Wreck of the Maldives Victory is just few of the diving sites here.

Glass bottom tours and night fishing too are some of the exciting water activities of the Maldives.

The capital Male is the gateway to the Island of Maldives.  Among the major sites here are the Grand Friday Mosque with a golden dome, the Presidential Palace, the National Museum displaying belongings of former sultan rulers and the Singapore Bazaar. It is the commercial and political center of Maldives.

In the Sultan Park, with the Grand Friday Mosque is the Islamic Centre built in 1984. Another monument of the city is the Mulee-aage, the official presidential residence till 1994 constructed by Sultan Mohammed Shamsuddeen III in 1906.

The Hukuru Miskiiy (Friday Mosque), constructed in 17th century, during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar is worth a dekko while you are in Malidves.

On the western side of Maldives is its largest Ari Atoll, divided into Southern Ari atolls with 105 Islands and the Northern Ari Atolls. It’s best to come here in winters that is from November to February.

In the south of archipelago, in Seenu Atoll, is the Hithadhoo Island, the second most developed Island of Maldives.  Kulhudhuffushi, in the Haa Dhaalu Atoll on Maldievs northern sides, is one of the largest Islands here. Known for its folk dance Kadhaa Mali, referring to drum (kadhaa) beats to drive away evils (maali), the Island is a must visit. Shark fishing is an important economic activity here.

In the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll of Maldives is the Thinadhoo Island, with its own Dhivehi dialect and culture.

The Ihuru Island in Maldives is popular among tourists especially for its great snorkeling sites.

The Addu Atoll in the southern extreme of Maldives is a major economic and administrative center of this Island. Tourism here is slowly gaining grounds. The Equator village Resort here is particularly popular.

Wellness too is an integral part of the tourism industry of the Island of Maldives. Among the major wellness centers here is the Angsana Spa.

From the busy city of Male to the lazy lands of its southern atolls, Maldives has it all. Whether you wish to enjoy the water sports here or just sunbathe at its beautiful beaches, Maldives will leave you satisfied with your trip.