Scatterings of picturesque coral islands in the Indian Ocean will long be remembered by everyone who visited the Maldives – one of the most beautiful places on the planet. There is absolutely everything for a comfortable stay for all tastes: beautiful comfortable hotels, high level of service, a huge choice of entertainment and attractions.
Lovers of outdoor activities will find a lot to their liking: they can diving, which is very popular because of the underwater world with unique flora and fauna, windsurfing, catamaran, fishing, and much more. Those who prefer a relaxed vacation will be pleased with the peace and quiet that can easily be found on the many secluded sandy beaches.
Top 8 attractions in the Maldives
In the Maldives, there are many places that must be visited. Many of the attractions of the Maldives are of a natural nature. A kind of brand of the archipelago is a rich world of underwater coral reefs of extraordinary beauty, picturesque atolls with exotic vegetation, blue lagoons.
However, the islands have many interesting places to visit, created by human hands. These are magnificent palaces, ancient mosques, interesting museums. Much of it is located in the capital of the Maldives Republic of Male.
Ari Atoll
In addition to the many tourists who come to the atoll on tours, this place at one time caused the liveliest interest of the famous traveler Thor Heyerdahl, who conducted archaeological excavations in search of antiquities and left a vivid description of his impressions in the book “The Maldivian Mystery”. Here you can admire the particularly wonderful sunrises and sunsets, spend time on the white sandy beach, swim in the clear azure ocean water.
Ari Atoll includes 70 islands, many of which are equipped with sports fields, restaurants, game centers.
Hanifaru Island Underwater Bay
It’s a favorite place for divers all over the world. This is where you can observe an unusual natural phenomenon every year from May to November: the rise of a huge amount of plankton to the surface of the ocean. In addition to snorkelers, this event attracts local sea giants: numerous mantas and whale sharks that create funnels with their fins into which plankton is sucked.
Madivaru Manta Point Reef
Located as part of the Ari Atoll, is able to give an unforgettable experience to the most sophisticated lovers of beautiful sights. Underwater and above-water flights of giant mantas with wing-like fins can be seen here from November to April each year. Despite the impressive size of these marine animals is extremely shy, so if you want to fully enjoy their unforgettable “show”, it is better to observe it from a sufficient distance, while not making sudden movements.
Muliaghe Palace
A luxurious colonial-style building located in Male, in the middle of a magnificent garden, one of the most popular attractions of the Maldives. The palace was built in 1913 for the son of Sultan Shamsuddin III, who was never destined to ascend the throne. The building now houses a historical museum, local government offices, and some of the inner rooms of the palace are used as apartments for the country’s distinguished guests.
Islamic Center
It is also in the capital, opposite the Muliaghe Palace. The golden dome of this building, opened in 1984, is visible from the farthest corners of Male and is a symbol of the city. The center was built with funds raised from many Muslim countries. It has classrooms, a conference room, and an extensive library of religious literature.
Great Friday Mosque
The building, built in the 17th century on the site of a pagan temple, consists of coral blocks painted in exquisite Arabic script. Inside, the mosque is decorated with intricately patterned carpets and various panels of the most precious wood. Next to the mosque is the Cemetery of the Sultans with mausoleums. Tourists visiting this place must be dressed according to local regulations (pants for men, long skirts or dresses for women; hands must also be covered).
National Museum of Maldives
The new building, built to replace the old museum complex that burned down in 1968, is located in Sultan Park in Male. The museum includes a rich collection of historical exhibits, including weapons, household items from different eras, paintings, national clothing, jewelry, coins and other archaeological finds. The later period is represented by gramophones, the first telephones and computers. The huge skeleton of the Longman’s whale flounder always attracts the attention of visitors.
Unfortunately, a large part of the collection, particularly the ancient Buddhist coral sculptures, was destroyed several years ago by extremists who broke into the museum building.
Sultan Park in Male’
On its grounds is the surviving wing of the ruined royal palace, which long served as the repository of the National Museum. Lush tropical greenery, picturesque ponds, birdsong create the impression of an oasis in the middle of a noisy city. Here you can take unique pictures of the park and the beautiful panorama of the capital.
Entertainment and excursions in the Maldives
You might even say that your first excursion will begin the day you arrive. Don’t sleep on the plane! If you decide to buy a tour to the Maldives for the first time, when you board the plane, take seats near the window to take stunning pictures from the height. This will be your first unforgettable experience in the Maldives.
Tourists visiting the Maldives, are also offered a variety of thematic excursions, the most popular among which are “Photo-Flight” – a flight over the atolls on a seaplane, yacht cruises, diving in a submarine. Travelers are also attracted to the hospitable local villages with their special atmosphere and unhurried, measured way of life.
Island tour
In the first days of vacation, tourists usually make a foray outside the hotel to explore the infrastructure and terrain. At the same time you can take a tour of the islands.
The tour of the islands of the atoll actually takes only one day. You will be shown two islands in the neighborhood, you will see their hotels, a fishing village and some other uninhabited island. In total, there are four islands.
Prices for such an excursion range from $35 to $50.
Fishing in the Maldives
How to spend time on the island? Go fishing, of course! As a means of transportation is better to choose “doni” – such local fishing boats (which, incidentally, sometimes take honeymooners who come for the wedding in the Maldives). The cost of fishing ranges from $20 – $30, it includes a barbecue of the fish you caught (if you caught it of course). You can go fishing in the morning, afternoon or evening – whenever you feel more comfortable.
Picnic on a desert island
During the tour of the islands you will decide if you want to be on a desert island again. If so, you should definitely go there for a picnic. A picnic, by the way, is also often included for weddings. Since the island is uninhabited, it’s a great chance to be alone with your lover or loved one. Picnic prices are about $80 to $130. This price includes a fishing boat ride to the island, lunch or dinner depending on the time of day and water.
Maldives – a great option for holidaymakers who want to have an unforgettable experience and spend time in the comfort of privacy with the magical nature.
