When we imagine paradise we usually think of a distant, exotic place, with paradisiacal beaches with white sand and turquoise waters ... A place like the Maldives Islands, a country made up of almost 1.200 coral islands lost in the Indian Ocean.
It is not a destination available to everyone, but those who have the opportunity to travel to the Maldives, not only will they be able to enjoy a beach day sunbathing and admiring the beautiful landscape, but there are many other things that can be done during a stay in the islands. Hint: have breakfast with hammerhead sharks.
Lean out the window
The visit to the Maldives Islands begins to be savored long before making landfall. It all starts in the air! You have probably seen dozens of islands from the heights aboard a plane but no panoramic view like the Maldives. That landscape where blue predominates in all its varieties and white leaves you breathless.
If you have the possibility of flying by seaplane, looking at the great turquoise you can find turtles, dolphins and whales even from the clouds.
Male, the capital
Visiting the capital of a country does not allow you to have an idea of the whole. To know the Maldives Islands there is nothing better than taking a walk through Malé and its streets. First thing in the morning, if you get up early, you can visit the fish market and the fruit and vegetable market and taste the local produce.
Also, you cannot miss the movement of the local boats or dhonis, which are part of the daily life of the Maldives. Take advantage of the visit to Malé to walk along the sea and see the memorial for the victims of the 2004 tsunami, the People's Palace and the National Museum and the Friday Mosque (also called Hukuru Miskiiy). Maldives is a Muslim country, so it is important to follow local customs and cover your shoulders and knees outside of hotels.
The visit to Malé can be completed by walking through its streets to see the beautiful colored houses of the island, the most popular markets and tea rooms where you can chat with the locals and try delicious dishes with influences from Arab, Indian or African gastronomy.
Maldivian gastronomy: mashuni
Speaking of gastronomy, if there is a dish with its own identity in the kitchen of the country, it is the mashuni salad, the usual breakfast of the inhabitants of Maldives. based on tuna mixed with coconut, chili peppers, lemon and onion that is accompanied with roshi, the traditional bread of the country.
According to the locals, a rich fruit smoothie or black tea from neighboring Ceylon will put the finishing touches on it. Now just imagine enjoying this delicacy under the shade of a palm tree in the Maldives. Sounds good right?
Image | Pixabay
Diving in the Maldives
Such a good breakfast gives enough energy to encourage you to practice water sports in the Maldives. For example, scuba diving. And if you don't have time for breakfast, you can do it with hammerhead sharks.
You read that right! There are few experiences more exciting than diving into the water at sunrise and coming across a school of hammerhead sharks waiting for their food. The best place to do it is the well-known Hammerhead Point located on Rasdhoo Atoll.
If you prefer a less risky experience you can simply dive. When the 1998 El Niño phenomenon wiped out marine life in the Maldives and bleached corals, the only area that was spared was Addu. Although luckily all the corals in the Maldives are recovering, those in Addu are tremendously beautiful. All divers and divers who know it are fascinated by the variety of its colors, especially on the island of Gan.
If you do not have previous experience in this sport, nothing happens because all the resorts offer their clients the possibility of taking diving courses, with modern equipment, experienced personnel and all the security measures. Best of all, the water temperature is so pleasant that you won't even need to wear a wetsuit. Some of the best areas to practice and learn scuba diving are around Addu and Ari Atolls.
Watch sunrise and sunset in Maldives
One of the best things to do in the Maldives is to lie back on a lounger or hammock and enjoy the spectacular views of the country. Have you ever imagined seeing such white sand beaches and turquoise waters? Close your eyes and keep that memory forever in your memory.
Nature in all its splendor and you, nothing else is needed to make your vacation perfect. Either at dawn or dusk. Furthermore, the Maldives holds the record for being the flattest country in the world so nothing can hinder the sunrise over the sea. Without a doubt, one of the most magical moments that you can live during your stay in Maldives.
Sleep under the stars or in a luxury resort
And after sunset the Moon and the stars arrive. Find a place on the beach to spend the night under the starry sky of the Maldives ... or treat yourself to sleep in a luxury resort. Book and enjoy dream beaches just a step away from your bungalow on the sand and an exquisite service.