Maldives: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

Pristine white beaches lining the bright azure waters of the Indian Ocean, colourful corals shimmering just beneath its surface, and lazy evenings spent sipping cocktails at luxurious beach resorts after a day of water sports…if that sounds like a perfect vacation, the tropical paradise of Maldives is for you!

Don’t leave Maldives before you:

See:

Male – The capital city of Maldives, Male, is packed with crowds throughout the year. The city is well connected by boats to many other islands in the country. Shopaholics can spend time in local markets and buy souvenirs to take back home.

While in Male, don’t forget to check out Mulee Aage Palace. Located in front of the famous Friday mosque, it built in 1906 by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III. In 1936, the palace was declared as government property and the colonial-style building is now the office of the president, but is open to tourists on all days.

Another place to visit is the beautiful Grand Friday Mosque, named after the Maldivian hero Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam. It’s the largest mosque in Maldives, and one of the largest in South Asia.

Gan – Gan is the second largest island in Maldives. Well-connected by causeways to the neighbouring islands of Hithadhoo and Feydu, Gan is usually the first point of contact when you reach Maldives. The serene beaches, the unexplored trails, the luxurious resorts and the ample water activities make your stay here worthwhile.

Hulhule Island – Closest to the capital island, Male, Hulhule Island is famous for the luxurious Hulhule Island Hotel. It’s the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Beaches with turquoise water and lush green coastlines make this place a must-visit.

Do:

Try Diving and Snorkelling – With more than 70 species of coral reefs and 700 species of marine life, Maldives is a haven for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. Reef sharks, dolphins, rays, coral plates, hawksbill turtles, you name it! Many resorts even organize night snorkelling excursions. Some famous spots for these water activities are Ari Atoll and Maradhoo.

Go Whale-watching in a Submarine – Contrary to what the name suggests, whale-watching in Male focuses not only on whale watching, but also takes you on a once-in-a-lifetime tour to observe life on the reef. As the submarine sinks deeper into the water, you’re amazed by the diversity and beauty of Maldives’ marine life. Whales can often be sighted swimming in the warm waters near many island beaches.

Get a Bird’s-eye View of Maldives in a Seaplane – 99% Maldives is water, and you haven’t witnessed its true beauty until you’ve seen an aerial view of the beautiful islands. A seaplane tour of Maldives also lets you click some spectacular shots of the small islands spread across miles of crystal clear water.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins! Take this tour on the last day of your trip, and the seaplane will even drop you at the Male International Airport in Hulhule Island. The cost of the trip is affordable and doesn’t hurt your budget.

Eat:

Garudiya – A traditional preparation in Maldives, Garudiya is served almost every day in local households. It’s a clear fish broth that’s spicy and full of flavour.

Theluli Mas – This is a spicy fried fish, tuna in most cases. Easy to prepare, Theluli Mas is the staple dish on most islands. It is made with a mix of chillies, lemon and spices, but the ingredients vary.

Fihunu Mas – This Maldivian grilled fish is very popular and easy to prepare. Once again, Tuna is the most common choice, but reef fish is also popular on some islands. Cooked on a barbeque grill on both sides, the fish is sliced and filled with spices and a thick paste of dried chilli, garlic cloves, onions and cumin powder.

Dhonkeyu Kajuru – This fried banana cake is Maldive’s most popular dessert. Cooked with coconut cream and ripe bananas, Dhonkeyu Kajuru is the first choice of every local for a dessert after a good meal.

When to Go:

November to March – Although Maldives is a tropical destination with abundant sunshine throughout the year, November to March is the peak season for travel.

April to October – Although these months are also a good time for visiting Maldives, you might encounter some rainfall from the Southwest monsoons. If you’re travelling on a budget, you are likely to get some good discounts during this period.

Getting There:

By Plane – All visitors arrive in Maldives via flights to the Male International Airport, located on Hulhule Island. Regular flights from India, China, Dubai and Sri Lanka connect Maldives to all major cities around the world.

By Boat – Since navigating around the reefs can be hazardous, there are no regular boats or cruises to Maldives. Some private operators offer services depending on weather conditions.

Getting Around:

Air Taxi – Every island is within 90 minutes from the Male Airport. Two operators, Maldivian Air Taxi and Trans Maldivian Airways, operate regularly from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Travel permits are required for inter-island travel via air taxis.

Boat – For budget-conscious travellers, public ferries and speedboats are a good choice. These services are run by locals and take you from one island to another quickly and efficiently.

What to Pack:

Swimwear is a must for diving, snorkelling and other water sports activities.
Pack some hiking shoes to explore long trails and a pair of flip-flops to relax at the beach
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and other staples are a must

One of its kind, Maldives is the perfect place for a holiday. Pristine surroundings, good food and abundance of water sports activities will keep your busy throughout your stay. Don’t forget to take ferries to island hop from one beautiful locale to another!

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