Your Guide to a Trip to Maldives

Picture this: beautiful coral islands, cobalt blue waters, and white sandy beaches-that’s Maldives for you! The intriguing island nation is located 400 kilometres south-west of the Indian subcontinent, and boasts of an exciting mix of landscapes, cultures and cuisines.

Regarded as one the world’s best beaches right across the border of India, it is a haven for honeymooners, beach bums and divers. An archipelago of over 1,000 islands, strategically located in the Indian Ocean, this year-round destination boasts of one of the world’s top diving and snorkelling experiences. And that’s not all; this beautiful island also has to its credit an underwater hotel. Guests can enjoy a one-night stay in this unique all-glass room, 16 feet below the surface of the sea, surrounded by tropical fish and coral reef.

The Perfect Tropical Island Escape

Owing to its close proximity to India, Indians can take advantage of a number of great deals on airfare compared to other countries. And to add to it there is now a direct flight from Bengaluru that gets you to the destination in less than 3 hours!

Excitement kicks in even before you set foot in Maldives. The initial plane ride is an adventure in itself! As you approach the landing strip (or the lack of it), it almost feels like you are heading straight for the sea! When you fly over the Maldives, it takes only a single glance out the window to realize why this nation was practically made for scuba diving and for those looking for a superior dive experience.

Read More: We Bet You Didn’t Know These 5 Facts About The Maldives

Maldives for Non-Swimmers

If you are more of a nature lover, and not so much of a water baby, you are in for a treat. With its glistening coastline, Maldives is home to over 20 different species of whales and dolphins and finds a spot in the top 5 whale and dolphin watching destinations across the globe. To witness these fascinating aquatic animals thrive in their natural habitat is a delight. Big game fishing and Night fishing are popular amongst first timers and fishing buffs. If you are lucky and the weather permits, you could end up catching big game like sailfish, barracuda, swordfish, emperor fish, and others.

If you thought diving was the only way to see the rich marine life of Maldives, think again. Maldives has enough water sports for the non-swimmers to enjoy. The Glass-bottom boats are popular, especially amongst children and are a great way to explore the beauty of the underwater marvels, magnificent reefs, and rare species of fish, turtles, sharks and rays. Depending on factors such as time of day and current, you may dive on some historical sites like a shipwreck or a shark feeding area.

Romance in the Middle of the Indian Ocean

Have you ever imagined yourself on an island that is exclusively yours? Can you picture yourself being surrounded by the sapphire sky, emerald waters and the whitest sand, and no body around but your loved ones? Surreal, right? With the Sandbank picnic you can make this dream of yours come true. While the resort will make all arrangements and set up an umbrella and a resort chair in the middle of the ocean for you, you can take a dip in the crystal clear water and once you have built up an appetite, you can enjoy a picnic against the backdrop of some of the most breathtaking views of the ocean. Are your ready for some romance in Maldives?

Read More: 6 Best Overwater Villas in Maldives For a Dreamy Vacation

Indulgent Spas, Delectable Dining and Trendy Shopping

Maldives is synonymous with pure indulgence and luxury. Pamper yourself with a range of sophisticated spa therapies and massages, passed on for generations as family secrets. Most resorts in Maldives offer a range of wellness facilities to help you unwind and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. While some are tucked deep within thick vegetation, others are built on a quiet lagoon, and some even under water!

Maldives, being an important crossroad in the Indian Ocean for traders and visitors has left an indelible mark on the local cuisine, along with contributing to the country’s culture and norms. While fish is the most prominent element of Maldivian food, there is also a diverse range of cuisines comprising of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan, Thai and Oriental.

No holiday is complete unless you have shopped. Or at least that’s what many of us feel. While Maldives isn’t really a shopping destination, there are certain streets like Chaandanee Magu from where you can pick up souvenirs and gifts to take back home. The gift shops here are lined with stalls selling local craftwork like mats, wooden vases, miniature boats and T-shirts. Majeedhee Magu is another one-stop-shop destination offering all kinds of textiles and clothing items as well as accessories and electronics.

Read More: Unbelievably Affordable Resorts in the Maldives (Yes, They Exist!)

When to Go and What to Pack

A sun-kissed beach destination, Maldives is bustling with tourists all year round. While the monsoons generally last from April to August, the weather in Maldives is generally warm. The peak tourist season lasts between December and April when a number of Europeans come to soak in the warm winter sun. Keeping a packing list handy for your trip to Maldives is a good idea:

• Light cotton garments
• Smart evening wear
• Wide brimmed sun hat
• Sandals/flip flops
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen/ Sunglasses
• Insect repellant

Whatever the time of year, Maldives has all the ingredients for a memorable holiday experience. Book your trip to Maldives and come and experience the sunny side of life in this tropical paradise!

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