The Maldives has acquired a reputation as an idyllic tourist destination with stunning scenery and lovely beaches. During your visit to this amazing country, you could also experience fun water sports and exciting excursions; on the other hand, on local islands, you will find engrossing museums, vibrant markets, distinctive mosques, and more. It is no surprise then that it is regarded as a must-visit holiday destination and here are more reasons why you should plan a getaway to the Maldives.
Historical legacy
The Maldives inherits a rich historical legacy and there are numerous historical and cultural attractions here that would draw the interest of history enthusiasts. Undoubtedly, one of the sites that you should visit is Hukuru Miskiiy, which is also called the Old Friday Mosque; this place of worship in the capital, Male, will captivate the visitor with its coral and timber construction, elaborate wooden panels and exquisite lacquer work. You may also take in the view of Mulee Aage Palace, initially constructed for a sultan and now the Maldivian President’s official residence.Another noteworthy historical attraction is Mohammad Thakurufaanu’s tomb; this revered individual is a national hero, having been responsible for freeing the nation from Portuguese colonialists. You should additionally visit the National Museum where you will encounter religious artefacts, weaponry, ancient treasures, household articles and more.
Enjoyable water activities
As you might expect, in a tropical island nation, many different kinds of water activities will be available in the Maldives for active visitors. Many holidaymakers take the opportunity to go snorkelling or diving to experience the amazing underwater scenery and exotic marine creatures to be found here. Kayaking and sailing are also on offer providing laidback adventures. For more exhilarating thrills, you may choose to engage in pursuits like wakeboarding, parasailing and jet skiing. The local water conditions are conducive for surfing as well with some great waves to experience such as the iconic Kandooma Right. One of the Maldives 4-star resorts to consider which provides direct access to this surfing hotspot as well as other water sports is Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
Image via Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives
Delectable cuisine
Maldivian cuisine is a distinctive style of cookery offering a unique blend of spices, flavours and aromas. You could sample the local cuisine at the resorts or cafes and restaurants on the inhabited islands. Visitors may try out mas huni, a dish of smoked and shredded tuna combined with grated coconut, lemon and onions that is often eaten during breakfast. Another typical local dish is garudhiya, an aromatic fish soup. A popular snack is bis keemiya, a savoury pastry with a filling of tuna, hardboiled egg, sliced onions and shredded cabbage. You may also savour the dessert known as aluvi boakibaa, a delectable cake composed of sweet cassava and coconut.
Fun nightlife
There are also exciting and enjoyable night-time experiences on the islands. Many of the resorts feature appealing bars and clubs where you can enjoy live entertainment and music provided by DJs. A more unique experience you could enjoy after sundown is night fishing; after your entrancing night fishing session, you could have your catch cooked for you by a chef! Stargazing is another popular activity in the Maldives as the clear tropical skies offer marvellous views of the heavens above.
Other interesting things to do
There are plenty of other enjoyable things to do during your visit to the Maldives. You may choose to undertake a sunset cruise which will take you into the expanses of the ocean at the time of dusk; the highlight would be the sight of the magnificent tropical sunset. A rather different kind of experience is enjoying a relaxed picnic at the tranquil park known as Rasrani Bageecha, formerly named Sultan Park in Male; on the other hand, if you are staying at a private resort, you can always have a picnic on the beach or a remote sandbank. Other unforgettable activities to enjoy are wreck diving, snorkelling with whale sharks and big game fishing, each providing unique thrills.