With its stunning scenery, beautiful resorts, tranquil beaches, colorful people, world class underwater beauty, savory foods and warm accommodation, the Maldives is almost synonymous to paradise. And when we speak of this place, it is like describing what an ideal world should be. Thus, it is not surprising if people fall head over heals when they see the Maldives for the first time.
The People
Economics has played a great role on how the people of these islands treat anyone who visits their country. The Maldives relies heavily on tourism. In fact, tourism carries 20 percent of the country's GDP. On their part, it is a serious business. That is why once in the Maldives, expect to be welcomed with warm hospitality and politeness that you rarely see anywhere in the world.
The Food
A diverse culture produces a diverse taste. But often times, diversity leads to the lost of identity. And the loss of identify in terms of culinary cuisines leads to confusion between what is authentic and what is borrowed. In the Maldives, diversity has actually elevated its food into a gastronomical pleasure you should not miss. The combination of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan and Oriental tastes fussed up with the existing local taste to become a culinary identity that is truly Maldivian. No trip will ever be complete without experiencing the taste of the local food.
The Beach
There are so many things you can do in the Maldives but many visitors prefer to go barefoot and just enjoy the white sand beach while looking at an uninterrupted view of the turquoise ocean and the neighboring islands. Spending time at the beach is enough to make the holiday complete.
The Ocean
The Maldives is not about shopping, neither is it about partying. The Maldives is all about the ocean – showcasing the beauty of the ocean you have never expected. The Maldives probably has the most number of dive sites per square kilometer than any other countries in the world. The distinct characteristic of the island and how it has come to be are the reasons why this place offers an underwater world that can be described as nothing but the best. As they say, "no one can ever guess how wonderful and how rich the ocean is if they have not visited the Maldives.
The Accommodation
Surely, the Maldives has no shortage of things what can be termed as "the best." With its world class resorts, the country offers a one of a kind experience from the moment you step onto the beach resort to the very last moment you spend on the islands. If you like pampering, then choosing one of several resorts in the country will guarantee that you get what you deserve. The Maldives is known to provide the best services no other country can offer. No matter who you are or what you do, you can experience a royalty treatment in every resort in the islands.
Words cannot express how beautiful the Maldives unless you have actually seen the place in person. And once you do, with the unique charm of the Maldives islands, it is almost assured that you will choose to stay in this place for as long as it takes or at least, let the clock stand still while you are being mesmerized with the beauty of the place.
It is almost ordinary for someone when visiting a country for the first time to explore its capital. Since the international airport is often located is the capital, it is very practical to roam around the city whether on the first day or on the last day of the vacation. Tourists who visit the Maldives, however, are not like that. Often, once tourists arrive in the country, they go directly to their island resort and spend the rest of their time there. Still, there are some who take a day trip to Male, which are often organized by several island resorts.
Male is neither a large city nor a large island to start with. With just about a mile long and a little over half of a mile wide, you can walk around the city in over an hour. But if you will try to explore and check what the city has to offer, you will discover a few notable attractions.
The National Museum, located in Sultan Park, provides a glimpse of history of the Maldives. The stylish colonial construction features various artifacts, including the throne, that were once used by the sultans during the early years of the country.
Since the Maldivians are predominantly Muslims, expect to see a mosque. But Huskuru Miskiiy Mosque (Old Friday Mosque) possesses a unique magnificence with ethnic workmanship and arched corals that are truly a masterpiece. Glimpse of the past can also be seen in the tombs of the national heroes and the members of the royalty located in the area. The Islamic Center is the most significant landmark in Male. Its most stunning feature is the golden dome that stands out wherever you are in the city. With its huge size, it can accommodate around 5000 people. The Islamic Center also has offices, conference halls and a library.
If you like shopping, then you should visit the Majeedhee Magu. The place is lined up with several stores offering an array of products including, electronics, cosmetics, garments and jewelry. The Orchid Magu and Chandanee Magu have a bunch of souvenir cafes and shops. The Male fishing market can be quite a site. If the time is right, you can see, loads upon loads of fish being sold in the market.
Unlike other major cities, Male is not known to for bars and clubs where you can party till dawn but there are other forms of entertainment. The New Harbor sometimes holds an outdoor concert. There are two cinemas in Male, the Olympus and Star, located in Majeedhee Magu.
Eating can be quite an experience in Male. The Maldives has its own unique taste but influences from Indian, Sri Lankan, Arabic and Oriental cuisines create a whole new identity for a Maldivian cuisine. If you want to taste an authentic Maldivian food, try eating on small cafes or local eateries. They taste almost as good as the foods that are served in your hotel restaurant minus the cost. For the less adventurous and for those who want to stay on the safe side, several restaurants also offer Italian, French, Thai, Chinese, Indian and American cuisines.
Male is basically a crowded and bustling place, but at the same time, it a city far different from what we are used to seeing. So on your visit to the Maldives, take time to visit Male and see these sites for yourself.
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