The Maldives
The Maldives
The Maldives has always been a unique nation. They say that counting the islands including the smaller islets and sand spits is like trying to count how many stars there are in the sky! So, the commonly agreed upon figure of 1190 is but an approximation. These islands are grouped into natural atolls that are protected by surrounding coral reefs. The islands are of pure white coral sand and are low-lying, the highest point on any given island being no more than a meter and a half above sea level.
The Maldives actually straddles the equator. The climate is tropical with no major seasonal differences. Though the southwest monsoon does bring most of the rain, mostly around June and July, tropical rain showers can occur at any time. Temperatures fluctuate between 23 and 32 degrees Centigrade throughout the year. There is always a cooling breeze blowing from the sea. This makes even a hot day pleasant on the beach.
The Maldives has been inhabited for at least 2500 years. History indicates that in 300 BC Buddhism arrived in the Maldives. Ruins of Stupas and other temples from those days can still be found on some islands. Buddhism remained the predominant religion till 1153AD. A scholarly man of faith convinced the ruling monarch at the time of the virtues of Islam. Nationwide conversion soon followed. Then came Western Colonialism. First came the Portuguese in the 16th century that held the nation hostage for 15years and 6 months.
After a long period of Independence, the Maldives became a British protectorate in 1887. In 1968 the country proclaimed its second Republic. A common language (Dhivehi) and religion (Islam) have been two blessings that unite the people into a cohesive and peaceful society. Pride is taken in tradition though not at the expense of development and modernization.
Apart from the Hotels on Male', most of the hotels in the Maldives are called tourist resorts. A tourist resort, by the Maldivian definition, is and island all by itself. Every resort island has its own beach. Fringing the inner lagoon, you will normally find what we call the 'house reef' here. The house reef separates the island and its inner lagoon from the deeper water outside. You will discover that the landscaping has been done round the natural vegetation. The only man-made edifices on your resort would probably be the rooms and suites that you would use, the restaurants, café's, shops, lounges, bars, discos, diving schools etc.
Cruising in the Maldives is called a 'safari'! Cruising vessels specially commissioned to cater to the needs of guests come in all shapes and sizes. Your itinerary on one would often include stopping over for varying lengths of time at favorite diving, snorkeling or fishing points, in addition to visits to various island.
Island hopping is another way of fitting in a lot into one package. This entails a visit by boat to one or more fishing villages in addition to visiting one or more uninhabited islands.
At some point during your stay in the Maldives, you must visit Male', the capital of the Maldives. Male is roughly two square kilometers of land. There is no natural source of even portable water. Despite this, Male' manages to be reasonably green, peaceful and even graceful in its charm.
If you want to enjoy an especially wonderful view of the country, try and air excursion by seaplane. A glimpse of these wonderful islands from the air is an unforgettable sight.
If you say the islands of Maldives are beautiful, you will agree that what lies under the water is a veritable wonder of nature. Expect the variety and abundance of colorful fish in the reefs surrounding the islands and the atolls to amaze you. This coupled with the amazingly clear water, means that you should not forego trying your hand at snorkeling and diving during your visit here. The simplest way for you to take a peek at this amazing world under the water is to go snorkeling. The prerequisite here is that you must know how to swim. Of course, if the total experience is what you want and if you want a closer look from a point of view other than from the top, you must consider diving!