Top 6 Places to Visit in the Maldives – Life in the Indian Ocean

The capital of the Maldives, Male is a bustling island city where you can find bazaars and markets, scooters and cars and that thrum you feel when you are in a big city. Most people don't try to stay longer in Male than when they first arrive at the airport, but there is much to see and do on the island including visiting ancient mosques, the Islamic Centre and trying your hand at a bit of haggling at the Male Market. It is also a great way to get to know the locals of the Maldives.

Hulhumale is growing at an unimaginable rate and is about to become a metropolis in its own right. It is also home to Velana International Airport making it a self-contained gateway to the archipelago. It is a great place to explore if you love sleek and modern and there is a very pretty beach as well as plenty of grassy and green neighbourhoods if you get tired of skyscrapers. Don't forget to check out the glass-topped mosque.

Maafushi was completely ravaged by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and it is still under construction. While it is not a five-star resort island, there is a lot of charm and quaint undertow to this island that you won't be able to find anywhere else. Before the tsunami, it used to be all fish drying huts and jetties, but a recent upsurge of local guesthouses has helped the island to grow in terms of a tourist destination.

Located in the farthest reaches of the atolls, Utheemu has a special place in the vibrant history of the Maldives. It is the location that was home to Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu who is said to have single-handedly driven the Portuguese colonial invaders from the Maldives during the 16th century. While you are in Utheemu, spend some effort learning a little more about the turbulent but fascinating history of the Maldives.

The story of the island of Feydhoo is a very interesting one. To begin this tale, we go back to the 19th century where there were plenty of people living in Gan Island located close to Feydhoo. When the British arrived during World War II, Gan Island was converted into an airbase for the Royal Airforce and the locals were relocated into Feydhoo where they reside to this day. They are very welcoming and will be more than willing to offer you a meal.

Make Banana Reef part of your island hopping. Major hotel chains the likes of Minor Hotels have resorts in the nearby atolls from where you can take a boat over and explore the vibrant marine life.