Joanna James
From white shiny beaches, exotic islets and magnificent reefs to fascinating museums – there is truly no dearth of tourist attractions in the Maldives to take in. If you are in the process of planning a trip to the tropical archipelago, here is the perfect list to add to your itinerary.
The bustling pint-sized capital of the Maldives – Male is famed for its beautiful mosque, colourful buildings and rich culture it offers tourists. From strolling through the vibrant and busy street lined with lively markets to learning about the rich history of the island nation, there is no doubt many things to do during your visit to the capital. Some must-do activities during your time there include possibly going for a long walk along the lush Rasrani Bageecha, shopping for souvenirs at Makeedhee Magu and savouring delicious Maldivian food.
Known for its breathtaking beauty despite being a man-made beach, this popular attraction is a definite hotspot that attracts tourists by droves especially those who love a spot of beach volleyball and indulging in street food. The artificial beach offers plenty of BBQ spots, lounging areas and cute cafes to check out. Here one can enjoy a spectacular sunset, enjoy long walks along the surf and engage in fun water sports.
No trip to the Maldives is complete without taking the time to take a peek into the history of Maldives. The National Museum located in Male is a haven for craft lovers and history buffs. Here visitors can take in a well-preserved collection from a bygone era, and take a deep dive into the country's rich heritage. Some interesting items to look into include the ornaments and costumes of Maldivian royalty along with manuscripts, armour and much more. Most Maldives beach resorts including the likes of Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives will be happy to arrange a visit upon the request of their guests.
Also known as Seenu Atoll, Addu Atoll is including some truly incredible isles to visit including Feydhoo Island, Maradhoo Island, Meedhoo Island and Hulhudhoo Island. With swaying palms, clean local villages with friendly locals along with fun offerings of water activities such as fishing, diving and snorkelling, Addu Atoll offers plenty of activities to indulge in. During your visit here do take the time to explore the famed Gan island and interact with the locals to learn about their daily lives.
A definite must-see the magnificent Grand Friday Mosque not only entices spiritual visitors but also admirers of architecture. Here one can take in the massive huge golden dome complementing a pristine white marble structure. The mosque is located by Jumhoree Maidan – the main square of Male and is renowned for its halls that fit almost 5,000 worshippers. To make sure you have the best experience, avoiding prayer times are recommended. The mosque is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm. It's also very important to dress conservatively covering exposed arms and legs before entering.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
