Joanna James
The Maldives is famous for its stretches of deep blue sea and pearly white beaches. However, there is more to the Maldives than chilling on the beach all day long! Discover what else you can get up to in this archipelago of over 200 islands.
This is a prominent historical attraction where Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam lived and is located on the Haa Alif Atoll in the northern Maldives. The Sultan is credited for founding the Maldivian national army and fighting bravely against colonial influence. The wooden palace where he lived is beautiful and contains unique architecture. It is one of the Maldives points of interest that should not be missed by those who want to unravel the history of the country.
Male is the capital and the most densely populated island in the archipelago. You will find attractions like Huruku Miskiiy, the National Museum, the Grand Mosque, and its artificial beach, all worthy attractions. There is also the trendy area of Newport popular with tourists.
For shopping, go to Mejeedhee Magu, a street filled with Maldivian street foods, sweets, clothes, and handicrafts. You can find it near Main Road, and its shops remain open from 9 am to 11 pm.
Located 27 km from Malé, Maafushi Island is a stunning place and is ideal for tourists on a budget. You can find enough hotels and guesthouses for visitors with limited budgets. The island is connected via ferry from Malé or Maldives International Airport. It's a great little island to explore, with a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops for you to discover. Do some research from websites like The Maldives Travel to uncover more amazing islands to visit.
The Baa Atoll Biosphere is the seventh-largest coral reef on Earth. Over 250 species of corals thrive here, and as many as 1,200 types of fish. The reef gets visited by threatened marine life such as hawksbill turtles, nurse sharks, and green turtles. Its flourishing mangrove overgrowth houses non-marine animals like fruit bats, lizards and herons. The Reserve is just a 35-minute seaplane journey from the Male International Airport.
Also located in the Baa atoll, 'Vandumaafaru' is a vital feeding ground for mantas and whale sharks. Snorkelling is allowed; however, scuba diving remains restricted at present. The best months to spot mantas are from May-November. Whale sharks, on the hand, are visible all year round. It is among the most regulated snorkelling location on the planet, with just 80 snorkelers permitted at any given time. Tickets will have to be purchased from resorts affiliated with the Manta Trust before you go there.
Dolphin-watching excursions are one of the biggest attractions in the Maldives. Along with the friendly dolphins, you will be able to witness gigantic whales as well. All of this will be on board a comfortable catamaran at a safe distance from the animals. The best months are from January-April. There is the morning sail is from 9 am to 10:30 am and the afternoon, 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
