kirby harold harold
Blessed with white, sandy beaches and stunning coral islands the atoll haven of Maldives is a holiday hub in Asia like no other. Here are the country's top 10 highlights for first time visitors.
Revered as one of the capital's most sacred space the Old Friday Mosque is no ordinary religious edifice in the Maldives. An architectural marvel for the ages Hukuru Miskiiy as it is locally known contains elaborate interiors made of coral store as well as Arabic scripture carvings that have survived the test of time. Tombs of local heroes and sultans are also found here along with other cultural relics that hark back to the venue's rich heritage.
Another highlight in the Maldivian capital Male, the National Museum is an imposing structure that documents and celebrates the rich history of this beach laden land. Spread out across 3 floors the venue is houses in what remains of the former Maldivian Royal Palace. Littered with artefacts and relics from the country's history the venue is the best place to uncover the diverse cultural and socio-economic identity of the Maldives and its key figures.
Revered as one of the most spectacular reefs in the Maldives, HP reef is a diver's dream come true. With its sea bed littered with vibrant marine life and coral species this protected marine area occupies the North Male Atoll.
Another popular diving hub Manta Point is the best place to come face to face with Manta Rays on a diving expedition. Occupied by wrasses, the Mantas inhabiting the area congregate for mass cleansing sessions on a number of massive coral rocks before heading back to the ocean to feed on planktons.
Found within the breathtaking environs of Vaavu Atoll, Alimatha Island is a stunning island haven for the beach holiday of one's dreams. Home to a wide range of snorkelling and diving sites the island is renowned for its white, sandy beaches. Fringed by tropical foliage a beach getaway in this idyllic island is a must-have experience for holidaymakers.
A popular diving centre in the country Bluetribe Moofushi is an all encompassing water sports facility that offers visitors a wide range of water based activities within its confines and surrounding waters. Offering training, facilities and gear required for a variety of sports activities including wind surfing, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and catamaran sailing the venue is home to shallow reef inhabited by vibrant fish species near the shore.
As the former residence of Sultan Mohamed Thankurufaan, Utheemu Ganduvaru is a renowned historic household in the Maldives. Situated in Utheemu on an island in northern Maldives the venue showcases the life and times of one of the country's most iconic leaders. Perhaps best known for his heroic efforts in saving the nation from Portuguese invasion this palace residence offers visitors a glimpse in to the man behind the legacy.
Tipped to be among the country's top five star resorts Kuramathi Island Resort Maldives is a one of a kind holiday haven in the paradise archipelago. Ranked as one of the top Maldives island resorts for holidaymakers the breathtaking location and amenities of this luxurious resort haven must be seen to be believed.
Known as the country's Republic Square Jumhoori Maidan is a recognizable landmark in the Maldivian capital. Set up in 1989 the venue has hosted many an Independence Day ceremony since its construction. Home to the national flag post of the Maldives the locale is a well-known stopover for tourists and locals alike..
Allowing visitors to explore the coral reefs of the Maldives without swimming or diving expeditions a ride on board the Whale Submarine is a must-have experience for families touring the country. Setting off from the Whale House the submerged excursions takes visitors on a journey beneath the ocean's surface to witness marine life and coral reefs.
