Top Unusual Things to Do in the Maldives - Off the Beaten Track Activities in Paradise Archipelago Maldives

Although the Maldives popularity as a honeymooner's hub is well-documented the archipelago's attributes as a water sports Mecca is perhaps lesser known. As a prime surfing destination all year round visitors vacationing in the sunny resorts such as Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas can experience a wide range of water sports activities from snorkeling to sailing. Scuba diving is another popular activity among seasoned visitors to the islands while surfing season kicks off each year during the months between March and November. Boasting waves of up to 8 feet surfing hotspots in the Maldives includes Pasta Point while the North Male Atoll is also known to have many surfing hubs with Jailbreaks, Sultans and Honkey's.

Tipped to be one of the must-visit highlights in the Maldivian capital the National Museum is no ordinary cultural institution in Malé. Located inside a former palatial complex the National Museum is located inside one of the capital's verdant corners in an enclave known as Sultan Park. Documenting the rich economical, social and cultural legacy of the Maldives the venue showcases a variety of artefacts and relics such as clothing items of former monarchs and members of the royal family as well as numerous statues, photographs and manuscripts. One of the museum's most popular exhibits however are the ornaments and musical instrument collection showcases.

Home to some of the most breathtaking natural environments and beachscapes in the world there is no finer venue to lose one's self in beachfront activities than the Maldives. As a staple in any luxury holiday Maldives has to offer, some of the must-have beachside experiences include swimming in the azure lagoons of the islands. Visitors can also simply lounge around on the beach or enjoy a massage at many of the spas located in resorts in the archipelago. Beach yoga sessions and meditation are other unusual activities seasoned vacationers in the Maldives enjoy at the privacy of their own villa or resort island.

Another cultural icon in Male Hukuru Miskiiy is no typical ancient mosque in the Maldivian capital. As the country's oldest religious edifice this imposing structure in Male is an architectural anomaly in the otherwise metropolitan landscapes of the nation's capital. Built as far back as 1656 Hukuru Miskiiy is a historic mosque that is renowned for its architectural attributes as well as the role it played in Maldivian culture over the centuries. Some of the must-explore highlights at the site include its walls made of coral stone while its wooden carvings and other adornments such as scriptures and Islamic patterns are equally impressive. Facing the setting sun the mosque was not constructed facing the northwest of Mecca as most mosques in the world are.

Although angling activities and fishing expeditions are on offer at most beach holiday hubs the Maldives is one of the first vacation hotspots in Asia to offer night time fishing tours. Heading to the open seas in the veil of night a night fishing expedition is a must-have experience for all angling fanatics touring the Maldives. The tours typically set off during the evening hours to reach a reef area where instructors will inform participants on the finer points of night time fishing. Barbequing the day's catch is also a common feature of the tours are available through a variety of operators in the country.

Located in Male the Local Market serves as cultural epicentre in the Maldives in addition to being a prime commercial space. Littered with stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to aromatic spices a visit to this bustling thoroughfare stacked high with vegetables, fruits and crafts is another unusual activity open to intrigued visitors in search of local flavour.