Ten fascinating sites to visit in Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 ring-shaped atolls, which are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. The Maldives consists of 1,192 coral islands grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls, along the north-south direction, spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 sq mi), making this one of the world’s most dispersed countries. It lies between latitudes 1°S and 8°S, and longitudes 72°E and 74°E. The atolls are composed of live coral reefs and sand bars, situated atop a submarine ridge 960 kilometers (600 mi) long that rises abruptly from the depths of the Indian Ocean and runs north to south. The capital of Maldives is Malé and is home to about 436,330 people. As an island country not much is known about Maldives so let us be your guide to find the most fascinating sites to visit while in Maldives.

Grand Friday Mosque

The golden dome of this impressive modern mosque dominates the skyline of Male and has become something of a symbol for the city. Opened in 1984 and built with help from the Gulf States, Pakistan, Brunei and Malaysia, the Grand Friday Mosque is striking in its plainness, built in white marble and virtually free from decoration. Set back off the main square, Jumhooree Maidan, it is the biggest mosque in the country.

Malé

Malé is the densely populated capital of the Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. It’s known for its mosques and colorful buildings. The Islamic Centre (Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam) features a mosque, a library and a distinctive gold dome. Near the harbor, a popular fish market offers the day’s catch, and a produce market is stocked with local fruit.

Banana reef

Many travelers heading to the islands of the Maldives will be coming for one thing and one thing only: diving. And there’s hardly a single better place to don the SCUBA gear and wetsuits in the country than at the Banana Reef. This fruit-shaped dash of multi-colored corals and seaweed-clad sandbanks lies underwater between the isles of the North Male Atoll.

Thulusdhoo Island

It’s the spirit of the salt-washed Caribbean that seems to drive Thulusdhoo Island. Largely undiscovered, this speck in the Male Atolls is ringed by wide spaces of sand from which bulbous coconut trunks sprout by the hundred. The beaches are – naturally – great, and the locals love to draw in their fading fishing boats to flint up a good sizzling seafood barbeque now and then.

Nalaguraidhoo island

Also famous as the Sun Island, Nalaguraidhoo Island in South Ari Atoll is among the top Maldives points of interest. It is adorned with some stunning beaches, beautiful tropical flowers, and lavish greenery that attract a great number of tourists wanting to bask in the lap of nature. With its extremely charming blue waters, sparkling beaches and fabulous resorts, the island guarantees immense joy to its guests.

Alimatha island

Sitting on the eastern edge of Maldives, Alimatha Island is located in Vaavu Atoll. With its azure, crystal clear waters — apt for diving, snorkeling and boating, the island is a perfect spot for a family vacation and for honeymoon too, since it is considered one of the best places to visit in Maldives for couples.

Artificial beach

Situated in North Malé Atoll, this beach is what its name tells you – artificial. It is the favorite haunt of the swimming enthusiasts among the top places to visit in Maldives. The Artificial Beach is an open area and has certain restrictions for clothing as per the local law. The beach also hosts several carnivals, water sports, and peaceful walks, making this the best place to go in Maldives for youngsters.

Maafushi island

Also known as Maldives paradise, the Maafushi Beach is among the best beaches in the country that is sought after for fun activities. With a wide range of water sports that keep the tourists hooked, the food served here is lip-smacking and will leave you licking your fingers. Apart from the amazing activities one can indulge in, one should treat their eyes to the scenic beauty that graces this island. The mix of blue and white is perfectly blended to relax your mind by the sight of it.

Majeedhee Magu

Street shopping is an activity that everyone enjoys, from children to adults; people like to engage in street shopping. When in the Maldives, you ought to visit the Majeedhee Magu, which is just a walk down the main road of the capital city of Male. Here, you will find the latest fashion wear to a wide range of local delicacies that you can savor upon. The best things here that you should take home is the locally handcrafted items, that make way for gifting and self-possession as a souvenir.

National Museum

Located in Male stands the quaint building known as the National Museum. It is always a good practice to visit museums during a vacation to learn a little about the history of the place you are staying in. the National Museum of Maldives holds a large collection of artefacts. The components of which traces all the way back to the founding (history), of the Maldives Islands. The building is a part of the 17th century Maldivian Royal Palace and also houses a public park known as the Sultan Park.