Maldives sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

This chain of atolls has become an internationally famous resort destination. The Maldives may not be the best place for travelers who want active holidays with lots of sightseeing. Instead of that, the islands are famous for unhurried rest in beautiful tropical setting, amazing white sand beaches and water sports. Known as quite an expensive resort, the Maldives stun visitors with their “tropical paradise” views and rich underwater life. Fans of diving will be particularly pleased to see giant coral formations and numerous sea creatures such as whales, sea turtles and manta rays.

Shopping in Maldives - best shopping places, what to buy?

It's hard to call the Maldives a great place to shop. But you can buy something for the memory here. Tourists bring quality cotton clothing of bright …
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The majority of landmarks are located in Male, the capital of the Maldives Republic and also its biggest city. The city looks modern with its high rise buildings and a harbor. There are several architectural landmarks in Male, the majority of which belong to Islamic culture. Friday Mosque or Hukuru Miskiiy was built in 1656 by order of sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I. The beautiful building is decorated with skillful Arabian ornaments and writings. Islamic Centre, which is located south of Jumhooree Maidhaan, is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Male. This is the largest mosque in the whole Maldives and it can provide space for up to 5,000 prayers.

Independence Square is the heart of the city. Apart from a small park, there are no famous landmarks on the square, but the majority of demonstrations and gatherings take place there. Sultan Park and the National Museum located in it are a great place to learn more about the history of the islands, see historic documents and regalia. The southeast of the park is the location of Kalhu Vakaru Miskiy, one of the oldest mosques on the islands. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Top chic accommodation you can find in the country

The luxury hotels in Maldives, deserving attention of the most discerning traveler.
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If you want to make your observation of the islands more authentic, take a ride on a dhoni, a traditional sail boat on the Maldives. For centuries the boat was used to move between the islands. Originally made from coconut palm timber, modern dhoni is usually made from fiber glass.

Aerial view of North Malé Atoll, Maldives

Beautiful tropical beaches have always been the signature attraction of the islands. The variety of beaches is really big – large public beaches, private beaches, beaches with developed infrastructure like restaurants and shops, secluded beaches and even eco-friendly beaches. Many beaches have scuba diving centres where guests can rent equipment, attend a diving school or join diving groups.

When and where to 'hang out' in Maldives - festivals and celebrations

Maldives is a unique place. It is associated with a paradise vacation for many travelers. There are many beaches in the style of "bounty" here. Many …
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History and Entertainment

In the prehistoric period, over two thousand years ago, the Maldives was mainly populated by the Dravidians. These are the people who came to the islands from the territories of present India and Sri Lanka. Little is known of the early history of the archipelago. The first written references to it date back to the middle of the 12th century. At that time, the archipelago was visited by the first Islamic preachers. Before their visits, the major islanders’ religion was Buddhism. In 1558, the Maldives saw the period of the active colonization, as they attracted Portuguese settlers.

Portuguese conquerors couldn’t maintain control over the islands even for 20 years: the natives banned all colonizers from the archipelago and destroyed their forts. Then, Holland tried to control the islands but its attempts were not successful. The Maldives officially became a British protectorate in 1887 and an independent island state in 1965. The Maldives is one of the few countries that managed to maintain independence and avoid the long colonization for a long time.

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Famous and uniques places in Maldives from our review series

Maldive Islands

From the series “Permanently Sinking Cities and Regions”

If the large cities can be saved from the storms, then the Maldives can just go under the water one day. The highest point of the archipelago is about 2,4 meters above the sea level. The average high is just 1,5 meters. Male is the first city that will go under the water if the water level increases.

About 30 000 people live on the islands today. In the nearest time they have to leave these lands and look for the safer territories. Locals earn money only from the tourism industry. There have placed the world-known luxurious hotels, one of the cleanest, wonderful and romantic beaches of the planet. The government have already begun to buy the lands where locals will go before the islands go under the water. They began this program in 2008 and continue to give money for this.

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Vaadhu Beach

From the series “Most Fabulous and Magic Beaches”

Vaadhu can be named the most fabulous beach of the planet. It's found on the same-name island, which is a part of the Maldives archipelago. During the day, the beach with white sand looks quite usual, but it's difficult to call it otherwise than sweet. Amazing time begins with the onset of darkness, when the coastal waters are literally lit with thousands of blue lights. The unique phenomenon that makes the sea look like a starry sky is called bioluminescence.

The main secret of a natural phenomenon is the special form of plankton that lives in coastal waters. This amazing peculiarity has made Vaadhu Island known all over the world. Every year, billions of tourists come from all over the world to admire the shining lights. It's important to note that the exotic beach is quite safe. It's … Read all

Restaurant Per Aquum

From the series “Fancy Houses and Hotels Located on Water or Under Water”

Gourmets who prefer to visit the most exquisite and unusual restaurants of the world, should not ignore the underwater restaurant Per Aquum. It will also appeal to those who have long dreamed of diversifying their leisure with an incredible entertainment. The unusual restaurant is situated in the Maldives, near the resort of Niyama. The restaurant hall has been equipped at a depth of 6 meters, it has panoramic windows that allow visitors to fully enjoy the beauty of the surrounding underwater world.

The restaurant is distinctive in design, which fully corresponds to the marine theme. The hall has been equipped with a special system of artistic lighting, which is changing during the day. Travelers who wish to visit the Per Aquum restaurant, will need to swim from the coast of Niyama on a … Read all

All unique sightseeing Maldives