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 …
Read further

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.
Read further

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 Originally made from coconut palm timber, modern dhoni is usually made from fiber glass.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 …
Read further

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.

This article about iconic landmarks and sights of Maldives is protected by the copyright law. You can re-use the content, but only under the condition of placement of an active link to www.orangesmile.com.

Maldives guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Famous and uniques places in Maldives from our review series

One and Only Pool

From the series “Most Scary Swiiming Pools”

Hotel “One and Only” is located in the Maldives. It has long been a landmark of world significance, not only because of its chic rooms and high status. A huge swimming pool with several dedicated rapids is a prominent feature of the hotel. Its edge merges with the ocean. Not everyone takes the risk of enjoying a swim in this infinity pool. The fear of not noticing the edge of the pool is very great.

However, the pool is safe. It has low sides. They are made of natural stone. The walls and bottom of the pool are lined with very beautiful tiles in natural shades. In addition to the luxury infinity pool, hotel guests will have many more opportunities to get thrills. For example, they can choose to stay in one of the luxury villas built above the water. Each of these villas has a … Read all

Swimming pool at Jumeirah Dhevanafushi

From the series “Most Scary Swiiming Pools”

A great opportunity to enjoy unusual water activities is to go to the famous hotel of the Maldives Jumeirah Dhevanafushi. In addition to luxury rooms and restaurants, it is ready to offer guests a wonderful outdoor pool. It simulates the night sky at night. It is especially interesting to swim in it after dark. Spotlights are turned on in the pool at this time. Miniature light bulbs located on the bottom and walls of the pool against the background of the water surface really resemble stars scattered across the sky.

The edges of the pool merge with the surrounding landscape at night. So it's quite scary to swim in it without seeing or feeling the boundaries. The luxury hotel was opened in 2011. It is surrounded by exotic vegetation on a small private island of Devanafushi. The Talise … Read all

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.

Maldives … Read all

All unique sightseeing Maldives