1. Introduction to Maldives :-

Maldives, an independent island country in the northern Asia, along the Indian ocean. It includes of nearly 1200 small and tiny islands. Maldives is just like a Heaven, a dream coming to reality, it’s beauty is so mesmerizing and hypnotic that it is impossible to take eye’s off it. With a lot of amazing beaches, the clearest and finest blue waters, magnificent coral and marine life ( which creates a natural defense system to protect the banks of several tiny islands), lot of water adventures and fun activities. Islam as the wide-spread religion, the official language of Maldives is Dhivehi or Maldivian although Hindi, Arabic and English are also widely spoken.

2. What is the best time for visiting Maldives ?

1. Between November to April :- This time period is termed as the best time, if you are planning to visit the Maldives. As during this period the weather will be the most suitable, warm enough to enjoy the water, without experiencing any rainy and cloudy days. One thing that must be kept in mind is that, as this is the peak season, so the tickets and resorts pricing would be higher than average. If you want to save some extra money, try planning a trip except these months.
2. Late October and early May :- If you are looking for an affordable trip and want it to be worth remembering, try to travel in these months as the expenditure cost will be lesser and you will have a decent visit too. Exceptions are, there might be few cloudy days or some drizzling water drops, as nature is difficult to predict beforehand. I would recommend do keep a track of the Maldives weather forecast, In order to make the most out of your trip.
3. September to May :- These months are not promoted, as the weather would be very cloudy with expected rains, which might be the cause to ruin your trip to Maldives and ending up with not having the fun which was expected.

3. Places to travel and explore :-

1. Male :- The capital of Maldives Male, also known as an Islamic center with prominent and colorful buildings along with huge mosques. Male is considered as one of the most densely populated state of the island. It is an interesting place to visit for the foreigners, near the harbor is located a fish market, usually caught on the same day. offering a variety of fishes. There is a warning the place would be full of fishes and might be stinky.

2. Sultan Park Maldives :- This park is also located in Male. If your are tired from the countryside and want to relax with peace of mind, the park helps with it. It contributes to a play area for the children, a walking track, shades of large green trees along with many benches. The park is free for the locals living there, but for the foreigners the entry fee is of 5 USD.

3. Addu atoll :- An extremely beautiful and magnificent looking ring of island submerged by water all over, it is indeed a really pleasing sight to the eyes. The nature’s beauty, greenery, sound of water waves, birds chirping, rush of light wind everything just hits the spot and creates a magical scenery. You can also take a ride in the small boats present there, offered by the locals. In order to get to the Addu, you can travel through a cargo boat from Male.

4. Maafushi Island :- Maafushi considered among the top ten islands of Maldives, at the Kaafu Atoll is one of the largest inhabited islands and a great place full of local tourism. Popularly known for it’s world class resorts, clearest and bubbly water with thrilling activities, it’s a whole treasure pack especially for newly-weds. The price range is also budget friendly with lot of new restaurants to give a try at affordable cost. In addition to that it is tourist friendly.

4. Maldives Outdoor Adventures :-

1. Ithaa undersea restaurant :- Ranked as the world’s first undersea restaurant, which approximately lies 4-5 meters deep below the water. Located at the Mangali Island of the Maldives. The restaurant offers a peaceful and colorful atmosphere, featuring a transparent roof through which the coral reef and fishes can be seen. You need to book a table in advance as the place is popular and usually full. You can enjoy a 3, 5 or 7 course meal at the price of 85 US dollar including tax of 12% along with service percentage. The overall experience might be expensive, but if you are willing to spend some more pennies in your trip, you can definitely give it a try.

2. Scuba diving and Wind surfing :- At the Alimatha Island, you will be able to undergo a variety of physical sports and activities. The island has captivated tourist attraction because of it’s beautiful sandy beaches, luxury resorts, most importantly amazing spots for scuba diving and wind surfing. Moreover, the Alimatha island also serves great hiking areas and you can also go canoeing with your family and friends.

3. Snorkeling :- An other fun activity in Maldives, if you want to have an insight of the underwater coral and supernatural world. Even non swimmers can also participate without the need to wear heavy and complicated gear, which is essential for scuba divers. Baa atoll, Mirihi, Kandolhu and Bathalaa are famous snorkeling spots, if your looking for one.

4. Submarine tour :- If you do want to have a look at the Maldives clearest waters and the outraging colorful splendid beauty, without actually diving in or getting wet, you can take a 45 min submarine ride from male, which will take you about 25-30 meters deep under water. While exploring the beauty, the staff and crew on the submarine will also enlighten you with some amazing facts and figures.

5. Dolphin/whale watching :- Maldives is a wonder in itself, you can avail the opportunity of watching Dolphins most often all the year around. The show usually begins around 4:30 and ends after the golden hour at the sunset probably at 6:30, It is really relaxing to watch the Dolphins and also might get a chance to feed them. Famous Dolphin watching spots are in Ukulhas, Huraa, Dharavandhoo, and Dhiffhushi. The cost may differ between from 60 US Dollar to 90 US Dollar.

6. Fishing :- You can also experience the fun of private fishing, as the Maldivian seas are full of small ad big fishes of various species. Fishing is one of the most common activities there, and fish is among the Maldivian staple food.

7. Water swings :- At various Maldivian resorts, they do offer the prestige of water swings. They are being very popular and hyped lately , it is a great experience and a really exciting picture spot too. The view seems to be appealing and dreamy, the clear blue water, open sky and the light breeze makes everything flawless and just picture perfect.

5. Foods to try :-

1. Mas huni :- This a go to Maldivian breakfast, Mas meaning fish and Huni meaning coconut. It is typically made with chopped onions, chilies, tuna meat fixed combined together with freshly grated coconut and lime zest or juice, garnished with some coriander. It is served with a traditional flat bread. It is one of the classic staples, consumed by the Maldivian people.

2. Garudhiya :- It is among one of the oldest traditional dishes of Maldives. Garudhiya is a clear fish broth, it is fully fished base with different varieties of tuna including skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna, frigate tuna and many more, along with some onions, whole black peppers, chilies and curry leaves(optional) you can adjust the the number and quantity of fishes according to your liking. It can be eaten in different ways, you can have it alone or with white steamed rice and even with flat bread.

3. Bis keemiya :- This dish is somewhat like a mix between Samosa and a spring roll. the inside filling is made with cabbage, eggs, onion, capsicum, fish and some light spices. the mixture is then filled inside a dough made from flour, salt and warm water, giving it a rectangular box shape. Then it is deep fried twice to give it a golden crispy surface and served warm. Crunchy on the outside and delicious on the inside. Almost all dishes in Maldives, up to some extant contains fish, as it is present in abundant quantity and is their biggest means of trade.

4. Boshi mashuni :- Also popularly known as the banana flower salad. It consists of a salad made with freshly grated coconut, fish or chicken , onions, pickles, curry leaves and spices like cumin, turmeric, chili and lime juice. Then served in a crunchy banana flower petal. Garnished with lime and coriander. It is usually enjoyed during break -fast with a cup of black tea or coffee.

5. Sago bondi bai :- In Maldives, this is a special pudding made from sago, which is a type of starch. The pudding is made by boiling sago seeds, then combined with water, Pandan leaves and sugar, and again bringing it to a boil. Lastly, simmered by adding sweetened condensed milk and rose water to give it the dreamiest flavor. Also sago is gluten free, so it a healthier option if you are craving for something sweet.

6. Maldivian lobster :- As Maldives is really popular of their fishes and seafood, Lobster is considered among those deliciously, heart warming most liked foods. The lobsters are greyish blue in color, usually boiled with some basic herbs like butter, rosemary, olive oil and garlic. Once boiled the lobster shell turns into a beautiful pink red color. The lobster is opened, the shell is removed and the delicious meat is revealed, garnished with lemon and black pepper. The meat is so buttery, tender, soft it melts in your mouth. It is no wonder why people stand in a long queue to buy it.

6. Maldivian culture and festivals :-

1. Mat weaving and embroidery :- mat waving is an essential part of Maldivian culture. The skills are in heredity and are passed from generations to generations. The weavers use materials obtained from nature like grass and reeds, to create soft comfortable and colorful mats. Likewise, embroidery is also considered as a part of their cultural heritage. A special style called KASABU, includes to decorate clothes with metallic threads, sequins, beads and mirrors.

2. Coir and lacquer work :- Coir is a natural fiber obtained from the husk of the coconut, which is used in various process, like in making combs, brushes, mats and even ropes. Lacquer work in Maldives refers to wood decorating art. luminous lacquer layer is applied to wooden furniture and products, which tends to transform them into more beautiful and attractive pieces.

3. Eid festivals :- As Maldives represents Islam as it’s base religion and is an Islamic state, the major festivals celebrated there are two Eid’s which includes EID-UL-FITR meaning ‘festival of breaking fast’ and EID-UL-ADHA meaning the Eid of sacrifice.

7. Conclusion :-

I would like to conclude by saying Maldives is indeed a beautiful and outrageous country with rich history, culture, fun activities, tempting and delicious food, which will be worth all your valuable time and money spent there.