When one thinks of Maldives the first sight that appears is pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and blue lagoons. Maldives is all of this and much more !
The Maldives is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka. It is composed of 26 coral atolls, which are made up of more than 1,000 small islands. The capital city of the Maldives is Malé, which is situated on the island of the same name. Malé is a bustling and vibrant city, home to the majority of the Maldivian population. It showcases modern buildings and stunning traditional architecture, with the impressive gold-domed Malé Friday Mosque as a prominent landmark. Dhivehi is the official language of the Maldives.
For the un versed, here is the short description of Atoll, Lagoon and Coral Reef before we explore this beautiful country.
Lagoon : A lagoon is a shallow body of water separated from the open sea by a barrier, such as a coral reef, sandbar, or barrier island.
Atoll : This is ring of coral reefs surrounding the beautiful turquoise lagoons.
Coral Reef : These are diverse and complex ecosystems that provide habitat and protection for a wide range of marine life.
I wanted to take a break from the mundane phase of life and explore some place country. Maldives, with its reputation as one of the most tourist-friendly destinations, visa-free entry, and tropical paradise just a short two-hour flight away from India, it was an irresistible option. What made it even more appealing was the fact that it required minimal planning compared to other destinations. Although I had always dreamed of visiting the Maldives, various factors like budget constraints and other impediments had prevented me from materializing those plans in the past.
However, this time, I made sure to make it happen. I took the leap and paid for my stay a month in advance, but unfortunately, due to some unexpected constraints, I had to book my flight tickets just a few days before my travel date. It turned out to be quite a blow to my wallet, but little did I know that such spontaneous decisions often lead to the most unforgettable experiences.
The Maldives boasts a collection of over 1000 islands stretching from north to south in the Indian Ocean. Among these islands are the famed 'private islands,' which serve as hosts to luxurious resorts offering exclusive experiences in the form of private villas and overwater bungalows. These secluded and idyllic destinations provide visitors with a true paradise experience. The private islands can be reached through speed boat or sea plane. Some private island resorts also offer day visit to tourists.
While the majority of the Maldivian islands are inhabited by locals, often referred to as the 'public islands,' they also feature hotels catering to tourists and have specific beaches that are tourist-friendly. However, it is the resorts nestled on the private islands that truly captivate with their exceptional service, pristine sandy beaches, and extraordinary marine life, providing an unforgettable and unparalleled experience. I booked my stay in Centara Ras Fushi Resort which is located on private island of Ras Fushi in North Male Atoll.
The arrival by plane in the Maldives is a breathtaking experience in itself. As you approach Maldivian waters, the sight is truly mesmerizing. The archipelago's circular atolls, adorned with a myriad of islands, showcase a remarkable display of vibrant blues and alluring turquoise lagoons. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that immerses you in the beauty of nature. After arriving at Male Airport, a quick 15-minute ride in speed boat will take you to Centara Ras Fushi.
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| Maldivian Archipelago |
Over the next three days, my time at Centara Ras Fushi not only allowed me to immerse myself in the renowned beauty that the Maldives is known for but also provided a captivating glimpse into the exceptional hospitality, rich culture, tantalizing cuisine, and underrated experiences of this tropical paradise. As I ventured out to explore, I discovered a world of fascinating encounters that exceeded my expectations, leaving me utterly mesmerized.
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| Over Water Villa |
Let's explore each of these.
Culture and Hospitality
Maldivian hospitality, known as "Ran'di Riha," is a cherished aspect of the culture, embodying the warm and welcoming nature of the Maldivian people. When visiting the Maldives, one can expect to be greeted with genuine smiles and open arms, creating an atmosphere of genuine warmth.The Maldivian culture is also reflected in their official language, Dhivehi, which has a unique script that holds great significance in preserving the cultural identity of the Maldivian people. Interestingly, it is astonishing to discover similarities between certain Dhivehi words and their Hindi counterparts. For example, "Soori" in Dhivehi means "Sun," resembling the Hindi word "Surya." Similarly, "Raajje" in Dhivehi refers to "King," bearing resemblance to the Hindi word "Raja." Other examples include "Mala" meaning "necklace" in both Dhivehi and Hindi, and "bappa" meaning "father" in Dhivehi, similar to the Hindi word "baap." These linguistic similarities highlight the strong cultural connection between the Maldives and India.
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| Island's beach |
Cuisine
Maldivian cuisine is influenced by the abundance of seafood and tropical ingredients. Dishes often feature fish, coconut, and rice as staple ingredients. Maldivian cuisine includes dishes like Garudhiya (fish broth), Mas huni (shredded fish with coconut), and Hedhikaa (Maldivian snacks). Despite my usual aversion to fish, I was pleasantly surprised by the Tuna Mas Huni served at the resort and quickly developed a newfound love for it. Centara has multi cuisine restaurants offering Indian, Continental and Arabic delicacies.
ExperiencesThe natural combination of various factors like coral barrier reefs, atoll formations, relative isolation, and the presence of fringing reefs work harmoniously to create a serene environment with minimal wave activity. As a result, one can enjoy activities like snorkeling, diving or simply relishing the tranquility of its calm waters by lying on shack under the shade of palm trees and savouring chilled beer. Snorkeling gears provided by the resort are complimentary, and the experience is truly mesmerizing. When I embarked on my first snorkeling adventure, I was captivated by the array of colorful fish and the abundance of vibrant coral reefs in such close proximity to the resort. The moment I submerged myself into the water, it felt like a meditative experience. Everything else faded away as my focus shifted to slow and steady breaths, with the stunning visual spectacle of the vibrant aquatic life surrounding me. It was an unforgettable first-time encounter, etched into my memory forever.
The Maldives, known for its pristine white beaches and abundant aquatic life offers an even more mesmerizing sight: the sunsets, moonrises, and moonsets. In this serene paradise, the absence of pollution and the limited presence of human activity on the islands create a spectacle reminiscent of stargazing in the high mountains.
The clarity of the night sky is astonishing, revealing a breathtaking array of shooting stars and the majestic Milky Way stretching across the vast expanse. As you gaze upwards, the clustered stars form a mesmerizing tapestry, while the tranquil, calm waters mirror the moonlight for miles, creating an ethereal glow.
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| Moon's reflection mirrored in Ocean |
The sunsets in the Maldives burst upon the sky with a fiery display of red and orange hues, piercing through the clouds with vibrant rays. Each sunset and moonset in this idyllic destination is unmatched and carries a unique beauty that leaves a lasting impression.
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| Vibrant Sunsets |
Maldives is breathtaking with picture-perfect islands, pristine beaches, abundant marine life and experiences that are unique and unmatched anywhere.
PS :
All private resorts and most hotels in public islands are equipped with Wifi. You can use it to do wats app call or video.
Presently ( 2023 ) there is sim vending machine at the airport provided by telecom operator Oordeoo.
It is located at the arrival gate right after the immigration counter. You need to scan your passport in vending machine to issue sim caard and can activate it later by calling them or online ( link :
Ooredoo )
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