Magnificent Maldives
By Nilma DOLE
The crystal clear aquamarine beaches, the coral washed sands and the
azure blue sky make Maldives a destination worth writing home about.
Stepping out of the airport, one can't help but dive into the ocean
which looks inviting and ready to be rippled with one's waves. The
island nation that now has a new President, Mohammed Nasheed, popularly
known as 'Anni', whose campaign symbol was of the 'Araliya' flower.
 The Maldives is the smallest Asian country in terms of both
population and area and it is the smallest primarily Muslim nation in
the world. With two meters from sea level, it is also the country with
the lowest highest point in the world. However, that has not stopped
Maldives from being a popular tourist destination and a big exporter of
fish - especially Maldive fish.
Capital Male
The capital Male is rather small but the brightly coloured buildings
make it look a feast for the eyes. However, one has to be careful that
you don't get in the way of the fast-riding motorcycles or the bicycles
that are bound to scurry and scamper off to their destinations
definitely not miles away from one another.
The little boutique shops and stores are lined across the streets and
one can't help if you're trapped in a maze of buildings and stony
pavements. The sights to see in Male are the artificial beach, the new
Friday Mosque, Sultan's Park, a small museum and Jumhoree Square. There
are various shops to buy stuff and places to grab a bite and drink (not
alcohol because it's banned).
The resorts
Every resort is unique for certain features and has certain
advantages over others but all have their original kind of style and
grace. The further you get from the capital, the more greener are the
islands. This is rather true because the islands located near the
capital are more industrialised and look more grey smoky than green
clean. So make sure you decide on the best resorts before embarking on
your journey. The top five resorts in the Maldives are Kurumba (North
Male Atoll), One and only Kanuhura (Lhaviyani Atoll), Coco Palm Resort &
Spa (Baa Atoll), Kuramathi (Rasdhoo Atoll) and a delightful one Meeru
Island Resort (North Male Atoll) which is a three- to five-star
(depending on room type) resort which is relaxed, casual and friendly. A
stay at Meeru is great fun. Snorkelling, diving, kayaking, wind-surfing
and many water sports are offered for guests with highlights of fine
dining and spa treatment to help you unwind and soothe your soul.
The People
Maldivians are generally good people with a charismatic personality
but since most are Muslims do not expect the women to make much small
talk here. However, for help and assistance, they are rather friendly.
It is rather sad to know that youth unemployment is present but with the
new government, a change will be made soon as many foreign investors
have been invited to come to Maldives.
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