Top 11 reasons to visit Maldives: Culture, Art and Experience
Privacy, peace, and calmness are just a few words that describe the Maldives, and they would not even be enough! Maybe if you add perfection, you would come closer to describing the Maldives. If you’re looking for the top 11 reasons to visit the Maldives, you’d never find them because there’s every reason to visit. Ask experienced tourists; they’d tell you that the Maldives is like a virus – once you’re infected, you’d be saving up to experience the Maldives again!
The Maldives is a nation of about 1192 islands stretched across 871 kilometers, with a population of 523,787. Yes, the Maldives is a small country, and most of it is water (about 99% of it). Although the Maldives is attractive to tourists because it primarily exists in water, it is also a disadvantage because the country’s development is limited due to its position. Tourism is, therefore, a significant source of economic gain.
There are so many reasons to visit the Maldives, and to be honest, none of them is an exaggeration. If you’re still considering whether to take the plunge or not, here are the Top 11 reasons to visit the Maldives: Culture, Art, and Experience
Facts about the Maldives
Here are a few facts to convince you to make the Maldives your next holiday destination:
1. The Maldives is the flattest and lowest nation in the world. On average, the ground level across the country is a mere 4 feet and 11 inches. Unfortunately, this means that Maldivians will be the first to face the danger of rising sea levels if this ever occurs.
2. The first nation to hold an underwater cabinet meeting was the Maldives. This event was to bring to the world an awareness of the danger of global warming and rising sea levels.
3. Maldivians love tuna and coconuts. So whenever there are visitors, the natives would welcome them with a serving of fresh coconut drink.
4. 99% of the 115 square miles that make up Maldivian territory is water. The Maldives is the smallest Asian country.
5. Islam is its major religion. As a result, alcohol and pork are forbidden on the mainland. But the resorts can serve alcohol legally, so not to worry.
Top 11 reasons to visit the Maldives
In the Maldives, beauty is not only above the water but also below it. Here are the top 11 reasons why you should visit the Maldives.
#1. The Maldives Islands – perfect for getaways
Number one of the top 11 reasons to visit the Maldives is the more than a thousand coral islands that are grouped around each other, each with its unique character.
Here are some of the popular islands with their luxury resorts and natural beauty.
- Biyadhoo Island:Â for the best scuba diving experience
- Maafushi Island:Â for tourists who want to have a truly Maldivian experience
- Kuredu Island:Â best known for underwater dining
- Fulidhoo Island:Â for couples and honeymooners
- Conrad Rangali Island:Â known for its underwater bedrooms
#2. The Maldive’s exceptional cuisine
A typical native Maldivian breakfast is the ‘mas huni’ – a fresh and sweet mixture of tuna, coconut, onion, and chili. This is accompanied by ‘roshi’ and ‘sai’ (black tea). Native Maldivian dishes are hot and spicy, and their dishes are served with rice. You will enjoy native dishes like Garudhiya (fish soup) and Huni Roshi (coconut flatbread). A favorite beverage is Kurumba (coconut juice), a refreshing drink served on all the islands.
#3. The Culture and language of the Maldives
The Maldivian culture combines Indian, Persian, Indonesian, Malaysian, Arabian, Sri Lankan, and African reflections. The Maldives was inhabited thousands of years ago by people from India and Sri Lanka and traders from Arab and South Africa. Some time ago in their history, Hinduism and Buddhism were their cultures until finally, the country accepted the Muslim faith. As a result, the Maldivian language, known as the Dhivehi, combines many influences. Some common Dhivehi phrases are:
- “Assalaamu alaikum (Hello)
- “Kihineh? (How are you?)
- “Shukuriyyaa (Thank you)
#4. Heritage Sites of the Maldives
There are many religious monuments and historical ruins spanning the local islands. There are copper plates, mosques, and temples. Shipwrecks and boats sunk along trade routes tell their own stories of pirates on the islands and probably slave trades. The Maldives capital – the city of Male – has a heritage site called the Old Friday Mosque.
#5. Experience the Dance of the Maldives when you visit Maldives
The Maldives is incomplete without its native dances! If you’d like to see a different Maldives, visit during Eid celebrations (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha). Apart from the high spirits and the air of celebration, you will see the dance and culture of the Maldives. Boduberu is one of the traditional Maldivian dances you should witness, performed by the men, with traditional African drums and singing and dancing.
Another popular Maldivian dance is the Bandiya, this time performed by the women during Eid. Again, the women dance with traditional water collecting containers, all rhythmic and synchronized.
#6. Family holidays in the Maldives
Some islands are perfect for family outings and relaxation. Some resorts have shallow lagoon waters, children’s clubs with splash parks, and other fun events like treasure hunts.
The Dhigali Maldives is a good resort for families.
#7. The Maldives for nature lovers
You can’t be anywhere else but the Maldives if you’re a nature lover. The country has the best beaches in the world, with clear blue waters and white sand. The marine life is rich with rare species of fish and water animals. The sky is so blue, and the greenery is so green. It’s the stuff that postcards are made of! Even if you have nothing to do but curl up your feet and gaze at the distant shores, the gentle breeze from the oceans and the palms whisper will surely send you to sleep if you’re not careful. Sometimes, looking deep enough, you may catch a glimpse of a shark winking up at you. If you head to the oceans, you may see playful dolphins teasing you with their elusive presence.
#8. Privacy, Peace, Calmness in the Maldives
These are on the list of the top 11 reasons to visit the Maldives. If you wish to escape the busyness of life, the hustle and bustle of the city, and the continuous noise of vehicles and official meetings, try the Maldives. Try the Maldives for privacy, with every resort on a private island. Try it for peace, without the corruption of petty thefts and gun-wielding criminals. Finally, try the Maldives for calmness, where you can be one with nature and your environment.
#9. Meet the true Maldivians
The local Island of Thoddoo is a typical local island where you can meet the natives and enjoy the Maldivian culture. Here, you can enjoy fresh fruit juices and vegetable salads because the island is one of the major exporters of fruits and vegetables. Although Thoddoo island does not have bars, you will enjoy beautiful evenings with the locals singing and playing their drums. Your experience of the Maldives would not be complete without an invitation to dinner at the home of a friendly native.
#10. Visit the glowing beach of the Maldives
Located on Vaadhoo Island, the glowing beach is a phenomenon you can’t miss. This remarkable event is caused by an outburst of bioluminescent organisms that make the beach look like a million stars fell on it. And when the sand is washed up to the shores by the waves, it starts to glow too. Although this phenomenon is not a regular occurrence, you’ll most likely catch it during the summer and the period leading up to winter.
#11. Visit the Maldives for a taste of luxury
If none of the other ten reasons are good enough, then visit the Maldives for the sheer luxury of it. There are luxurious resorts and private islands scattered all over the country. If you want to experience fairy tales like bedrooms in the ocean and five-star resorts, there are places like that in the Maldives. If you can afford it, consider island hopping to get a feel of as many islands as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Tourist Visa to the Maldives?
You can get a Visa on Arrival at the Maldives airport. You must come along with your passport and proof of accommodation. The Maldives VoA is a thirty-day free visa issued to everyone with a return ticket and 150USD per day for expenses. You can get additional information from the Maldives Immigration website.
Why should I visit Maldives?
You cannot compare the Maldives to any other country in the world. Its islands are unique and private, and it has a fascinating topography. Therefore, the Maldives cannot be adequately described unless you visit.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
The best time to visit the Maldives depends on your purpose for visiting. However, March to October is surfing season, and the resorts are the cheapest. May to November is when you experience rain and storms, with cloudy skies and high humidity. At this time, prices are lower, and people are fewer. If you’re working with a budget, September is the best time to go because resorts offer discounts.
How can I live in the Maldives?
It is possible to live in the Maldives if you have a work visa or a resident visa (by marrying a Maldivian). Another way is to have a Dependent Visa, requested by your spouse who lives in the country. However, the Maldives has little land, and as a result, accommodation is scarce and expensive.
Is the Maldives a safe country to visit?
The Maldives is like any other country, with petty thefts and pickpockets, especially in the city of Male. But if you don’t flaunt your possessions, you’ll be fine.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking of where to go for a vacation, you can visit Maldives for a life-changing experience. With the top 11 reasons to visit, you’re well prepared for your journey to another world.
Read other interesting topics on the Work Study Visa website.
