The Maldives – The Exotic North and Paradisical South
The Maldives, a nation of Islands is southwest of Sri Lanka on the Equator. Yearly sunshine makes this destination a great place to visit at any time of the year. A relaxed paradise, where the art of ‘chilling out’ is the name of the game for tourists and the approx 280,000 Maldivian’s alike. Picture postcard settings, with turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and guaranteed sunshine where romance is etched into this honeymoon destination of 1,190 coral islands of which 202 are inhabited and 87 are exclusive resorts.
While the Maldives were affected by both El Nino and the 2004 Tsunami, they have bounced back, and there is no time better to visit as development of these amazing islands is rapidly gaining pace. The beaches and coral reefs are sublime in their beauty as is the marine life below. Clean, remote and untouched, for many these islands offer a glimpse of what many tourist destinations looked like before the ravages of mass tourism. Situated in the Indian Ocean, the capital of ‘Male’ been the most modern, tourism is booming. While most Maldivian’s pertain to a strong Muslim faith, they have a more relaxed view to cultural differences when visiting their country. It is important especially when visiting towns for women to dress moderately in respect of their faith.
The Maldives are famous for its rich marine life, and no more so than the islands of the southern Atolls. The southern Maldivian town of Addu Atoll is the economic and administrative heart of the southern islands while Male is its northern rival. With only 28,000 of the 270,000 population covering seven islands this is a great destination for independent travellers, Gan is a great budget destination to stay, where you can jump on your bike and explore the different islands, three in all via a causeway. The untouched south is becoming a serious tourist contender as the northern area of the Maldives is becoming congested in both population and tourist spots.
Dive sites in the south of Huvadhoo Kandooo, the one a half degree channel are gaining momentum as is the surfing spots of Gaff Dhall. The newly built airport in the town of Gan, an old British naval base allows direct access to the south and is now taking flights from Europe and has daily connections from the airport at Male.
The country, a collection of tiny scattered islands, some measuring a couple of kilometres are renowned for their idyllic palm fringed beaches and world class resorts, incredible diving and snorkelling experiences. The southern atolls have made this destination a world class surfing spot with waves, breaks and waters in perfect harmony for ensuring the best surfing experience. Cruising boats are the best way to explore these majestic islands, from daily trips to longer haul, charter to private, specialised trips from surfing, diving to just exploring. North, the Maldives are exotic, expensive and gloriously sunny, but the southern Maldives and the Southern Atolls offers some of us a chance of paradise at somewhat real prices.