With pristine beaches and clear waters, Maldives offers a unique escape for all those who can afford it
Thirty miles southwest of India, is the beautiful string of tens of hundreds of low-lying islands called Maldives. Surrounded by the serene waters of the Indian Ocean, the country comprises of 1190 islands of which only ninety are inhibited. Another hundred are resorts. Thus, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Maldives’ 17.7 per cent national income is generated by tourism. The second largest earner being fishing that contributes 14 per cent.
To accommodate the hundreds of thousands of tourist that pour onto the beaches of this island nation, Maldives offers a variety of accommodation. Choices vary from a wide range of resort islands to various types of cruising vessels; there is something for everyone. But a preference for peace and love for nature is essential. At the same time, I would like to offer a tip to first time tourists.
Most of the far off islands (far from the capital Male) are just resorts on their own and do not have any regular means of transportation to the capital and the airport. So be prepared and get an advance booking of transport with the package otherwise it may cost you a fortune. For example, a one way journey of 45-minutes by speedboat may cost $100 or more!
However, within the city of Male, accommodation and transport is not a problem. Rents range from $10 to $60 per night for a comfortable air conditioned, well furnished room. There are dozens of sailing and motorboats that flock the city all day everyday.
The Maldivian currency, rufiyaa is pretty stable and is valued at 12.78 rufiyaa’s to a dollar. However, most of the resorts accept payments in dollars and via credit cards.
Beaches are no doubt one of the reasons for Maldives popularity as a major tourist destination. The other is the country’s absolutely fabulous weather. Calm surroundings of Indian Ocean kiss the beaches with a rhythm and music of their own. We stayed at the island resort of Rannalhi which resembled more like a village. Dotted by single story buildings the beach was at times just a few yards away. Its lagoon was surrounded by crystal clear water gradually changing its colour from transparent to turquoise blue and then to light sky blue.
Nevertheless there are other beaches as well where one can enjoy thrill sports like jet skiing. Diving and snorkelling are also a favourite pastime for many. Getting an opportunity to see different types of fish and corals in the Indian Ocean is one of rare views that attracts divers from all over the world, all year round. Who knows when they might come across a dolphin or a shark and see the magnificence of nature unfold in front of their eyes.
Snorkelling and whispering to the serene waves is something a tourist like me loves to do. The underwater treasure is so different and fascinating that it feels like a dream. But one has to be very careful, a true peace lover, calm and very generous, when entering this amazing world. Only then can you come across dozens of assorted coloured corals and different fish. While snorkelling, I saw a transparent fish hidden under a purple leaf. I could even see her beautiful spine running all along her body. Her eyes were shining. Suddenly a big crab swam past me, the beast holding a wriggling starfish in its claws and mouth. My eyes bulged out and mouth, unconsciously, opened. I swallowed bucket loads of salt water and surfaced coughing. But I didn’t mind this at all as I had just witnessed the mysterious and wonder depths of the underwater world.
About places of interest in Male, there’s the golden-domed Grand Friday Mosque or Masjid-al-Sultan Mohammad Thakurufaanu. Jurnhoore Maidan is a public square and a favourite meeting place. Bandos Island is only 30 minutes away from the airport and is popular with visiting diplomats and other VIPs. Embudu village in Kaafu is south of Male and is best known for its glorious reefs surroundings.
The central atolls are Alifu, Vaavu, Meemu and Laamu etc. They have much to offer in the way of scenic, historic and cultural tours. Hulhudheli is famous for jewellery making. Baa, Ras and Haa Dhaalu are amongst some of the popular northern atolls. It is a 45-minute helicopter ride from the international airport. There is a big fish-processing factory. Thulaadhoo is known for wood carving. From Baa to Raa it is a 60km long chain of islands. It is home to the master boat builders and carpenters of Maldives. Noonu is famous for its series of reefs and kaleidoscopic marine life. Diving enthusiasts love to visit the isolated 25m long reef that sits in Haa region.
Alas the wonderful time we were having came to an end. As our plane took off, I peered out of the window and the islands looked like a garland of emeralds with their beaches surrounded by sugary sand crystals. The turquoise blue water changed their colour into deep blue and then they finally disappeared in dark.
But despite its natural wonders, Maldives is not all that great for a number of those serving the tourists; workers like Sunita, a massager and the only female employee in Rannalhi. A Sri Lankan she complained that her one year contract did not pay her enough to enable her to take the expensive taxi-boat ride to Male and hangout. Loneliness was something that really got to her. I asked her if she would like to continue after the present stint. She smiled sadly and said, “Key sara sara! (the future is not ours!).”
With pristine beaches and clear waters, Maldives offers a unique escape for all those who can afford it 
