Scattered across the equator across the Indian Ocean, the pearl like
islands of the Maldives depicts the rare vision of a tropical
paradise. Palm fringed islands with sparkling white beaches.
Turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and corals reefs teeming with
abundant varieties of marine fauna and flora, continue to fascinate
visitors as it has fascinated other in past, for thousand of years.
Marco Polo referred to the Maldives as the flower of the
Indies and Ibn Batuta referred to the Maldives as one of the
wonders of the world.
Truly a natural wonder, the height of the islands rarely reach
above two metres. The 1,192 islands consist of 27 atoll formations,
spread over 90,000 square kilometres. The Maldive atolls are a
classic discovery in their own right: the word atoll is derived
from Dhivehi, the Maldivian language, from the word atholhu.
The islands are surrounded by shallow crystal clear lagoon enclosed
by coral reefs. The unique islands provide visitors with one of the
most breath taking views of underwater life in the world. Formed
above peaks emerging from the depths of the ocean, upon layers of
both living and dead coral, and remnant of other marine life, the
islands are generally covered with dense tropical vegetation.
Coconut palms towering above dense shrubs and hardly plants
protecting the shores from erosion are natural features in most
islands. These islands together embody living entities in various
stage of formation. As interdependent elements in ecology, in a
food chain where birds, fish and other marine life co-exist, with
humans at its apex as caretakers for centuries.
Measuring 820 kilometres north to south and 120 kilometres east to
west at its greatest width, the closest neighbours are India and
Sri Lanka. With a population 270,110 ( 2000 official estimate),
only 199 islands are inhabited 87 islands are set aside exclusively
for tourist resort development.
There are plenty of things to do in the Maldives. You can take a
diving safari where you can visit inhabited islands (fishing
villages), resorts and uninhabited islands. Even if you are not a
diver, or a honeymooner, there are cultural shows, excursions to
Malé, night fishing, barbecues (subject to weather and length of
stay) to keep you entertained. It is possible to visit a local
inhabited island and see their simple life style in harmony with
nature also you will get the opportunity to see some of the typical
daily chores carried by the simple island forks while other maybe
involved in building a wooden local dhoni boat or weaving rope etc.
Sultan Mosque
A typical resort, this one is the Laguna Beach Resort
Some people like the big game fishing and night fishing where you
can usually go to an uninhabited island to have a barbecue after
the fishing.
If you are interested in visiting the Maldives, Mr Muaz Adnan would
be only too happy to advise you and make any travel arrangements
and bookings for you. He can be contacted by e-mail on: muazadnan2002@yahoo.com