Maldives | Travel Guide

1. Malé 

Located on the southern edge of Kaafu Atoll, the North Malé Atoll is the largest city and the most popular destination among the best places to visit in Maldives. It used to be called ‘Mahal’ for being the abode of the ‘Royal Dynasties’ and is now famous as the King’s Island. Malé has a tropical monsoon climate with rains occurring through most months in the year. The best thing about Male is its consistently moderate temperature, round the year. Major attractions at Malé include visiting the Grand Friday Mosque, scuba diving and snorkelling, strolling around the Malé Fish Market, visiting Malé’s National Museum and the Tsunami Monument, and riding underwater scooters.

2. Nalaguraidhoo Island

Also famous as the Sun Island, Nalaguraidhoo Island in South Ari Atoll is adorned with some stunning beaches, beautiful tropical flowers, and lavish greenery that pulls a great number of tourists wanting to bask in the lap of nature. With its extremely charming blue waters, sparkling beaches and fabulous resorts, the island guarantees immense joy to its guests. Given its serenity and beauty, it is the perfect escape for honeymooners and lovelorn couples. The Sun Island also offers interesting activities such as diving, snorkelling, and windsurfing.

3. Banana Reef

Located in North Malé Atoll, Banana Reef is globally renowned for being one of the best diving sites in the world. It was, in fact, the very first diving spot in Maldives to get recognition for licensed diving and training. Shaped like a banana, the reef is choc-a-block with exuberant marine life, fantastic corals, amazing cliffs, overhangs, and caves. And thanks to the myriad adventure activities here, it is one of the favorite places to visit in Maldives for the adventure junkies.

4. Alimatha Island

Sitting on the eastern edge of Maldives, Alimatha Island is located in Vaavu Atoll. With its azure, crystal clear waters — apt for diving, snorkeling and boating, the island is a perfect spot for a family vacation and for honeymoon too. Volleyball matches in the sun-kissed beaches and the dazzling sand, here, are great fun. The Ayurvedic massage centre, spa, bars, and restaurants make it a revitalising option among the popular tourist places in Maldives. If you arrive in Alimatha Island, you are recommended to visit Miyaru Kandu, Fotte Kandu, and the Alimatha Aquatic Resort.

5. Artificial Beach

Situated in North Malé Atoll, this beach is what its name tells you – artificial. It is the favorite haunt of the swimming enthusiasts among the top places to visit in Maldives. The Artificial Beach is an open area and has certain restrictions for clothing as per the local law. The beach also hosts several carnivals, water sports, and peaceful walks. The evenings here turn beautiful as music groups gather to jam and perform.



6. HP Reef

Stationed in North Malé Atoll, HP Reef, also known as the Girifushi Thila, is among the top-rated tourist attractions in Maldives. It is a protected marine location that witnesses widespread presence of a variety of marine creatures. From small, harmful and colorful fishes to multi-hued corals, caves and overhangs — the sea here is bustling with the vivacity of marine life. With utmost care, the marine beings are protected here while making sure that ardent swimmers and divers only spring into waters when it is completely secure. HP Reef is also an ideal location for diving and underwater photography.



7. Fihalhohi Island


Fihalhohi Island, situated at the South Kaafu Atoll in Malé, is one of the most attractive and gorgeous places in Maldives to spend your hard earned holidays. The island is beautifully surrounded with shady coconut palm trees, pristine beaches, and clear waters. You must visit this island if you are looking for a romantic getaway or planning your honeymoon.



8. Utheemu Ganduvaru


Located in the Northern part of Maldives, Utheemu is a small island that resembles a small green jellyfish. One of the historical significant tourist places in Maldives, it is the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu — revered  in Maldivian history for chasing away Portuguese intruders. The place has got a monument in its name — Utheemu Ganduvaru, a heritage building that you must see. Home of the Sultan Mohamed, this palace is made of wood and a major tourist attraction in Maldives.


9. Biyadhoo Island


Another popular island among the best places to visit in Maldives, the Biyadhoo Island is stationed in South Malé Atoll. Spread over ten acres of land, it is around 18 miles away from South Malé International Airport and has Makunufushi Island in close proximity. The island has abundant vegetation of bananas, coconuts and mangoes along with cucumbers, cabbage and tomatoes. It is popular for its sparkling waters and adventurous water sports and hence got the name — ‘the Scuba-diving Island’.


10. Veligandu Island


Located in North Ari Atoll, Veligandu Island is a reasonably small island. But in spite of being small, it has its own glory for vacationers. The island is filled with astonishing greenery that provides immense serenity in this land of shimmering waters. Also, the lagoons here provide great opportunities for diving and snorkeling. Being in close proximity to a fishing village, the island also promises to serve you delicious food.
Source: Arpita Mathur, Travel Triangle

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