Located in the Indian ocean, Maldives was a hidden secret for the rest of the world for a long time. .A beautiful string of low-lying coral islands in the Ocean, a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and sun seekers alike. Maldives islands are developing briskly to become an increasingly popular long-haul destination. The country's 26 natural atolls offer nautical delights from night-fishing trips, windsurfing and scuba-diving. Many islands embrace enormous lagoons, where bright blue-green water laps. Perhaps the ultimate in long haul luxury, the Maldives is currently enjoying incredible growth again having bounced back from a series of disasters in the past few years including the coral bleaching wrought by elNiño and the horror of the 2004 tsunami. Indeed, so superior are its beaches, so cobalt blue its waters and so warm its welcome that the country has become a byword for paradise whether it be for honeymooners, sun worshippers or divers. Maldives are a series of ancient coral reefs that grew up around the sides of towering prehistoric volcanoes. These immense structures have long since sunk into the ocean, leaving behind coral islands of incredible natural beauty, now themselves being colonized by travelers seeking unbridled pampering and romance, Male, the capital of Maldives is the only major urban point in the country. Not only the major shopping areas but most government buildings and agencies are located on the waterfront of Male. Malé International Airport is on adjacent Hulhule Island which includes a seaplane base for internal transportation. Several land reclamation projects have expanded the harbor. The island is heavily urbanized, with the city taking up essentially its entire landmass. Slightly less than one third of the nation's population lives in the capital city. Many, if not most, Maldivian and foreign workers in Maldives find themselves in occasional short term residence on the island since it is the only entry point to the nation and the centre of all administration and bureaucracy.

 

The town is divided into four divisions; Henveiru, Galolhu, Maafannu and Macchangolhi. The nearby island of Vilingili, formerly a tourist resort and prior to that a prison, is the fifth division (Male'viligili) considered by the government. The Maldives surprisingly is a costly destination.There are hardly and backpackers to be found roaming around the island. Even the folk here on budget packages are fairly well heeled, and don't fool yourself even if you do get a cheap flight and accommodation deal, unless it's full board you'll spend almost as much again on food and drink during your stay. While it's possible to say that costs are high. it's hard to be much more specific, mainly because two travelers can pay vastly different sums for the same deal at the same resort due to how they book one travel agent may have an excellent deal on the room rate, another a far worse one, while an FIT will just have to pay whatever rate they are quoted directly by the resort reservations service. For those with a modest budget, the best deal is a full board or all-inclusive package including certain drinks, both alcoholic and non that includes flights and transfers. While it's still a lot of money, you'll spend almost nothing during your stay. The Republic of Maldives consists of about 1,190 low-lying coral islands of which only 200 are inhabited. Most of the inhabited islands are covered by lush tropical vegetation and palm trees while the numerous uninhabited islands, some of which are mere sand spits or coral tips, are covered in shrubs. Each island is surrounded by a reef enclosing a shallow lagoon. Hundreds of these islands together with other coral growth form an atoll, surrounding a lagoon. All the islands are low-lying, none more than 7ft above sea level.

There is no dearth of places of tourist interest. If you had enough of walking around Male city then you may opt for art and admire the superb collection of artifacts, including Sultans thrones and palanquins, in Male's National Museum, located in Sultan's Park. You may even opt for some aerial sightseeing and photo flights for an astonishing glimpse of the islands and a blue panorama. Go and have a look at the beautiful 17th-century Hukuru -Friday Mosque in Malé. The Islamic Centre, topped with a magnificent golden dome, is worth a visit. There are over 20 mosques scattered around the capital. If you are not short of money, then shop for local arts and crafts. Baa Atoll is one of the few places where traditional techniques are still practised. Malé, the capital, also has several markets of fresh and wholesome food produce for those wanting to sample local fare.