It’s a dream of many (including myself), to visit the Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean (with 26 atolls!). Most people head to the Maldive Islands because of the natural beauty, the opportunity for water sports, the culture, and, of course, relaxing in luxury. A journey here is a sure bet, weather-wise – there’s an average daily temperature of 84 degrees. Note that the rainy season (April-October) will have a few hours of rain each day. Visiting during the dry season (October-March) is better – the best time to visit is December and January.

Wikimedia Commons: Uxbona

There are 107 islands in the Malé Atoll, ten of which are inhabited.  Many of the other islands have become tourist resorts. Malé International Airport (MLE) is located on Hulhule Island. With so much to see and do, where to start? Here are some fun things to do in North Malé Atoll, Maldives:

Wikimedia Commons: Russavia, adapted by Wandering Educators

Culture and Religion

Visit Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque). It was made in 1656, from local coral stone – the first mosque to be built in the Maldives after the conversion to Islam. The oldest mosque in the country, you can see beautiful wood carvings, a coral stone minaret, and precious art. Please dress appropriately.

Visit the Grand Friday Mosque (Masjid-al Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu-al-A'z'am). It is the largest mosque in the Maldives, and opened in 1984. It is enormous, and has a noteworthy golden dome and quite recognizable minaret. You can see beautiful coral engravings, tombs of local heroes and royalty, and artwork galore.

History

Be sure to explore Malé ’s National Museum. It is located in Sultan’s Park (save time to walk the gardens). While most of the ancient relics from the Maldives have been destroyed, there are still some interesting things to see.

Visit Thakurufaanu’s tomb in the Bihuroazu Kamanaa Miskiiy compound, for a taste of history.

Visit the Old Cemetery – I love seeing these, and how different cultures honor their dead.

Theemuge, the site of the former presidential palace, is a must see. You can tour the luxurious inside – a huge swimming pool, gold-plated toilets, and more.

Wikimedia Commons: Nevit Dilmen

Go Local

For local art, visit the Esjehi Art Gallery, housed in one of the oldest buildings on the island.

Smell your way through the Malé Fish Market, and the Local Market (fruits, vegetables, etc.), located across the street.

Panoramic Malé Fish Market. Wikimedia Commons: Hansueli Krapf

Water

I’ve saved the best for last. There is SO much to do in and around the water, including diving, snorkeling, surfing, various boat rides (banana boat, sailing, catamaran, sunset cruise, sumbarine tours, etc.), dolphin tours, fishing, lounging on the white sandy beach, and more.

The most popular dive spots include Banana Reef, HP Reef, Hans Hass Place, Kuda Haa, Makunundhoo Kandu, Maldives Victory Wreck, Nassimo Thila, Okobe Thila, and Rasfari Island.

Banana Reef. Wikimedia Commons: Michel Royon

Where to stay

Located on the Island of White Gold, the Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi is set on 83 acres. The Ocean villas are incredible, and the location is superb.

Wikimedia Commons: Nevit Dilmen

Currency

The local currency is the Rufiyaa.

Learn more at about the Maldives at their official Tourism Website: http://www.visitmaldives.com/en