Go Beyond The Beach In The Maldives

Best known for its bone-white beaches, luminous blue water and palm trees gently swaying in the wind, the Maldives is the ultimate beach destination, to say the least. However, if you venture beyond its fantastic beaches and delve deeper into its history and culture, you'll soon realise that there is so much more to this resort-country than just luxury hotels and fantastic beaches. Here are some of the slightly more unconventional things you can do in the Maldives.

Explore Male

When you're landing in Velana International Airport, the country's main international airport, along with the turquoise waters you'll notice the capital city/island— Male. This small island is only 6.8km long and is filled to the brim with tall colourful building, making the city look as though it's been built from lego! Despite its size, there are over 100,000 people who reside in the capital city and there are a number of historical activities you can do here. Take a day and wander through the streets of Male.

Visit The National Museum

Found in Malde, the National Museum of the Maldives has various artefacts on display depicting its long, and surprisingly vibrant, history. Most of Maldivian ancient history is told from copper plates, ancient scripts carved on coral artefacts and different traditions. It is believed that Buddhism was spread to the Maldives in the 3rd century BC, during the time of Emperor Ashoka of India's expansion. The country was a Buddhist kingdom till the 12th century AD when Arab traders' influence became more prominent in the region. Along with the historical and religious artefacts, there is also a 6m long skeleton of a Longman's Beaked Whale on display.

Go On A Sunset Cruise

While this is technically a seaside activity, it is a must when you’re in the country and it will make you fall even more in love with the Maldives! The sunsets here somehow seem warmer and more vibrant; as the sunset sets the whole world is bathed in a golden glow and each ripple in the sea seems magnified because of the evening shadows, it is truly mesmerizing. Watch the glowing sun sink into the horizon of the Indian Ocean while the waves gently sway your dhoni, a great way to start your evening in the Maldives.

Watch A Boduberu Dance Performance 

The Boduberu Dance is an art form which dates back to the 11th century. This traditional Maldivian dance has many similarities to dances originating from East and South-West Africa, signifying that African sailors must have visited these isles. The dance retinue is made up of about 15 people, one lead singer, drummers and some other traditional instruments. Most resorts similar to Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives have a Boduberu Dance performance on some evenings and it is a treat, both visually and auditorily.

Try The Local Cuisine 

As you’d expect, the Maldives has excellent seafood, but much of the cuisine is made up of three main ingredients: fish, coconut and starches. Most of the local dishes are curries, similar to those found in Minicoy, India. There are some interesting dishes you should try, here are the top 3:

- Masroshi: a chapati stuffed with smoked tuna, shredded coconut, chile and lime juice.

- Boshi Mashuni: banana flower salad.

- Garudhiya: fragrant fish soup.

Drop By The Old Friday Mosque  

Male is home to about 35 mosques, and the oldest mosque is the Old Friday Mosque. The mosque is the tallest monument in Male and it is said to have been built on the site of a Buddhist temple. The mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the structure is made from coral. This is one of the most ornate and sacred sites in Male, however, please keep in mind that you may not be able to enter the mosque. Nevertheless, it is still an interesting site to visit.