Just southwest of Sri Lanka on the equator, the Maldives is a collection of 1,190 coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretching around 820 kilometres north to south and 120 kilometres east to west, 202 of the islands are inhabited and 87 are exclusive resort islands.

A geological phenomenon in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives offer an idyllic holiday destination for honeymooners, sun worshippers and divers. From the modern spot of Male to the underground world at Fushifaru Thila, there is something to keep everyone happy.

Maldivian holidays introduce you to a world of warm blue waters and swaying palm trees. As the weather is warm all year round you will probably want to make the most of the great outdoors, whether it's by taking a boat trip to sand spits in the Indian Ocean or getting your diving gear on and heading underwater.

Fushifaru Thila is a popular diving site where manta rays, barracudas, sharks, and turtles can be easily spotted. The soft coral of the reef is home to sweetlip, snapper and fusilier. At its shallowest point the reef lies in only about 10 metres of water so this spot is suitable for beginners.

Maa Kandu and Kuda Kandu are noteworthy as they have both survived coral bleaching. The coral here is the best to be found in the country.

If you are visiting the Maldives between May and September than head to Ari Atoll to see the world's largest fish go about their aquatic life.

Last but not least for the divers, Kudarah Thila is a world class dive site where the spectacular thila formations attract visitors from all around the world.

If you fancy sampling a bit of history then set out for Isdhoo. The origins of the Maldivian people are shrouded in mystery but archaeological evidence suggests that Hinduism and Buddhism were in place before the country embraced Islam in 1153 A.D.

Buddhist remains from the Maldives' pre-Islamic past have been impressively excavated at Isdhoo and it is well worth a visit if you are in the area.

A trip to the Maldives wouldn't be the same without visiting Male. Male is the modern face of the Maldives and this thriving capital is quite unlike anywhere else in the country. Head to the Males traditional hotaa teashops to sample hedhikaa, the Maldivian equivalent of dim sum.

If you fancy sampling a taste of authentic Male life you could head to the daily fish and produce markets. Refreshing coconuts, juicy papaya and a smorgasbord of fish make this a unique experience.

Whilst in Male it is worth taking a trip to the National Museum where you can ogle at ancient stone heads. For a sneak at Males and Maldvies history also visit the Islamic Centre and the 17th-century Hukuru Miskiiy, both in Male.

If you fancy starting your Maldivian adventure in the capital then you can get direct flights to Male and explore the intricacies from there.

The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.

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