Maldives – the name itself invites craving in most people. Its exotic beaches and insanely opulent resorts had for many years, made the archipelago one of the most popular holiday destination for many international celebrities and millionaires. It also anointed itself as the ‘Ideal honeymoon destination.’
But all that is history, let’s move on to the present. While planning for an inexpensive family holiday on the internet, I stumbled upon Maldives in one of the pages. However, in spite of strong desire to go there, the stereotyped image of the country made me ignore it in the first glance.
The search continued and I zeroed in on a couple of places. But, due to some strange reason, the next day, I decided to check the flight prices to Maldives. And to my pleasant surprise, I found that flights were available from INR 5000 from Kochi (the date of journey was after one month). This gave me some inspiration to research more on Maldives.
Dad doesn’t own a gold mine? No problem
In my research, I discovered Maldives is no longer restricted to the filthy rich. It’s a visa-on -arrival destination for Indian passport holders. Also, a number of affordable guest houses and hotels have recently cropped up in many isles, offering alluring packages. More info on the guest houses is available at www.guesthouses-in-maldives.net. No, you don’t get the feel of a plush resort, but these guest houses pamper you enough that your family would thank you for the vacation.
I booked a package by one such guest house, which included food, private beach and daily activities including snorkelling, night fishing, sand bank visit etc. If you wish to witness the luxuries offered by the famed resorts, some packages include a resort visit too. Almost all kinds of water sports are available at Maldives, for which you will probably have to pay extra. Snorkelling is, however, included in most packages.
While my sister and I enjoyed snorkelling, our parents had a great time with night fishing and sand bank visits.
Out of the 200 inhabited islands of Maldives, I chose to visit Maafushi – simply because my guest house was located there. The speed boat transport from Male (where the airport is located) to the island (or any island) is not to be missed. The boat leaps over each curve of the waves, and this complimented by the sea breeze, makes up an energetic welcome gesture by the country. A much cheaper ferry service is also available, which I opted while returning to Male.
Hover over the Coral Kingdom
The island itself is so small that you can walk around it in less than an hour. Embellished with colourful souvenir shops and hotels, the walk around the island is a pleasant one. It also offers a soothing environment for some casual private conversation with family (which hardly happens these days).
However, the highlight of Maldives is out there, in the sea. This is perhaps the best place for snorkelling and scuba diving. You can confirm there is something wrong with your mental state if you don’t feel like crying in joy, the moment you dip your head inside the water.
It was through those teary eyes that I witnessed some of the most fabulous sights I’ve ever seen in my life. Vibrant marine beings of every shades and hues fly around you in groups, above corals of every imaginable and unimaginable shapes, making you feel like Gulliver of a magical marine Lilliput. From octopuses to sting rays, you get a close up of many aquatic creatures that you only dreamt of seeing for real. You would feel like meditating in the middle of the sea, with no trace of land in any direction.
For this experience alone, it’s worth making a trip to Maldives. We were four members and a child, and we stayed there for four nights. The trip totally cost us about INR 1.4 lakh including travel, in spite of having five members.