Where in the World are the Maldives?
In keeping with this week’s theme of Geography Awareness, I continue with my exploration of travel destinations on all seven continents. Yesterday was Antarctica, and today, I head off for Asia. . . and the Maldives.
The Maldives (more officially the Republic of Maldives), is located in the Indian Ocean south of India and southwest of Sri Lanka. It is an island nation, the smallest smallest of the Asian countries in terms of population, and is home to spectacular beaches.
Tourism plays a key part of the Maldive economy, and the country now boasts luxurious tropical resorts. A typical resort is situated on a private lagoon, and often a private island. Many times lodging will consists of a building on stilts in the middle of the water, or a cottage on a sandy beach. The water is that beautiful azure color we typically see only in travel brochures, and that the Maldivians see every day.
What’s there to do? While rest and relaxation is often high on the list, daily activities center around the beach and the water — swimming, fishing, snorkeling, windsurfing, etc. Maldives is a highly ranked diving destination.
Many of the Maldives resorts are built on private islands, and daily rates there would feed a family for longer than I care to think about. While the island hires local workers, these workers do not live on the resort island itself, thus perpetuating a huge chasm between the “haves” and “have nots.”
Still, the government is attempting to protect the delicate balance of nature, if not of its people, by promoting ecotourism and enacting laws that protect the natural flora and fauna of the country.
Maldives may be a politically incorrect destination, but its topical beauty still calls to me. It’s quite a trek from Seattle, about a two day trip, but I’d love to wake up, open my door, jump into the Indian Ocean, and then spend my day in paradise.
Up next: Africa
Photo credit: flickr
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POSTED IN: Outdoor Activities, Places to Stay, Sports & Recreation, Things to See & Do
4 opinions for Where in the World are the Maldives?
tish
Nov 13, 2007 at 9:53 am
The Maldives has been on my radar for a couple of years. Hoping to use frequent flyer miles for the trip. How long did it take for the journey from a U.S. city to arrive there? That may be the biggest barrier of all for travel there
Sheila @ GoVisitHawaii
Nov 13, 2007 at 12:29 pm
I’ve been wanting to go to the Maldives since I saw a brochure about 10 years ago. They look amazing beautiful and relaxing.
Geoff
Nov 15, 2007 at 12:03 am
Julie and I visited the Maldives a few years back. And it’s lovely! That was before the Tsunami destroyed a few of the resorts, but apparently it’s pretty much back to normal - my brother visited two years ago. We don’t dive, but snorkeling is amazing, some of the coral is incredible, and the drop-offs down into deep-blue blackness are quite scary…
Mary Jo Manzanares
Nov 15, 2007 at 9:35 pm
From Seattle, judging by the connections that I was able to find, it would take nearly two days! For that kind of trek, I’d need to stay for awhile.
It does look and sound beautiful, and Geoff, I’m quite envious.
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