What Are The Best Places To Visit In Holidays?

With more than a thousand small islands scattered over 500 miles of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a dream retreat - a land of private islands and overwater bungalows. But all the luxury resorts sometimes overshadow the other side of the country that highlights the rich Maldivian culture.
Based on insights from well-known Tripadvisor users, we've put together the perfect week-long island tour itinerary. Over the course of seven days, you'll start in the vibrant capital city of Male before heading to an under-the-radar island where you'll stay in a local guest house, sample Maldivian cuisine and try a few traditional skills like rope-making. From there you will set off to experience an amazing private island resort. To round off your visit, you will have plenty of time to explore the amazing underwater world of the Maldives.
MORNING: Dive into bustling streets
The island city of Male, with its tall apartment buildings and narrow streets, is very different from the small villages and tropical resorts found in the rest of the country. One of the most densely populated places in the world, the maze of streets of Male is perfect for exploring on foot - you can cross the entire island from north to south in just 20 minutes, passing busy shopping streets and leafy residential areas along the way.
Start your day shopping like a local. The vegetable and dried fish market, located on the pier on the north side of the island, is where you can find the freshest regional fruits and vegetables, spices, nuts, dried and smoked fish. It's also a great place to try some new flavors: tuna chips, sea almonds, dried mango and coconut bars are popular. From there, head across the street to the fish market, located right next to the harbor, where fishermen pull up in their wooden dhoni boats to unload their catch. In the morning, the market is full of locals bargaining for the biggest tuna. If you're staying in a hotel with a kitchen, choose a piece of fish to take back - you might even get a few recipes. Otherwise, spend some time exploring – most locals speak English and will tell you about their catch. Before leaving the area, don't miss a walk to the outer edge of the vegetable market pier, a popular spot for spotting wild stingrays.
AFTERNOON: Experience the culture
You will need to dress appropriately for the next stop - long trousers for men, skirts above the knee and covered shoulders for women. From the fish market, it is a short walk to the old Friday Mosque, which was built in 1656. View the fine carvings and texts inscribed in the coral stone of the building. Non-Muslims need permission from a Ministry of Islamic Affairs official to enter, but many mosque staff are licensed, so they'll usually let you in if you visit outside prayer hours.
Next, head down the street to the newer Good Friday Mosque: With its dramatic golden dome and sprawling hall, it's a spectacular sight. Visitors may visit outside prayer times as long as they are modestly dressed. Directly across the street is the Seagull Cafe, built around a large leafy tree. Take a seat on the top floor, which has an outdoor view of the mosque's golden dome and is the perfect setting for a shady and lazy lunch. Tuna steak and biryani are fan favorites.
EVENING: Wind down in nature
In the evening, stroll along the shady paths of Lonuziyaaraiy Park, where secluded benches and flower gardens are a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you go to the edge of the park, you will have a good view of the Sinamalé Bridge, which connects Malé with Hulhule and Hulhumale. While you're there, check out the wave: You might spot a few surfers. For dinner, it's a 10-minute walk to the family-run Sala Thai; Highlights include green curry and chicken satay, and mango sticky rice for dessert. Men's restaurants are usually busiest right after the evening prayers, which are held at sunset, so either make a reservation or plan to eat before sunset or after sunset.