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Maldives’ beaches and underwater activities grab most of the eyeballs. Not many tourists are aware of its rich history. Even fewer try to acquaint themselves with its long-standing traditions or soak in its diverse natural habitats that lie above sea level.
Indulging in these above-ground activities is a wonderful way to familiarise yourself with the inhabitants. It further allows travelers to embrace the diversity of this island nation, bridging the gap between a tourist and a local. While enriching, most of these things to do in the Maldives are budget-friendly options too!
When searching for attractions during your holiday, check out these five land-based things to do in the Maldives that will make your stay in the archipelago all the more pleasurable.
Admire the craftsmanship of Maldivian mosques
In case you are not aware, the Maldives is home to an array of mosques with distinct architectures. As a geographically secluded nation, raw materials for any construction were traditionally available from limited resources. Therefore, wood with coconut and palm leaves was widely used in building houses and mosques.
The wooden structures, however, quickly succumbed to the forces of nature. As a result, coral stones became the primary building blocks of local architectural marvels sometime around the mid-17th century.
Being places of worship, the interiors of the mosques consisted of intricate designs that complemented their delicate coral stone structure. The unique amalgamation of art, tradition, and materials is clearly visible in the interlocking of finely shaped corals that add beauty to the outside and inside walls. This construction style is responsible for getting these masterpieces listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Unfortunately, none of the original wooden structures survive. Still, a few coral stone mosques remain dotted around the islands. Among the oldest is the Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque) in Malé, adorned with coral rock carvings dating back to 1658. A few other islands like Ihavandhoo (Haa Alifu Atoll), Fenfushi (Alifu Dhaalu Atoll), and Isdhoo (Laamu Atoll) also have carefully preserved mosques from ancient eras. Each one is a welcome sight for travelers looking to explore something unique in the Maldives.
Dine at a local Maldivian home
Food is an inherent part of any holiday. A chance to try out Maldivian specialties makes it all the more appealing. While the restaurants on resort islands largely cater to international tastes, many have started offering local delicacies. Though, some might argue that these are still tweaked to suit their foreign guests.
A visit to a local home, on the other hand, is an experience that will tantalize your taste buds with authentic flavors. When eating homemade food, one gets to savor scrumptious dishes that incorporate traditional ingredients. These are typical preparations consumed regularly by the locals.
Be it the widely popular Mashuni and roti, varieties of coconut-based curries, short eats (called Hedhika), or the many desserts that incorporate breadfruit, the charm of a traditional Maldivian meal is in its ability to create a burst of flavors with limited ingredients.
Among the most authentic things to do in the Maldives, you must base yourself on an inhabited island to experience this culinary spectacle. To book a meal at a local residence, simply ask your guesthouse host, and they will arrange it for you. While the warm hospitality of the locals is a huge draw, you also get a chance to eat with the hosts and possibly part-take in a cooking class.
Journey through Maldivian history
The origins of the Maldives islands date back to the 5th century BCE, when supposedly seafarers from the sub-continent, mainly the Tamil and Sinhalese, settled here. They brought with them Buddhist traditions that then survived until 1153. Afterward, Islam became the main religion.
The Maldives then became a Sultanate. Ruled by local rulers though under the protection of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Portuguese, Dutch, and the British at various points of time, it became a republic in 1968.
The National Museum
The National Museum in Malé is an excellent place to start a journey of discovery into the country’s past. Established in the 1950s, it exhibits a collection that includes manuscripts, costumes, and artifacts, some from pre-Islamic times. Close-by is the shrine of Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari called the Medhu Ziyaaraiy. He is said to have introduced Islam to the islands.
Buddhist sites
Tourists interested in history will find a few Buddhist sites across the islands. The most popular being the Thoddoo Buddhist Temple. Discovered in 1950, it now houses Buddhist artifacts, Roman coins minted in 90 BC, and a few silver relics.
Kuruhinna Tharaagandu on Kaashidhoo (Kaafu Atoll) is among the most significant archaeological sites in the country. Here, you’ll see the ruins of a Buddhist monastery dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. Also visible are remnants of Buddhist stupas, generally as mounds, on Ishdoo, Fuvahmulah, and a few other islands.
Utheemu Ganduvaru
To the extreme north of the archipelago is Utheemu (Haa Alifu Atoll) that houses Utheemu Ganduvaru (palace). The house is the birthplace of one of the most revered heroes of Maldivian history – Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu. He fought the Portuguese for eight long years and succeeded in pushing them away. Following his victory, he ruled over the nation for 12 years until his death in 1585.
Kōagaṇṇu Cemetery
Kōagaṇṇu Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the Maldives. Located on Meedhoo island, it is part of Addu, the southernmost atoll of the archipelago. Displaying impeccable craftmanship, the coral tombstones here are over 900 years old. Apart from burying one of the first Muslims of Addu city, it also has many royal graves. Also in the cemetery, keen observers will notice a shrine of Yusuf Naib. This is the second Medhu Ziyaaraiy (other being in Malé) of the famous traveler responsible for bringing Islam to the islands. Visiting his tomb is among the top things to do in the Maldives for tourists interested in local history.
Spend a day at a nature park
The Maldives boasts a variety of flora and fauna, typical of the tropics. Unsurprisingly, most of these are in the southern atolls, given their proximity to the equator. In these nature parks, one can enjoy boating in lakes, scenic cycling rides, canoeing through mangrove forests, leisurely boardwalks, bird-watching, and relaxing picnics.
Addu Nature Park (Addu Atoll), which includes the Eydhigali Kilhi and Koattey Natural Protected Area, is the second-largest wetlands in the country. Besides its permanent residents, the Park attracts a range of migratory birds throughout the year. Among them is the Maldives Heron which is endemic to the region.
Another southern island, Fuvahmulah, an atoll in itself, is home to the Fuvahmulah Nature Park. The Park here incorporates two beautiful lakes – Bandaara Kilhi (Lake) and Dhadimagu Kilhi (Lake) – presenting tourists with an idyllic setting for a day trip.
Watch the making of a dhoni
The traditional boats called dhonis, modeled on the Arab dhows, are an indelible symbol of the Maldives. Entwined in everyday island life, they are works of art in their own right. Like many island customs ranging from food to dance to music, dhoni making is a family tradition passed down over generations.
The inhabited islands are where tourists can witness dhoni boat-making first-hand. While most islands have their specialists, the atoll of Raa is the hub of shipyards where one can observe many respected carpenters practice their skills.
Over decades, the tools for dhoni making have changed, upgraded to make things easier. However, the technique remains the same. Interestingly, there is no documented plan that dhoni carpenters follow. The Dhonis take form as the construction progresses. It is genuinely a fascinating process to watch and one of the best things to do in the Maldives.
Being one of the lowest-lying countries globally, it would seem that the Maldives has very little else to offer once you are away from the sea. However, a little curiosity and penchant for adventure are all one needs to explore the hidden gems in the archipelago.
