With winter approaching fast, the customary hustle and bustle that marks the end of the year is slowly building up as decisions on where the winter vacation will be spent are made. For those who wish for the antithesis of the frostbitten freezing winters, what else is better than a trip to the forever sunny shores of Maldives, an idyllic cluster of islands nestled at the heart of the Indian Ocean? The Republic of Maldives, made up of over 1,100 islands, is home to nearly 100 islands that cater exclusively to the thriving tourism industry of the country. Therefore, tourists will always have an amazing array of choices to select from in terms of accommodation as they prepare for a blissful holiday in the sun.

For those who prefer to travel and explore the local culture of a country, the Maldives may not appear to be ideal given the manner in which it is usually advertised. However, rest assured, these islands are home to a diverse community of people with a rich history and culture. Thus, when the forever sunny skies and the azure ocean becomes monotonous, if that is at all possible, venture out towards mainland and make your way to Male, the colourful capital of this cluster of islands.

In Male, tourists will have the privilege of visiting the public park known as the Sultan Park, formerly home to the Royal Palace. Centuries ago, the Park was home to beautiful fresh blossoms that thrived in the humid weather and at present, this legacy more or less continues with vigour. A true oasis amidst the bustling city, the Sultan Park is an excellent place to explore for it is also home to the National Museum.

After visiting this place of interest, locals and tourists alike prefer to settle down on a grassy patch in the lawn and enjoy the beautiful landscape before returning home or to their luxury resort in Maldives. After such a tranquil excursion, one would wish to return to island resorts in Maldives that complement this serenity and continue to rejuvenate one’s soul, such as the Maalifushi Maldives.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+