Tipped to be one of the most pristine archipelagos on the planet, the picturesque collection of islands that is the Maldives is no ordinary tourist attraction in Asia. Blessed with breathtaking landscapes and sunny weather conditions all year round, this honeymooner’s hub is also a diver’s Mecca and a beach lover’s dream come true. Naturalists and nature lovers also have much to discover within the captivating confines of these islets as the archipelago which is made up of more than 1000 islands, offers a diverse marine and land ecology complete with land animals and flora as well as marine fauna and plant life.
With its sandy beaches synonymous with swaying palms and fragrant frangipanis, the plant life in the Maldives boasts attributes that are found in most paradise islands around the world. Swaying coconut trees and palm trees are a permanent fixture while eucalyptus, mango trees, and Pandanus trees are also part of the landscape. More than 20 species of sedge and grass are found here along with forest laden with Terminalia cattappa and Hernandia nymphaeifolia vegetations. Banyan trees, breadfruit trees and the Hibiscus tiliaceus are some of the taller flora species found on the islands that are renowned for its tropical jungles and dense Scaevola serica and Pemphis acidula vegetations.
Wildlife in the Maldives on the other hand includes flying foxes, snakes, garden lizards, and giant fruit bats while the archipelago is also home to more than 100 bird species as well. Highlights include parakeets, seagulls, koel birds, water hens, noddys and herons although what lies beneath the Maldivian islands are decidedly more intriguing that what lies above ground.
A diving expedition is akin to exploring a mammoth aquarium as the crystal clear waters of the islands are home to more than 1,000 fish species. Highlights include whale sharks, manta rays and white-spotted sharks while unicorn fish, Moorish idols, and dolphins are also known to inhabit Maldivian sea beds. Stingrays, flutemouths, rock cods and butterfly fish are also frequently spotted by divers in addition to trumpet fish, angelfish, blue-stripe snappers, parrotfish, turtles and oriental sweetlips. Home to more than 200 varieties of coral, the underwater vegetation in the Maldives is dominated by blue, white and pink corals as well as mushroom corals, stylophoras, giant gorgons and fire corals.
Visitors on the lookout for idyllic Maldives island resorts should look no further than Naladhu Maldives for all their accommodation needs. Offering guests a resplendent rest amid breathtaking surroundings this Maldives hotel is suitable for both holidaymakers and corporate clients.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.