The breeze and the beach

 

 

It was the most beautiful scene unfolding before my eyes. As the plane made its way through the thin layers of clouds, readying for descent... azure (that’s precisely the colour) waters all around with patches of grey and green – an indication of land afloat on the sea – was the view from the cockpit, where I was lucky to be, after a humble request to watch the landing. The unusual experience of touching down on a stretch of runway amidst the now-green-now-blue shades of the ocean, made it difficult to confine myself to the seat. “Relax!” said the captain with a smile, for my bursting exuberance... I almost felt like a little girl on her first ever air journey! Sinking back in the seat, I somehow managed to fend off the excitement, all ears to the information being passed on – “Maldives comprises about 1190 islands of which approximately 200 are inhabited. It’s been developed primarily as a tourist destination and the air you breathe is fresh and pollution-free!”

A brief speed-boat ride and I found myself at the Taj Coral Reef Resort where garlands and smiles greeted me. I was then escorted to my cottage, reaching which was quite an effort (but one that was worth it) as my feet (otherwise accustomed to concrete) found it difficult to wade through the sand. It’s actually pointless carrying more than a pair of footwear to Maldives as all resorts are built on beaches and one would either trot on the sand as smooth as silk or enjoy splashing in the water. Initially, I felt a sense of disorientation, contemplating whether such a dreamy place – where I sipped on lemonade, curled up in the hammock and savoured four course meals with clear green waves kissing the silver sand and the cool breeze whistling through the palms – was a fantasy or for real?!

The next few days in the Maldives were choc-a-bloc with fun activities. The inviting sea spares none, not even the hydrophobic, to plunge in its depths for snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving or for simply letting the waves run over you. Although I’d had a glimpse of the underwater world in a submarine ride in Male’ (the capital of Maldives), swimming with the speckled fish in the depths of the sea comes closest to defining a truly breathtaking experience.

While holidaying in this sun ‘n’ sand paradise with the sea for company, one wouldn’t really mind giving Male a miss. Other than shopping – which is expensive – the only other attractions being its compact size where it’s possible to cover it all on foot... and in just about an hour and a half at that... walking past the President’s house, the Ancient Islamic Centre and tall buildings lining the stunning coast.

Without exaggeration, the islands of Maldives are where one wakes up to the music of the waves washing up the shores... where time is non-existent and one can indulge in those sweet nothings... spend the day drenched in the clear rolling waves, soak in the languid sunlight and for hours soothe your cacophony-accustomed ears with the rustling of leaves under the moonlit sky... THE DESTINATION

DOSSIER

STEERING THE COURSE

A flight from Thiruvananthpuram or Bengaluru takes you directly to Maldives.

THE ‘SEASON’ED TRAVELLER GOES NOW

There’s no sweat and no shiver all year round, so go at your own convenience.

COSY CORNERS

Go for the Taj Coral Reef Resort or better still, park yourself at the super luxury Medhufushi Island Resort.

SAVOUR FAIRE

Smoked fish with lemon sauce is the best food by the beach. Sea food lovers can go ahead and try some fried crabs and lobsters. The cuisine is almost Indian and will not leave you craving for home food.

GET TO WORK

Head straight to any of the bigger island resorts for a chance to play with sting rays which swim to the shores every evening for food. Also, shell out a few bucks more to enjoy a panoramic sight of these islands on a sea plane.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

English is understood, although the accent could take a while to get used to. Simply kick start a conversation with assalaamu alaikum (hello). Shukuriyaa (thank you) will be much needed in return for all the hospitality.

KEEPSAKE COURTESIES

Souvenirs like T-shirts, fish-print scarves and handmade photo albums are a hit with visitors. One can also visit the mobile phone stores or pick sunglasses from the many shops that offer them in great variety.

Spriha Srivastava