The Maldives may appear as a tiny collection of islands in the Indian Ocean, but this tropical destination offers an extraordinary escape. Located southwest of India and Sri Lanka, the Republic of Maldives is made up of roughly 1,200 coral islands and sandbanks grouped into atolls.
With around 99 per cent of the country’s territory covered by water, the Maldives is surrounded by opportunities for marine activities, beach relaxation and time in the sun. Its luxury resorts and private island properties are designed to offer travelers a peaceful setting away from the crowds.
November to April is generally recommended for a Maldives holiday, although the destination can be visited throughout the year depending on the atoll. For travelers combining the Maldives with another country, the timing of the first part of the trip can also influence the ideal month to travel.
Here are five destinations worth considering before heading to the island paradise.
Dubai
A Dubai stopover can add a completely different experience before the laid-back atmosphere of a Maldivian resort.
Travelers can enjoy afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab, head into the desert for a safari or spend an evening on a yacht before taking a direct flight to the Maldives.
February through April is recommended for combining Dubai’s desert attractions with a relaxing Maldives holiday.
India
For travelers looking to combine cultural exploration with a tropical getaway, India offers a wide variety of experiences.
The journey can include colorful markets, grand palaces, historic hotels and the Taj Mahal before moving on to a private resort in the Maldives for some downtime.
October through March is suggested for exploring both India and the Maldives under preferred conditions.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka makes a convenient addition to a Maldives itinerary, with daily direct flights connecting the two destinations.
Travelers can experience Sri Lankan cuisine, take a scenic train journey through tea-growing regions or explore Wilpattu National Park in search of wildlife before continuing to the Maldives.
November through March is considered a suitable period for combining exploration in Sri Lanka with a relaxing stay in the Maldives.
Singapore
Singapore offers a striking contrast to the relaxed island atmosphere of the Maldives. The city combines historic attractions, modern architecture, shopping and a diverse cultural scene.
Visitors can spend time exploring the city before continuing their journey to the Maldivian atolls and the Indian Ocean.
December through May is recommended for travelers planning to combine Singapore with the Maldives.
Turkey
Turkey can be another option for travelers looking for a longer and more diverse itinerary. Direct flights operate between Istanbul and the Maldives, making it possible to combine the two destinations.
In Turkey, visitors can explore landmarks such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, experience traditional hookah cafés and discover the caves and landscapes of the Goreme Valley.
March through May is suggested for experiencing Turkey in favorable conditions, although the destination can be visited throughout the year.
Choosing the Right Combination
The Maldives can work well as the relaxing final stop after a trip focused on culture, sightseeing, shopping, history or adventure.
The best destination to combine with the Maldives ultimately depends on individual travel preferences, the experiences travelers want to include and the time of year they plan to visit.
Disclaimer
Travel conditions, flight schedules, weather patterns and destination availability can change. The information in this article is intended for general travel planning and should be independently verified with airlines, hotels, tourism authorities and other official sources before making bookings or final travel arrangements.