As they say, take every chance you get in life because some things only happen once. There was my initial trepidation when my friend asked whether I was game for Maldives in May. Sure this island was on my bucket list but definitely had my needless doubts about high costs. I felt the republic screams luxury and it is mostly for the uber rich who flaunt their vacation pictures from this tropical paradise. In any case I immediately checked with my other travel companion who without an iota of hesitation said yes and this pushed me to take my decision to start planning my journey to this magical archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
So we did some research and settled for the cocogiri island resort which was a good seventy five minutes speed boat drive from the Velana International Airport and the prices were not too exorbitant. As usual, I followed my not so healthy pattern of shopping heavily even before traveling and promptly added all the extra vibrant coloured clothes including the mostly needless accessories oblivious of the fact that my baggage was getting too heavy for comfort. I am still dreaming of the day where I learn to travel sleek and in style.The Bangalore International Airport itself looks so decorative and aesthetic and it just gives you an elevated feel no doubt as you slowly walk towards your immigration..
After our usual overzealous selfie time we finally boarded the Indigo flight to Male. In the flight I did have mixed feelings and was wondering if I was travelling so much more as I was getting older. Then I recollected the saying that one day your life will flash before your eyes and make sure it is worth watching. So glad that I happen to travel as often as I can manage and this I really feel very liberating and an amazing opportunity to discover yourself. You definitely find solace from the everyday chaos and cacophony.
Thankfully it was just a two hour flight and as the captain announced that it was time for that descent I eagerly looked down from the window and I was in for a breathtaking spectacle. It was a visual delight to see the striking aerial views of the coral reefs, white sand atolls and turquoise lagoons. The Velana international airport itself sits on a tiny artificial island called Hulhule island surrounded by shallow turquoise waters and the descent created an illusion that the runway abruptly emerges from the waves giving the feel of diving deep into the pristine and clear waters that seamlessly unfolds before you.When you step out of the aircraft and walk out you immediately get mesmerised by the panoramic ocean views with traditional speed boats and the majestic sea planes waiting to transport the people to their public and private island resorts.
We were promptly taken to the jetty by the resort representative and despite being a tad haggard I started to soak in the ambience and the journey moved past deep blue waters, tiny atolls with some amazingly picturesque resorts bordering the sea. If you are fortunate I was told that you might even find a dolphin or two on our way. You instantaneously feel light and can’t stop your wonderment about the marvelous nature at its breathtaking best. You feel you are in the midst of the gigantic ocean and what a microcosm you are in the scheme of this wonderful planet filled with such extraordinary landscapes the magnitude of which is truly unfathomable.
We did feel a little stretched in the journey and finally we reached the Cocogiri Resort situated in the Vaavu Atoll. The atoll is actually a circular ring of coral enclosing a calm deep lagoon. The water inside the ring is typically calm, shallow and distinctively turquoise compared to the darker open ocean. I got to know that the entire nation is made up of a massive double chain of 26 natural atolls. Even as I entered the reception at the resort I just loved the feel of the powdery white sand and the view of the water villas set in the midst of turquoise waters with the endless expanse of the deep blue clear waters forming the backdrop simply blew my mind away and we were exchanging our views about the most scenic views we have seen till date with great enthusiasm. The place was slowly growing on me and I felt what an enchanting island in the middle of the mammoth ocean I had set my foot on.
We were carefully escorted to our two night stay in a beach villa. As the door opened we were welcome to its stunning features like the access to the powdery white sands and crystal clear lagoons. It was exciting to see the door being opened to the pristine beach with crystal clear water just metres away.We couldn’t contain our heightened emotional arousal about the rooms which had a seamless blend of the traditional Maldivian design and the modern luxury.We just couldn’t get over the expansive ocean view deck with both indoor and outdoor bathing spaces which screamed ultra luxury and was wondering where else in the world you can rinse off under the open sky surrounded by lush green foliage. I had child-like exuberance when I found that as I stepped out of my Villa I had immediate access to the sparkling lagoon and the incredible snorkelling too. We had our own sun lounges perfectly positioned to enjoy the gentle sea breeze overlooking the boundless turquoise and azure blue seas.
In the late evening we went around exploring the place and were stunned by the mysterious and calm ocean views with whirring sea planes and speed boats forming a regal backdrop. As the sun descends into the pristine Indian Ocean the sky transforms into a vibrant canvas of glowing orange casting a magical mirror like reflection in the calm crystal clear turquoise waters. With no high rise buildings your view is completely seamless and the ocean’s extreme clarity creates a perfect glass like reflection enhancing the visual drama of the colours . We couldn’t just get enough of the setting sun, the powdery white sand and the different hues of the sea and reluctantly retired for the day.
Since I am not exactly an early riser missed the quick sunrise which happens in the Maldives.Presume it must have been a sight to behold as well and an equatorial spectacle with the sky turning vibrant orange and colours beautifully reflecting in the crystal clear ocean. Glad that we had lavish spreads all three times of the day and it was amazing to slowly unwind and sip your favourite drink looking at spectacular ocean views. Since the resort had visitors across the globe they ensured all sorts of cuisine was available but for sea food lovers the Maldivian Cuisine (Dhivehi Cuisine) which is a flavourful fusion of Indian , Sri Lankan and Arabic Culinary is a must try. Fish lovers can taste Mas Huni ( Shredded tuna with coconut) accompanied by roshi flat bread, Garudhiya the national dish of Maldives which is a fragrant fish broth simmered with tuna, garlic and curry leaves. I somehow love our very own Indian food and just couldn’t relish these delicacies much and played it safe lest my system takes a toll.
We decided to do Island hopping and proceeded to Fulidhoo Islands in a traditional boat. My first impression about the Island was that it had an idyllic setting and we were taken to that part of the beach where we could see numerous sting rays and nurse sharks casually swimming just near the shore. Of course we hurriedly took selfies with those sting rays and nurse sharks and as always was terrified to get closer to them and stood at a short distance and it was a spectacular sight to watch so many of them very near the shore rather than the deep seas. After our tryst with sting rays and sharks which the local guides assure us as harmless we tend to ease a bit. We then walked inside the inhabited island which boasts some local cafe set in scenic backdrops and there were few souvenir shops which I never miss to visit since I carry memorabilia as a reminder of the beautiful journey and the smiles I bring in faces of people when I give these small gifts is worth all the trouble.
The Island does seem to have excellent snorkelling and exotic marine life just few steps from the sand.Compared to the private island the public island seems cheaper to stay and here you can experience the local culture and water activities at a fraction of the cost to those charged in private Islands. After seeing some magnificent ocean views again we were forced to return to the jetty to get ready for the sunset cruise. We returned to cocogiri island and got ready for the sunset cruise. There were few of us in the traditional boat and as the boat gently glided in the azure blue waters we were enjoying the gentle sea breeze and after a few minutes we climbed the steps and reached the deck of the ship and delicately sat at the deck of the boat.
The view from the top was spectacular and to see the vast expanse of the limitless ocean and our vessel piercing through the still waters in the midst of some Maldivian music was truly a sublime and surreal feeling and you feel you are in unison with the divine and suddenly for a moment the time freezes and everything just stands still and there is this mystic silence engulfing you and you go to a trance like state with just the sounds of the waves for company.After witnessing the stunning golden skies and spectacular sun set you just soak in that moment and the serene surroundings and want time to stand still. The chill breeze engulfs you and you never want these surreal moments and the quintessential experience to ever come to a closure. After the sunset we did enjoy our dinner set in the midst of panoramic ocean views and glistening tranquil waters and then retired to our beautiful beach villa and sitting in those lounges gazing at the stars eternally was purely a spectacular bliss. Glad that I captured the image of the breathtaking Maldives at dusk in my mind forever.
After a two day stay at the beach Villa and having experienced deep sea snorkelling and the rejuvenating spa we moved to the water villa. Having seen them only in pictures I found that it is perched in stilts directly above the lagoons. It is connected to the main resort island by long wooden jetties. I felt it is the ultimate luxury stay which offers a private escape with unobstructed views of the magnificent ocean with a direct access to the sea and with a set of stairs leading directly to the sea. It was even better than the beach villa in the sense that you can directly access the sea and you are literally resting above the sea in the lagoon and with all the exotic marine life existing beneath you. As you stand in the deck you see several islands in the distance and sea planes taking off and landing continuously and silvery clouds seem to be in touching distance and the still turquoise waters offering you the most enigmatic experience ever.
After an extremely rejuvenating and relaxing morning at the water Villa we decided to try our hands at the sunset fishing as the finale for our Maldivian adventure. As the boat ride began late evening and the chill breeze began to engulf me I was getting submerged in the deep blue ocean views and the lush green foliage surrounding the beaches.Maldivian fishing experience includes being surrounded by greenery and coral islands promising tourists of all skill levels a host of memories that would last a lifetime. The varieties include the little tuna, Vahoo, Rainbow runner,dolphin fish and the intimidating Barracuda and many more. Setting sail toward the sunset with the familiar hum of the dhoni, the traditional craft of the Maldivian sea farer offered the most spectacular views of the ocean again.
The sky was slowly changing into the beautiful hues of warm red, fiery orange and pink and it looked like a canvas painted in all vibrant colours due to a scientifically explained phenomenon called Raleigh scattering. This is a phenomenal sight and since the Maldives is situated near the equator the sun sets almost vertically on the horizon and the sky is literally on fire during the Maldivian sunset. With 99 percent of the nation being open ocean you get a pristine view of the sun dipping straight into the water without any mountains or urban interference. Cruising on the facade of the shimmering water we need to simply drop a line and wait patiently for the bait to be taken. We were all excited when a few fishes got hooked and some fishes were again put back into the ocean to preserve the fragile marine ecosystem much to my relief.
After getting a thoroughly immersive Maldivian sunset experience and some fiery fishing activity returned reluctantly to the shore. We decided to enjoy the late night gazing at the stars relaxing in the lounges and crystal clear still water filled with vibrant marine life just beneath us. The final day we were almost teary eyed to bid farewell to one of the most picturesque locales on earth. You leave the nation completely in awe of its natural grandeur and you are left gazing in fascination at its natural wonders. The speedboat journey from cocogiri island to the airport was so full of uneven bounce and adventure and I never wanted it to end..
Finally as they say Maldives is a place where the sky and sea seamlessly blend together in perfect harmony and every moment truly feels like a dream and thank God for making me experience these sublime moments.
So while in Maldives just eat, beach, sleep, repeat and surely your soul is nourished.
