Asian Current

Paradise Island - Maldives

Floating on the blue waters of the south-eastern Indian Ocean is a garland of islands of astounding beauty… where time almost stands still and from where returning back to the world of mundane affairs is as excruciating as being torn away from the womb. This paradise on earth, called the Maldives, is a dream come true to those in search of exotic travel destinations.

Maldives is actually a cluster of hundreds of tiny coral islands that are divided into 26 atolls. Each atoll has hundreds of islands, most of which are uninhabited. However some of the islands have villages, and in others there are resorts. Tourism is restricted in Maldives and so, there are no more than 1resort per island. And some of these resorts you will come across in Maldives are truly world class. One such place is the Paradise Island - if there is Paradise on earth, it is here in Maldives. And Paradise Island is among the best places from where you can enjoy Maldives.

White sandy beaches, palm shaded coastlines, secluded luxury resorts, snorkeling, shark feeding, night-fishing - if your holiday ideas run along these lines, then welcome to Paradise Island. People from all over the world flock to the magical Paradise Island in Maldives, which is referred to simply as Paradise by the locals.

‘An escape to paradise’ is what strikes every visitor to Paradise Island. The island is located only 9.6 km from the airport and is at the Male’ Atoll. It has 40 water bungalows and over 200 breathtaking beach bungalows. A water bungalow is a place to stay that is actually on the sea itself. These bungalows have a glass floor from where you can see marine life all around you. Just imagine you lying down on your bed and watching the fish swim in the coral bed. Or a shark wanting to feast on the school of colorful fish.

You can just sit back and relax away your time soaking in the sun, or take a stroll around the island sampling tropical savories in the different restaurants. If you would like to stretch a leg, there are quite a few options, ranging from Beach Volley ball to scuba diving and other water sports. Paradise Island resort is plush with modern amenities. You can pamper yourself with a Japanese Shiatsu Massage or treat yourself to a sauna. If you feel a craving for your favorite Pizza, just order your fill on Pizza express.

The island is a great place from where you can visit the other islands in the locality. Just hire a boat (locally referred to as Dhoni). There is a seaplane that will take you over longer distances that are in the other atolls in Maldives.

You can visit Paradise Island and Maldives from Bombay or Cochin in India by air. It is just a short hop away. There is also a ship service between Cochin and Male, the capital of Maldives.