Located in the southwest of Sri Lanka on the equator is an archipelago consisting of 1,190 islands and 26 major atolls. Popularly known as the Pearls of the Indian Ocean, Maldives is a country that stretches 820 km north to south and 120 km east to west.

If your idea of a stress free vacation is spending it on a tropical island with white sandy beaches and brilliant turquoise lagoons then the Maldives is the perfect place for you. It is an island made up of a part of an underwater mountain range. The weather here is warm and humid with a temperature averaging at 30 degrees Celsius although I suggest visiting the area from December to May to enjoy the height of the dry season.

The islands of Maldives are low lying with the highest point at only 8 feet above sea level. Ring shaped atolls provide the defense of the island against the wind and waves. The capital city is Male, where a third of the population lives. Considered one of the smallest capitals in the world, it is different from any other island in the Maldives. In here is located the government offices, high-rise buildings and paved roads. There are no beaches in Male; instead a seawall surrounds all its sides.

Your entry point to the Maldives would be in Hulele International Airport. From there you could hop on to the other resort islands to enjoy the waters. There are 72 islands designated as resort islands and you would be amazed that the only people on these islands are the staff of these resorts. Getting to these islands are easy since there are boat trips or sea planes going to these resort islands from Male.