17 June,2010 11:09 AM IST | | Payal Kamat
Designer Azeem Khan and his wife Sameena were dying to escape from the city hustle and bustle. They wanted to go to a place where they could completely de-stress and be one with the nature. They chose to go to Maldives. Back from their relaxing holiday just 10 days back, Azeem shares his close encounter with nature:
Hop, skip and jump
We flew from Mumbai to Colombo and then took an hour's flight to Male, Maldives' capital. On arrival, we went to an 85-acre island resort, Iru-Fushi. After spending a couple of days in Male, we had to charter a small amphibian plane - Maldivian Air Taxi (MAT) - to our final destination. The trip took us approximately 45 minutes.
Memento mart
The Islamic centre, which accommodates more than 5,000 worshippers, dominates the skyline of the capital city Male with its shining golden dome and Minarets.
While the north end of Chaandhanee Magu is the place to be if you are looking for souveniers to take home. A range of batik sarongs and wraparounds, wooden handicrafts, candles and other knick-knacks are available in shops lining the street. You will find some other souvenir items near your resort. Look out for genuine Maldivian hand-painted t-shirts and lacquered boxes, miniature dhonis and reed mats if you really want to take a piece of Maldives with you as a memento.
Beyond artistry
Maldives is a unique place whichever way you look at it. But from the air, it's not only unique - it is magical, breathtakingly beautiful and almost surreal. As you pass over miles and miles of atoll, reefs and lagoons, all of it feels like a wonder of nature. Together it's a tapestry of infinite shades that no artist can conjure in his or her imagination.
It is a synonym for calm, peace, and serenity with sun-kissed beaches, tiny wavelets tapping its shores, blue tropical skies and the harmonious rustle of palms. It is one of the places best suited for those who can't bear extreme temperatures; it ranges from 24 to 33 degree Celsius throughout the year. It is a true paradise! If you want to see heaven on earth, visit Maldives.
