10 Best Places to Visit in Norway

MYB   2:15 AM

10 Best Places to Visit in Norway

Norway is simply one of the most beautiful countries in the world. From its majestic mountains and famous fjords to its modern yet picturesque cities. Picture-perfect landscapes beg to be explored by foot, car, bike or boat. Whether taking in the breathtaking wonder of the northern lights or the summer sun glistening on a massive glacier, Norway is a great adventure in any season. A nation with a rich and storied past, Norway invites cultural expeditions too. Some of the best places to visit in Norway offer architectural gems in rural villages to historical artifacts in metropolitan museums.

1. Lofoten Islands

One of the most popular places to visit in Norway, Lofoten is a group of islands in the northern part of the country. With its postcard looking small fishing villages nestled in fjords, dotting a very rugged coast with abrupt peaks rising directly from the ocean, the archipelago is often described as one of the most scenic parts of Norway. Although the archipelago is located well above the Arctic Circle, at about the same latitude as Greenland it enjoys a relatively mild climate due to the circulation of the Gulf Stream. Temperatures up to 23°C in the summer are not uncommon although it remains a subarctic destination and the weather changes fast.

2. Western Fjords

Norway’s famous fjords are found throughout the country and not limited to a particular region or location. However, the most dramatic and famous fjords are largely found in West Norway, approximately from Stavanger to Molde. Although the western fjords vary slightly in appearance they are generally relatively narrow, surrounded by steep rock faces, tall mountains and extremely deep. The most famous fjords include Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.
 

3. Bergen

Norway’s second largest city, Bergen has been the nation’s leading western port since the Middle Ages. Today, its 15th-century waterfront in the Bryggen district is both a working port and a tourist destination for visitors eager to sample fresh fare at seaside restaurants. Although Bergen makes a great home base for explorations of the scenic fjords around the city and the neighboring islands, there’s plenty to see within the city as well. A quick trip up Bergen’s popular funicular is a good way to get oriented in the place known as the Gateway to the Fjords.

4. Oslo

Norway’s capital and most populated city, Oslo is a vivacious modern city with a confident boldness and laid-back atmosphere. Hugging the horseshoe-shaped shores of the Oslofjord, Oslo is one-third city and two-thirds forests, parks and green spaces, making outdoor activities like hiking and biking popular pastimes. From its 19th-century city center with its museums, lively bars and restaurants to the Nobel Peace Center located in the city’s former railway station, Oslo is customarily rich as well. The city’s 50 museums range from the Munch Museum, which features “The Scream” and other works by Edvard Munch, to the Folkemuseet, an outdoor museum that includes more than 150 historic buildings from all over Norway, including a Stave Church.

 5. Svalbard

Svalbard is a group of islands located between the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, and the Norwegian Sea. The combined permanent population is less than 3000, nearly all of which is concentrated in the main settlements of Longyearbyen and Barentsburg on Spitsbergen. Svalbard’s visitors come mostly to experience Arctic nature at its rawest and most powerful. The islands are under Norwegian rule since 1920. Its settlements are the northernmost permanently inhabited spots on the planet, far more northerly than any part of Alaska and all but a few of Canada’s Arctic islands. The islands feature untouched glaciers and craggy mountains, but also polar bears, caribou, reindeer, polar foxes, whales, seals and walruses.

6. Stavanger

 

Located in the southwest region of Norway, Stavanger is one of the few places in the country with long sandy beaches, making it the ideal summer destination for those who want to mix sunbathing with their Scandinavian explorations. The Rogaland Kunstmuseum boasts an excellent exhibition of Norwegian art, the Stavanger Cathedral is the country’s best Medieval church and the Gamle Stavanger district transports visitors back in time to 18th-century Scandinavia. The city’s harbor is a popular stopping point for cruise ships touring the fjords, and many of Stavanger’s attractions are just a short stroll from the shore.

 

7. Tromso

Most of the city is situated on the island of Tromsoya where visitors can explore several fine museums and stroll through stunning birch tree forests. The largest city in Northern Norway, Tromso is renowned both for its large number of 18th-century wooden houses and for the beauty of its natural surroundings. Trips up Storsteinen Mountain in the Fjellheisen Cable Car offer visitors amazing views of the surrounding fjords and mountains. The arctic aquarium Polaria and the Polar Museum are popular attractions in this city located 350 km (217 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. Tromso is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights.

 

8. Alesund

The city of Alesund owes its present-day picturesque appearance to a city-wide reconstruction after a fire in 1904 destroyed most of the town. Located on Norway’s west coast, Ålesund is the gateway to the iconic northwestern fjords and surrounding alpine mountains.The city was rebuilt with stone and brick in the architectural style of the time, and stands today as a perfect example of Jugendstil design, Northern Europe’s version of Art Nouveau. Visitors can learn more about the style at the Jugendstilsenteret, or Art Nouveau Center. A hike up the 400 steps to the viewpoint Fjellstua is worthwhile as well. The mountain peak offers stunning views of Alesund and the surrounding islands.

 

9. Trondheim

From Sverresborg, a restored 12th century castle, to the Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost Medieval cathedral in the world, the city abounds with remnants of the past.There’s something for everyone in the northern city of Trondheim. Founded in 997, Norway’s third largest city was the country’s capital during the Viking Age and the nation’s religious center during the Middle Ages, making it the ideal destination for those who want to explore Norway’s history.

 

10. Jotunheimen National Park 

Jotunheimen, or Home of the Giants, is Norway’s premier national park. Located in the nation’s south central region, the park encompasses several mountain ranges, including Norway’s 29 highest peaks. The park is also home to Vettisfossen, which at 275 meters (900 feet) is the highest waterfall in Norway. Mountain lodges and well-marked trails in the area offer visitors easy access to glacier hikes, summit tours, mountain climbing and skiing. Tour companies and trekking associations offer outdoor adventures for visitors of every age and skill level. The weather conditions in Jotunheimen can be extremely harsh in the winter, but in the spring the winter storms give in and fair weather is the normal.

Top Ten Places to Visit in North India

Top Ten Places to Visit in North India

MYB   1:48 AM

Top Ten Places to Visit in North India.

Hello Travel Lovers ! Are you looking to plan a hassle free summer holidays in India in 2016? Are you wondering which are your best bet for summer holiday destinations in North India? Our collection of places to visit in North India in summer offer you the widest possible choice of places to pleasant and sun soaked places across Indian subcontinent.

Be it the beachfront luxury at some of the finest south Asian beaches or the spiritually & mentally uplifting embrace of Himalayas; be it the yoga & meditation centre where the Beatles embarked on quest for Nirvana & inspiration or the tea and spices laden Western Ghats; take your pick from our wide range of destinations and vacation ideas to ensure that you have a perfect and memorable summer break in 2016.

This list of some popular and some off the beaten path tourist places in India is our endeavour to help you plan an unforgettable summer vacation in North India whether its a family break, a get together of friends, escape from your corporate existence or a romantic getaway .

Ladakh - Adventure, Romance & Buddhism
Well Ladakh is one such thing. A trip to Ladakh - just like love - can't be expressed in words. The mighty Karakorum with its cotton-wool peaks bounds Ladakh, a terrain characterized by vast barren valleys, lofty mountain passes, beautiful lakes, and the last undisturbed home of Tantric Buddhist population.


Ladakh's arid terrain undergoes drastic weather changes owing to its elevation. Temperature varies in extremes both during summers and winters. That's the allure of Ladakh. Summer is the best time to visit this magical land of Lamas and that is why it is the top tourist place in India to visit during summer.

Every summer motorcyclists from India and world gather in and around Delhi, Srinagar or Manali to embark on adventurous trip to Ladakh by road. Manali - Leh Highway is the favorite among the thrill seekers.

There are a score of high mountain passes including the tough Baralacha La and the second highest Taglang La along with the vast mesmerizing Morey Plains and the thrilling Gata Loops which is why motorcyclists - and even the four wheeler riders prefer Leh - Manali Highway for a road trip.

What are the attractions you ask? Well the entire landscape of Ladakh is a sight to behold, the burnished mountainous terrain, sparse vegetation, snow capped mountains, the emerald Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar and Hunder - also referred to as the desert in the sky - along with the magnificent monasteries in the sky are what makes Ladakh so special.

2.  Kullu Manali,  Himachal Pradesh

Kullu Manali is the most popular honeymoon destination in India for those who are looking for hill station & covered with Ice. Doesn’t matter if you are getting married in winter or summer, if you come to Manali, you will have a great time that is sure.


Kullu (1220m) was once known as Kulanthapitha - the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalaya, and by the banks of the shining river Beas lay the fabled Silver Valley. Kullu got its first motorable access only after independence. The long centuries of seclusion have however allowed the area to retain a considerable measures of its traditional charm. Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys, each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other.

The Silver Valley has nature's treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers. This wealth nestles by every tree in the splendid forests, bursts forth in the blooms and in the fruit of every orchard. Here are riches which cannot be measured and echo down the ages with the words of every myth and ancient legend and glow in the warm smiles of its gentle people. There is pleasure in every step you take in these enchanted valleys and in every gurgle you hear in the clear mountain streams.

Manali is the evergreen honeymoon spot in India & also become the best tourist place in India for the Indian Married Couples who love to have adventure sports. Adventure sports may be biking, rafting, paragliding, mountaineering, skiing, trekking and many more. It will be a best place for the married couple to entertain together & impress with each other with their adventure sports. Best time to visit Kullu Manali is between October to February.

Manali is 360 Kms from Ambala. From Chandigarh to Manali distance is approx 350 Kms. Delhi to Manali distance is 550 Kms. Volvo Buses for Manali are available from Delhi and Chandigarh. Cab / Taxi services for Manali is also available from Ambala and Chandigarh. 
Manali is situated on the banks of Beas River. Manali Local sight seeing includes Hadinmba Temple, Vashisth Temple, Rohtang pass and Solang Valley. Manali is also famous for camping, rafting and paragliding. Rafting in Manali can be enjoyed at Pirdi near Kullu, Paragliding and skiing in manali can be enjoyed in Solangvalley or Rohtangpass area.

 Manali is among top Indian skiing destinations.

Top Ten Places to Visit in Gujarat

Top Ten Places to Visit in Gujarat

MYB   10:05 PM

               Top Ten Places to Visit in Gujarat 
One such favored tourist destination for tours to India in winter is Gujarat. With Runn Utsav in offing and salubrious weather condition making it ideal time to explore the immense cultural and archaeological wealth, we bring to you the best places to visit in Gujarat to make the most of your winter holidays in India.

You could travel to Gujarat for a number of reasons. From the fossil fields of indigenous dinosaurs, Gir with the only home to Asiatic Lions outside Africa to the art of the Neolithic cave paintings to the stone masonry of a succession of civilized architecture both modern and ancient.

And from the marvels of Jain architecture, Hindu Temples of Somnath and Dwarka emerging out of the Arabian Sea to the seasonal island of Kutch that trickles into hardened white salt desert come summer and where the local artisans weave the finest textiles in India and combat the inhospitable elements of Little Rann, Gujarat has it all.

With this multiplicity of options available for holidays in Gujarat, we bring to you the list of top 10 places to visit in Gujarat. Please make a note that the best time to visit Gujarat is from October till March when the weather is pleasant.

1. Rann of Kutch

There’s a saying that goes in Gujarat. “Kutch Nahin dekha to kuchh nahin dekha” which translates to “you haven’t seen anything if you haven’t seen Kutch.” Kutch is the deserving top desination to visit in Gujarat especially when the Rann Mahotsav is in full swing.

Wedged between the Arabian Sea and the boundless Thar Desert, Rann of Kutch is mesmerizing symphony of salt and sand. This white symphony reaches its crescendo on a full moon night. What makes Kutch even more surreal is that during the monsoon, it gets submerged in the water.

For the remaining eight months of the year, it's a gigantic stretch of white salt lending it the look of white desert. During full moon nights cultural programs celebrating Gujarat’s rich culture and traditions are usually held at Dhordo. A moon light camel safari is the Rann of a Kutch is one of the must to do things.

A spell binding vista of  the Rann of Kutch during full moon night

When winter arrives, the Great Flamingoes arrive at the Great Rann of Kutch all the way from Siberia for breeding lending the white desert a pinkish hue. Many other migratory bird species such as the Busturds, Blue Tailed Bee Eater, Ceraneous Vulture and Demoiselle Cranes also arrive here in large number.

Great Flamingoes at Rann of Kutch add mesmerizing pinkish hue to the barren white landscape

Yet another thing to do in Kutch is to visit the Wild Ass Sanctuary. Located in Little Rann of Kutch, Wild Ass Sanctuary in Gujarat is the only place in the world where the endangered Indian Wild Ass could be found.

Indian Wild Ass

The endangered Indian Wild Ass at the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in Little Rann of Kutch

For History buffs Dholvira is yet another must visit archaeological site in Gujarat. It is considered to be one of the modern cities dating back to the period of Indus Valley Civilization. It is situated near Bhachau Taluka of Kutch.

Important Travel Tips: Rann of Kutch is located close to the Indo - Pak border therefore all tourists require prior written permission from the DSP’s office in Bhuj before traveling there. On Saturdays and Sundays DSP office is closed so plan accordingly.

Kutch Rann Utsav

Rann Mahotsav is a 3 Days annual affair held in the Rann of Kutch Courtesy Gujarat Tourism

To experience the Kutch at its most colorful and vibrant, Rann Mahotsav is the time to visit this destination in Gujarat. It is a cornucopia of music, dance and myriad colors & culture of the state. A three day annual razzmatazz, the white desert comes alive with music, dance, live tents, camel safari, arts & crafts on display and cultural performances during the Rann Utsav.

                                                             Kutch Rann Utsav Picture - Singers group

2. Somnath 

Somnath is the first and most sacred of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. According to the legend the Hindu moon god known as Soma built a temple entirely of gold to pay reverence to the lord’s glory and compassion and the temple came to be known as the Somnath Temple. As per the legends the same temple was reconstructed by Ravana in Silver, Krishna in wood, and by King Bhimdev from stone.

Lying on the shores of the Arabian Sea, this temple has been destroyed then reconstructed on number of occasion and finally after India got Independence.Each year millions of devotees seek the blessing of Lord Shiva at Somnath, rated one of the top temples in India when it comes to religious significance.

                                                     Somnath Temple most sacred Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva

3. Rani ki Vav, Patan
Rani ki vav is an intricately constructed stepwell situated in the town of Patan in Gujarat, India. It was added to the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites on 22 June 2014.  Rani ki vav, or Ran-ki vav (Queen’s step well) was constructed during the rule of the Solanki dynasty.  It is generally assumed that it was built in the memory of Bhimdev I (AD 1022 to 1063), the son of Mularaja, the founder of the Solanki dynasty of Anahilwada Patan about 1050 AD by his widowed queen Udayamati and probably completed by Udayamati and Karandev I after his death. A reference to Udayamati building the monument is in Prabandha Chintamani, composed by the Jain monk Merunga Suri in 1304 AD.  The stepwell was later flooded by the nearby Saraswati River and silted over until the late 1980s. When it was excavated by archaeological Survey of India, the carvings were found in pristine condition.

One of the rare monuments erected by a queen for her beloved king, Rani Ka Vav is a spectacular step well in very well preserved condition. It was commissioned by Rani Udayamati in memory of her deceased husband King Bhimdev I in the year 1063.

Soon after completion, the step well got flooded by water and silt from the nearby Saraswati River. It was only in 1980s that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavated this Vav and desilting was undertaken.

The structure that was uncovered was a majestic specimen of carved sculptures, niches and compartmented pavilions with pillars. Rani ka Vav is one of the largest and finest and unique step wells and is currently in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This subterranean step well leads down through stepped corridors which are marked by pillared pavilions. The central motif of the intricately carved sculptures is the Dasavataras, or the 10 incarnations of Hindu god Vishnu. The avatars are accompanied by sadhus, brahmins, and apsaras.

The sculpture of apsaras painting their lips and adorning themselves in different style represents the ‘solah shringar' or the 16 ways to make up to look more attractive. In total there are four hundred niches on the walls displaying carvings in this vav.

4. Gir National Park (Sasan Gir)&Wildlife Sanctuary

Asiatic Lion at Gir National Park

The only place in Asia where you could spot the king of jungle prowling in the open wild, Sasan Gir National Park is located in the Junagad District is one of the most visited tourist places in India. The main draw is Asiatic Lions but there is more to this protected area.

The park is home to hyenas, leopard, marsh crocodiles, antelopes, sambar and huge number of bird species which makes it an ideal candidate for one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in India. Although people come here for lions, birding enthusiasts head to Gir to have one of the finest bird watching experiences in India.

Best time to visit Gir National Park is from November till March but for the best chances to spot lions visit the park in hotter months of April and May.

5. Dwarkadhish Temple ( Dwarka)

Situated on the Gomti Creek, Dwarkadheesh Temple is one of the finest temples in India believed to have been built by the grandson of Lord Krishna himself. Appearing to be rising from the waters of Arabian Sea, the temple is renowned for its exquisitely carved architecture. It is considered the holiest Hindu Temples and part of the Char Dham Yatra, the most sacred of the all Hindu pilgrimages.

      According to the legend, Lord Krishna settled down in Dwarka with his Yadava Clan. Upon his death as Krishna avatar, the entire Dwarka Island was submerged in the sea. The recent archaeological excavations have supported these theories that present day Dwarka is one of the 6 ancient cities that existed here.

6. Vadodara/Baroda

Vododara, referred to as the cultural capital of the state is one of the most visited tourist places in Gujarat. After the waning Mughals were expelled by Marathas the Gaekwads, the local generals of Marathas established Vadodara as their capital. The city offers a seamless fusion of the past and present. The city flourished and modernized under the aegis of Maharaja Sayajirao II and enjoyed great autonomy even during British Rule in India.

                                                     Laxmi Vilas Palace

When it comes to things to do in Vadodara, you may visit Kadia Dungar Caves, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Nazarbaugh Palace, Makarpura Palace, Sursagar Talav and the amazing Sayaji Baug.

Sayaji Baug was built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1879 and is named after him. The Sayaji Baug also called Kamati Baug includes 45 hectares of garden grounds, a flower clock, two museums, a planetarium, a zoo and a toy train.

                                                    The Maharaja Sayajirao University

7. Ahmadabad

Ahmedabad, the fifth largest city in India, is the commercial hub of Gujarat and also one of the best places to be in Gujarat. The city is renowned for its deep rooted culture, exquisite architecture and exuberant people. Ahmedabad was founded by the King Karnadev in 11th Century and was named after him as Karnawati untill Sultan Ahmed Shah invaded the kingdom in 1411 and renamed the city after himself.

The tourist attractions in Ahmedabad include Bhadra Fort, well laid out historical buildings, mosques and lakes. Mahatma Gandi's ashram, known as Sabarmati Ashram is one of the major draws of the city along with the nearby modern marvel Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar.

The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque (સિદૂી સૈયદ ની જાળી), built in 1573 (૧૫૭૩), is one of the most famous mosques of Ahmedabad. As attested by the marble tablet fixed on the wall of the mosque, it was built by Sidi Saeed or Sidi Saiyyed, an Abyssinian in the retinue of Bilal Jhajar Khan, general in the army of the last Sultan Shams-ud-Din Muzaffar Shah III of the Gujarat Sultanate.

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

The mosque was built in the last year of the existence of Sultanate of Gujarat. The mosque is entirely arcuated and is famous for beautifully carved ten stone latticework windows (jalis) on the side and rear arches. The rear wall is filled with square stone pierced panels in geometrical designs. The two bays flanking the central aisle have reticulated stone slabs carved in designs of intertwined trees and foliage and a palm motif. This intricately carved lattice stone window is the Sidi Saiyyed Jali, the unofficial symbol of city of Ahmedabad and the inspiration for the design of the logo of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.

The central window arch of the mosque, where one would expect to see another intricate jali, is instead walled with stone. This is possibly because the mosque was not completed according to plan before the Mughals invaded Gujarat.

Adalaj ki Vav

Adalaj ki Vav a 5 storey step well located just 18 kilometers from the heart of the city is a must visit place even if you are not into architecture. Adalaj Vav was constructed in 1499 by Muslim king Mehmud Begda for Queen Rani Roopba, widow of Veer Singh, the Vaghela chieftain.

The step well or 'Vav', as it is called in Gujarati, is a spectacular specimen of fusion of Indian and Islamic elements of architecture. This five storey step well is renowned for its intricately carved interiors.

Steeped in history, Adalaj Vav has an interesting legend associated with it. As per the legends the Muslim King Mohammad Begda invaded, defeated and killed Veer Sing who ruled here. It is said that Begda after seeing the beautiful queen was enamored and longed to marry her. The queen promised to oblige him once he constructed the step well.

Begda ordered the construction of the step well which was finished in record time. Open completion Begda pressed the queen to fulfill her promise to marry him. But the queen, who was still devoted to her slain husband decided to end her life by jumping in the same step well. The entire episode is depicted in the walls of the Vav.

8. Junagad 

Literally meaning the “Old Fort”, Junagad is a fortified city steeped in history. Sprinkled with Mosques, temples both Hindu and Buddhist and other historical structures, Junagad was ruled by the Babi Nawabs till India’s independence. Interestingly, the Nawab of Junagad wanted to side with Pakistan after partition but since majority of populace was Hindu, Nawab had to leave his princedom and flee to Pakistan.

Junagad is mostly overlooked by tourist and serves mainly as the base to visit Gir National Park. But this city is home to some marvelous historical monuments. Mahabat ka Maqbara is one such example of exquisite architecture. You can also find a Ashokan Rock Eddict here. Several Jain Temples are also located close to the city build on the tops of Girnar Mountain which could be reached by the flights up stairs.

9. Surya Mandir (Sun Temple), Modhera
The Sun Temple, Modhera, at Modhera in Gujarat, is a temple dedicated to the Hindu Sun-God, Surya. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati, 25 km from Mehsana and 102 km from Ahmedabad. It was built in 1026 AD by King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty. In the present times, prayers are not offered in this temple. This temple is now under the supervision of Archaeological Survey of India.

According to the Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana, the areas near Modhera were known during ancient days as Dharmaranya (literally meaning the forest of righteousness). According to these Puranas, Lord Rama, after defeating Ravana, asked sage Vasistha to show him a place of pilgrimage where he could go and purify himself from the sin of Brahma-hatya (the sin of killing a Brahmin, because Ravana was a Brahmin by birth). Sage Vasistha showed him Dharmaranya, which was near the modern town of Modhera. In the Dharmaranya, he settled at a village Modherak and performed a yagna there. Thereafter he established a village and named it Sitapur. This village is about 15 km from Becharaji Modherak village and it subsequently came to be known as Modhera.

The Sun Temple was built by Bhimdev I of Solanki dynasty in 1026. This was the time when Somnath and the adjoining area was plundered by Mahmud Ghazni and reeled under the effects of his invasion. The Solankis, however, regained much of their lost power and splendour. Anhilwad Patan, the Solanki capital, was restored to glory.
Solankis were considered to be Suryavanshi Gurjar or descendants of Sun god. The temple was so designed that the first rays of the sun fell on the image of Surya, the Sun God, at the time equinoxes.

10. Saputara – Mini Hill Station of Gujarat

Saputara is fastest growing tourist spot for tourist. Saputara is the most popular hill station of Gujarat. It is situated in Dang district of the Gujarat State. Saputara has so many attractive places and sightseeing at the hill station.  Here are the few of them. Artist Village, Vansda National Park, Purna Sanctuary, Boating, Gira Falls and Gardens and Ropeway. 

                                  

Top 10 Best Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

Top 10 Best Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

MYB   10:41 PM

The ultimate luxury destination, the Maldives has become a synonym for paradise whether it is for honeymooners, sun worshippers or scuba divers. Aside from the capital Male, there are no hotels in the Maldives, only resorts. Most resorts take up their own island, so the ratio of beach to guests must be one of the best in the world.

This list presents the best luxury resorts in the Maldives, as rated by visitors. Resorts in the Maldives are not cheap even at the bottom end, and these luxury resorts definitely come at a price, but they do offer the best the Maldives has to offer.

1. Cocoa Island Resort 

Rated as the best luxury resort in the Maldives, Cocoa Island Resort is ideally located along crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and breath-taking sunsets. Most of the rooms are uniquely inspired by dhoni boats, the style of vessel used by local fishermen in the Maldives. They are adjoined by simple wooden walkways built above the shallow lagoon. The view from the wide platform bed is directly out to the ocean. The bathrooms share the horizon views.

2. Baros Maldives Resort

There are 75 wooden villas at the Baros Maldives Resort which are comfortably styled and all offer a variety of amenities. Guests of the hotel will have many amenities offered to them, including an on-site spa that offers Swedish massage, body wraps and tropical fruit facials, waterfall plunge pools, in-house restaurants and bars and scuba diving lessons.

3. Taj Exotica Resort And Spa
Most of the Taj Exotica Resort And Spa’s luxurious villas are perched over the lagoon with nothing but blue ocean waters and glorious sunsets to block the view. All the villas are palm-thatched, and the interiors are designed in classic Maldivian style. The villas offer sun-decks, and some offer private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and verandas with day beds and private spa rooms.

4. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers 44 acres of unspoiled wilderness in the heart of the Baa Atoll, the only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Snorkel with turtles, manta rays and whale sharks in one of the Maldives’s largest natural lagoons. Guest accommodation is in thatched beach villas and over-water villas. Resort facilities include 3 dining options, an infinity pool and a serene spa located on its own island.

5. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa contains several thatch-roofed bungalows stretching over a pristine beach. The resort offers several swimming pools, water sports, restaurants, lounges, a library, and spa facilities. Many of the guest bungalows at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa offer glass floors for observation of the sea below. Each guest room boasts a balcony or terrace with views of the Indian Ocean.

6. Mirihi Island ResortThe most affordable on the best luxury resorts in the Maldives, The Mirihi Island Resort offers 36 villas that are equipped with the standard amenities of a 5 star-hotel. Blessed with white beaches, turquoise blue waters and one of the most amazing house-reefs, this is truly a great resort.

7. Veligandu Island Resort

The Veligandu Island Resort is the only 4-star hotel on this list of luxury resorts in the Maldives. The designs of the resort’s architecture, right down to the final touches, are authentically Maldivian. The resort offers 76 rooms, including 54 Jacuzzi Water Villas, 10 Water Villas and 12 Jacuzzi Beach Villas.



8. Naladhu Resort
Naladhu is a small Maldives Resort with just 19 villas. The villas feature lavish floor to ceiling glass sliding doors and a large living and bedroom area. Rooms are equipped with bathrooms that have their own outdoor area with both a rainshower and infinity edge terrazzo bathtub.

9. Lily Beach Resort & Spa
The Lily Beach Resort & Spa offers piece, serenity and beautiful natural surroundings combined with excellent resort facilities. After an extensive renovation the resort was reopened in 2009 as an all-inclusive 5 star luxury resort.

10. Soneva Gili Resort 

The Soneva Gili Resort offers 45 luxurious over-water villas, including several villas that can only be reached by boat. Every villa has been designed and built with the utmost attention to detail. Each has its own private water garden and sun decks. The bathrooms have a separate shower accessed along an open-air walkway. Guests have the option to dine on the villa deck under moonlight and enjoy the sunset.