Try GOLD - Free
MAGIC OF THE MALDIVES
The New Indian Express
|September 04, 2025
This is your guide to five islands in Kaafu Atoll, each offering a unique island experience...
THE Maldives is known for its clear blue waters, white sand beaches and beautiful resorts. But there's so much more to discover beyond the luxury. Kaafu Atoll, where most trips to the Maldives begin, gives us a chance to see different sides of island life. It includes the capital city Male, the international airport and a mix of local islands and private resorts. On our recent visit to one of the islands in Kaafu Atoll, we were surprised by how much variety this one atoll holds from busy streets to calm, quiet shores. If you're planning a trip, here are five islands in Kaafu that offer five very different ways to experience the Maldives.
MAAFUSHI is a lively inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, popular with tourists seeking an authentic, local experience. The island has guesthouses, small hotels and homestays, offering affordable options compared to private resorts. Its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. Maafushi is also a hub for water activities like snorkeling, diving and trips to nearby uninhabited islands or sandbanks. Visitors can enjoy local cafés and restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Maldivian dishes. Walking through the island gives travellers a glimpse into everyday life, with fishing boats, village streets and friendly locals.
This story is from the September 04, 2025 edition of The New Indian Express.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The New Indian Express
The New Indian Express
Dhami’s strike sinks Bengal Tigers
Boby Singh Dhami’s decisive goal earned Vedanta Kalinga Lancers a 2-1 win over Shrachi Bengal Tigers in the men’s Hockey India League match at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Thursday.
1 min
January 09, 2026
The New Indian Express
Gaza family says girl was killed by Israeli fire despite ceasefire
The family had returned to a designated safe zone following the October 10 ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas militant group.
1 min
January 09, 2026
The New Indian Express
People's scientist who gave Nature a voice
MADHAV Gadgil, the ecologist many called the people's scientist, passed away in Pune on the night of January 7, after a brief illness.
1 min
January 09, 2026
The New Indian Express
₹2K crore midday meal scam in Raj
State anti-graft body says fake demand was created for food kits for students during Covid
1 min
January 09, 2026
The New Indian Express
After 21-year gap, double-decker buses to hit Chennai roads again
NEARLY 21 years after they were discontinued, double-decker buses are set to return to Chennai's public transport system.
1 min
January 09, 2026
The New Indian Express
Patients made to stand at Tenkasi hosps
OUTPATIENTS, particularly elderly people, pregnant women, and those with infants, have demanded seating facilities during consultations at government hospitals (GHs), alleging that some doctors do not allow them to sit despite chairs or stools being available.
1 min
January 09, 2026
The New Indian Express
Sebi allows brokers to engage in other activities
THE markets watchdog Securities and Exchange Board (Sebi) has overhauled its more than three-decades-old stockbroker regulations, allowing brokers to engage in other activities in areas regulated by other financial regulators/authorities, in amove aimed at providing ease of compliance, as well as ease of doing business.
1 mins
January 09, 2026
The New Indian Express
Court wants 1K Marina shops to be removed to restore beach's beauty
STATING that the court's endeavour is to regain the lost glory of the Marina Beach, where the serenity of natural beauty has been \"obliterated by a large number of shops\", the Madras High Court on Thursday told the Greater Chennai Corporation that only 300 shops could be permitted to run on the beach from the 1,417 that have now been enumerated by the civic body.
1 min
January 09, 2026
The New Indian Express
Mkt falls for 4th session on Trump tariff shocker
Sensex drops 780 pts to 84,180.96, Nifty plunges 264 pts to 25,877
2 mins
January 09, 2026
The New Indian Express
Tilak out of three NZ T20Is, recovering well for T20 WC
IN what comes as a crucial setback for the Indian team, batter Tilak Varma is ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand.
1 mins
January 09, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size