When one hears of the tropical paradise Maldives, Island Resorts with pristine beaches and deep blue oceans with tales to weave are what comes to mind. While these may be the most striking features of Maldives, if not the most apparent, those who dare to venture away from the familiar path might encounter a whole different side of the archipelago of islands: its greenery.
These forests are found mostly on larger islands where there is room for them to grow wild and free. Exploring these spots of greenery is among the activities of an adventure island hopping tour, though resorts like Maafushivaru Maldives gives you the option of taking your own dhoni and sailing away seeking greater adventure. Once you embark on a journey to find the greener side of Maldives, you will be surprised at the vegetation. Most of the plants are of medicinal value, and if you are lucky, you would see the creatures who reap the most benefit of the foliage. While the greenery may not be as thick or otherworldly like of other tropical countries, there is a certain attraction in the bits of green scattered amidst oceans of blue. An interesting feature of Maldivian forests is that the soil still consists mostly of sand. Thus, do not be alarmed to find hermit crabs scuttling alongside you as you explore a forest trail. In fact, there are certain islands that are renowned for having their forests full of these little critters – they seem to have a fascination with the trees!
If your intention is to explore the forests and jungles of a tropical country, Maldives is not the place for you. But if you are a lover of beaches and sun, seeking a bit of a break from the constant waves, exploring larger islands of Maldives should be right up your alley.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+