Scattered across the Indian ocean in a north-south orientation, the Maldive Islands lie in clearest of waters, the likeness of which is seldom seen anywhere else. “Maldives” is thought to derive its name from the Sanskrit words “Mala” (garland) and “Diva” (islands) or “Garland of Islands” owing to the double chain formation of the islands.  These pristine islands, surrounded by waters of all the hues of blue you can imagine, have often been described by travellers as “pearls of the Indian Ocean”.