C harming beaches, blue sky, pristine lagoons, and extensive reefs make the Maldives a famous beach destination in Asia. The jewel-like island in the Indian Ocean comprises 1192 islets that stretch 871 km along the blue ocean. The gorgeous island is outlined by the soft white sand and blue waves, making it a mesmerizing sight to the eyes. As the island is home to about five percent of the world’s reefs made of colorful corals, a traveler can witness the beauty of the Maldives under the water. These bands of color are home to the more colorful sea fishes. Amid thousands of species of fishes, large pelagic fishes such as sharks, whales, and manta rays also make the coral reefs of the Maldives their home.
Maldives’ population counts just over half a million, but the tiny island nation has its own unique culture. The ocean and island environment strongly influence the traditions and customs of the place. For example, the Maldivian music and dance reflect the influences of the Indian, East African, and Arabian tunes. The people of this transoceanic land are masters in boat building. The Maldivian boat Dhoni displays traditional craftsmanship that perfectly suits the various oceanic climates. Also, though water sports and island hopping are the Maldives tour’s main highlights, visiting the capital city, Male, is no less delightful. You can explore the 17th-century Friday Mosque Hukuru Miskiy made of carved white coral, the National Museum, Artificial Beach, shopping places, etc., in the capital of Maldives.
The capital city, located on the southern edge of Kaafu Atoll, Male, is the largest and one of the most famous cities in the Maldives. The Male is also known as Mahal for being the home of the Royal Dynasties. It is also popularly called Kings Island. The best thing about Male is its pleasant weather throughout the year.
The major attractions in the city are the Grand Friday Mosque, water sports, Male Fish Market, the National Museum, Tsunami Monument, Diving Club, and underwater scooters.
Alimatha Island, located in Vaavu Atoll on the eastern edge of the Maldives, is one of the best places for a family holiday or honeymoon. Azure water and sparkling beaches draw travelers to enjoy a fun-filled vacation here. One of the popular activities on Alimatha Island is playing volleyball on the sun-kissed beaches. The Ayurveda massage center, spa, bars, and restaurants on the island offer a luxury beach holiday for all. Alimatha Aquatic Resort is a delight for the tourists in the Maldives.
A jellyfish-like small island, Utheemu Ganduvaru is a historically significant place in the Maldives. It is the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, a famous personality in the history of the Maldives for removing Portuguese intruders from the island. There is a monument in his name, and you must visit this heritage building during your trip to the Maldives. The wooden palace is a major tourist attraction in the Maldives.
Also known as Sun Island, Nalaguraidhoo Island is in the South Ari Atoll. The beautiful island has stunning beaches, verdant greenery, and exotic tropical flowers. Many tourists visit the island to bask in the lap of nature. Adventure lovers can enjoy water sports such as Diving, windsurfing, and snorkeling.
The serenity and beauty of Sun Island place it among the most famous honeymoon destinations in the Maldives. You can spend a relaxing holiday in one of the luxury spa resorts on Sun Island.
Named so because of its shape like a banana, this is a globally renowned diving site in the Maldives. Banana Reef is the first licensed diving training spot in North Atoll, Maldives. Plentiful marine life, incredible corals, majestic cliffs, and caves make the place a prime highlight of the Maldives tour. The major attractions at Banana Reef are - marine life and water sports activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and jet skiing. Some attractions on this island include Maldive Victory, Hulhumal, Alimatha Island, Biyadhoo Island, and Manta Point.
coconut palm trees, white sandy beaches, and pristine waters make this place a perfect romantic getaway in the Maldives. Located at the South Kaafu Atoll in Male, Fihalhohi Island is among the most beautiful places in the Maldives. The reef surrounding the island is home to an abundance of marine life. This makes the place a scuba divers paradise who love to play with the underwater life.
HP Reef is in the North Male Atoll, among the best places to explore marine life in the Maldives. Travelers must add this place as it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Maldives. The protected marine area allows you to witness the sea bustling with the vivacity of marine life. From small and colorful fishes to multi-colored corals and caves, you can explore various marine creatures. The major attractions at HP Reef are marine life, photography, and diving.
Situated in North Male Atoll, Artificial Beach is the ideal destination for swimming enthusiasts in the Maldives. According to the local law, it is an open area, and you have to follow some clothing restrictions here. Moreover, several carnivals and water sports make this place a perfect destination for youngsters in the Maldives. The evenings turn charming as music groups gather at Artificial Beach to play sweet melodies.
USEFUL INFORMATION
You do not need to apply for a Maldivian visa before visiting the country. All travelers are issued a visa on arrival, valid for 30-days. Travelers need to have a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months. Maldives tourist visa is free of charge. However, if you want to extend the duration beyond 30 days, then USD 44 (or MVR 750) fees need to be paid.
Business Hours:
Banks and Government offices are operational from Sunday to Thursday. The working hours in Government offices are from 8 AM Maldives Standard Time to 3 PM. Most of the private sector offices work for half-day on Saturdays.
State Bank of India and HSBC are operational in the Maldives. Other well operational banks in the Maldives are Maldives Islam bank, Bank of Maldives, Commercial Bank of Maldives, etc.
Local Time: GMT + 5
The Maldives has a subtropical climate. Warm and sunny weather is experienced here throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 23ºC-31ºC. The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April, and the peak tourist flow is from December to March. During this time, the island experiences dry weather, and it is the best time for beach hopping and water sports in the Maldives.
In early August, the monsoon arrives in the Maldives. This time accommodation is available at a discounted rate, and the rain-bathed Maldives is equally charming to enjoy a vacation.
Import of pork and its by-products are prohibited in the Maldives. However, you may bring it with prior approval along with a certificate of non-contagious from an authorized veterinarian. Regarding personal items, you can get a reasonable quantity of jewelry, clothing, toiletries, tobacco products, reading material, and electronics for your use.
Non-Islamic religious items, narcotics, pornographic material, and psychotropic substances are not allowed in the Maldives. Travelers are not allowed to take any marine life and related items out of Maldives.
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES ON AIRPORTS IN MALDIVES
Foreign travelers' baggage is cleared at the first airport of arrival in the Maldives. The standard permissible weight is 25 kg, of which 20 kilograms goes to checked-in luggage and 5 kilograms to hand luggage per person. You must pay USD 4 per KG plus applicable taxes for baggage above the permissible limit. The maximum weight for any bag is 32 kilograms.
AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX
Apart from diplomats, transit passengers, and children below 12 years, Airport service charge is levied on all passengers departing from the Maldives. The ASC rate is USD 12 for Maldivians and USD 25 for foreign passengers.
The currency of Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, and one Maldivian Rufiyaa is equal to 0.065 USD. The US Dollar is accepted all over the Maldives, so that you may change your national currency to USD.
Many ATMs are located in the capital city, Male, and other inhabited islands, where you can withdraw money from your international account.
There are two super-specialty hospitals in Male, and basic health care services are available in all the 187 inhabited islands in the Maldives.
Electricity is available in Male and all major inhabited islands with the power of 220 to 240 volts. In Male, the Government body supplies electric power, and the rest of the islands depend on privately managed small diesel sets. The standard socket is a 3-pin style with some variations.
The national language of the Maldives is Dhivehi. It is an Indo-Aryan language that originated from Sanskrit. The current script used in the Maldives is Thaana and was developed from Arabic numerals around the 16th century.
The traditional Maldivian crafts include; lacquered wooden ornaments, finely woven reed mats, and coral carvings passed down through several generations. Some of the famous shopping places in the Maldives are Male Local Market, Majeedhee Magu, Le Cute, STO Trade Center, and Island Bazaar.
The traditional cuisine of Maldives is strongly based on fish and coconut. With its unique taste, Maldivian dishes have no parallels anywhere in the world. Some of the famous dishes of Maldives are Bis Keemiya (samosa), Boshi Mashuni (banana flower salad), Garudhiya (fragrant fish soup), Huni Roshi (chapati bread), Saagu Bondibai (sago pudding), etc.
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