Maldives is an archipelago state located in the Indian Ocean. Which is famous for its luxurious water villas. A tropical haven of white sand beaches, Maldives lies to the south of Sri Lanka. And ideal for an adventure, honeymoon, or holiday getaway. The Maldivees is an archipelago of 1,192 atolls grouped into natural atolls. But only 200 islands are inhabited. Each resort typically occupies an entire atoll. It is famous for its incredible diving opportunities.
Its azure waters are home to diverse marine life and corals of varying colors. The Maldives has undergone drastic changes in the last 10 years and the inhabited islands have been made better and more tourist friendly. Due to which it has now become one of the most visited tourist destination in the world. If you are also searching for the best destination to go on vacation with your family and friends. So you can think of Maldivees once for your trip.
Table of Contents
History of Maldives
This archipelago was inhabited as early as the 5th century. Located on a major sea route when crossing the Indian Ocean, the Maldives used to be a replenishment center for food, water, coir and other equipment. The Maldivians were followers of Buddhism. Excavated from the islands reveal Buddhist ruins. From ancient remains there are traces of Hinduism and paganism. In 1153 AD, the people of Maldivees had converted to Islam. Maldives was not free from foreign invasions. That is why in 1558 the Portuguese invaded.
It was then made a British protectorate after the Dutch annexed Ceylon in the 17th century, and Ceylon in 1887 by the British. A democratic rule was adopted only in 1932. After that the first republic was declared in 1953. But in 1965, Maldives got complete political independence from the British. Ibrahim Nasser was appointed the first President of the Second Republic of Maldives. Since then the island nations have grown tremendously by exploiting economic opportunities and opening doors for tourism.
Best Time To Visit Maldives
The best time to visit the Maldives from November to March which is the dry season. The weather during this time is dry and tropical in the Maldivees making it the ideal time for sunbathing, scuba diving and snorkelling. The average temperature ranges between 24 and 30 degrees Celcius. The best time to visit the Maldives for surfing is from March to May when there is torrential rainfall, and the seas are rough.
There are occasional bright days as well. Budget travellers can visit during this time since resorts offer attractive packages and offers. The Maldivees is a tropical island that witnesses a dry spell, ‘Iruvai’, between December – April and a wet spell, ‘Hulhangu’, from May – November. There is a negligible change in temperature amidst the two seasons.
Religion And Language of Maldives
Buddhism was followed at the time of establishment of Maldives. But gradually the people of Buddhism here accepted the religion of Islam, thus at present the religion of Maldivees is Islam. The national language here is Dhivehi. It has different dialects. It belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family. And therefore quite different from English. But being a popular tourist destination, English is also widely spoken and understood. The local language includes Assalamu Alaikum, Hello On, Yes Noon, No Ran’galu and Good Shukuria.
Local Etiquettes to Know Before Travelling
The culture and customs of the Maldives are an amalgamation of elements from India, Sri Lanka and North Africa.
That is due to the footfall of traders coming from the Indian Ocean.
Life at island resorts is quite relaxed but etiquettes need to be followed.
Topless bathing and nudity are strictly prohibited and it is acceptable to wear bikinis.
Passengers need to be adequately prepared to eat.
If you visit the local people’s habitat, keep in mind that the Maldives is an Islamic nation.
So you should be sensitive to the local customs.
Therefore, wearing conservative clothing should cover the lower thighs and tops.
Women should cover their heads when going to mosques.
Men or women should not wear shorts in mosques.
Alcohol should not be consumed in the islands inhabited here.
Tipping is not mandatory here, but still you can give if you want.
Daily Budget for Maldives
Maldives is a luxury destination, hence even on a budget trip you will have to spend approximately MVR 3000 for food and activities, while compromising on means of transport, establishment types etc. For luxury travel, an estimated MVR 7000 – 8000 should be your daily expenditure, including sea plane transfers, luxury dining, sunset cruises coupled with other water sports.
Currency in Maldives
Given the tourist nature of Maldives, USD is generally accepted at resort islands, liveboards, hotels, restaurants, travel agents and shops. But the activities are arranged from the resorts. And accumulated payments can be made in cash or by card until the end of your stay. Apart from USD, Euro and Pound Sterling can also be used. Major international credit cards such as American Express, Visa Card, MasterCard and JCB Card are all accepted.
Exchanging Money in Maldives
It is advisable to not convert a lot of your currency to MVR, since there aren’t many occasions to use it, and you may be forced to sell it back at rates lower than what you purchased them at. Money exchange facility is available round the clock at the arrival terminal of the Male International Airport. Withdrawal from ATMs is also possible with a nominal fee.
Water Sports in Maldives
Located in the Indian Ocean south of Lanka,here for everyone to do. He fills your holiday with full enthusiasm. So let’s know which water sports activities can be done in Maldives.
Banana Boating
Banana boating cost – 50 – 80 USD per person, for 20 minutes
Jet skinning
Average cost of jet skinning – USD 70-100 per person, for 30 minutes
Flyboarding
Average cost of flyboarding – USD 150 per person for 30 minutes and USD 75 for 15 minutes
Catamaran ceiling
Average cost of catamaran ceiling – 50-80 USD per person with a driver and guide.
Fun tube
Average cost of Fun Tube – USD 130 for 20 minutes for two people
fun tube
Average cost of Fun Tube: USD 130 for 20 minutes for two people
Kayaking
Average Cost of Kayaking – Often resorts provide free boats for kayaking, but if you are not staying at the resort, you can take a boat for USD 10-50 per person.
Parasailing
Average cost of parasailing – USD 90 per person for 10 minutes
Average Cost of Kayaking – ften resorts provide free boats for kayaking, but if you are not staying at the resort, you can take a boat for USD 10 – 50 per person.
Parasailing
Average cost of parasailing – USD 90 per person for 10 minutes
Places To Visit In Maldives
Male
Banana Reef
Vaadhoo Island
Sunset Cruises
National Museum
Kudahuvadhoo Island
Hulhumale
Maldive Victory
Grand Friday Mosque
Maafushi Island
Boduberu Show
National Art Gallery
Local food in Maldives
Here tourists find fish, coconut and starch, the three main ingredients in traditional Maldivian food. The cuisine here is influenced by Sri Lanka and Kerala with its flavour. Dining in Male provides the best of opportunities to taste the local food. For which you should go to a ‘hotel’ or cafe serving traditional food. Apart from traditional food, the resorts here can also serve foreign food.
Hotels in Maldives
Paradise Island Resort & Spa
Meeru Island Resort & Spa
Bandos
Samann Grand
Kandima
Sun Island Resort & Spa
Grand Park Kodhipparu
Veligandu Island Resort & Spa
Malahini Kuda Bandos Resort
Kurumba
Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Velassaru
How to Reach Maldives from India
Flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Cochin fly to Male airport. Spicejet, Jet airways, Air India are few of the popular carriers. Apart from Male airport, International flights to India are also operational from Hanimaadhoo International Airport located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Hanimaadhoo island. Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, popularly known as Male International Airport (MLE) is the only airport, which connects to all major countries in South-East Asia including India, China and Sri Lanka.
Maldives Map
Video of Maldives Travel Guide
Interesting Facts
- It is a tropical haven of immaculate beaches located in the Indian Ocean south of Sri Lanka.
- The site is a natural island of 1,192 atolls.
- The azure waters of Maldivees are also famous for diverse marine life and sandy beaches.
- This place becomes a popular destination for water sports lovers.
- Today it has become one of the most visited tourist destination in the world.
- At the time of the establishment of Maldivees, Buddhism was practiced here.
- Topless bathing and nudity are strictly prohibited for women.
FAQ
Great place to travel and enjoy, honeymoon, romantic getaway and holiday vacation.
Maldives does not serve alcohol to the locals.
The Maldives is recommended for people of any age be it a family vacation or a romantic honeymoon.
December to April
Traditional Maldivian cuisine comprises three staple ingredients – fish, coconut and starch.
Packages for Maldives start at Rs.10433.
Conclusion
, Thank you for visiting the site!
If you liked this post, do share it with your friends!
Also read about :-
Full Information of Everglades National Park
Places To Visit In US Virgin Islands | US Virgin Islands Tourism
