Maldives - a cluster of more than 1000 islands forming around 26 exotically beautiful coral Atolls. Spread over the Indian Ocean towards the South-West of Sri Lanka and extending across the Equator; some of the Islands are totally uninhabited while some have been inhabited for the past 2500 years. Maldives has one of the most delicate environments on earth. The reef structures that form the Maldives protects the islands from storms and waves . While some Islands are so small that they have only 4% of dry land with sparse plant growth, there are Islands which cover many km and have a good flora population.
The Maldives are a dream holiday destination of many. With its picturesque sandy beaches and clear lagoons, anyone can expect to be drowned in the wonderful beauty of the place. Tall palm trees dotting the beaches, colorful coral reefs decorating the clear lagoons accompanied by the most amazing resorts complete the picture. The Maldives are one of the last paradises in the world - come and see the beautiful nature over and underwater. The famous Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta on describing Maldives as "One of the wonders of the world”.
The sun, the sand and the sea. These are just the three simple realities beckoning tourists from far and wide to these little islets, giving as a result, a glorious s sense of happiness and proving to be a heavenly getaway from the world and its worries. The Maldives " The beautiful garland in the Indian Ocean" or as some say, the necklace of pearls . This is the dream holiday destination for millions all over the world.
A chain of 1190 little coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean that forms the archipelago of the Maldives in 80- 120 km wide, stretching 860 km from latitude 7° 6"N to 0° 41"S and lying between 72° 32" and 73° 45"E. Out of the 1190 islands, only 201 islands are inhibited. Almost 99% of the country being he ocean, it is one of the most unique nations in the world.
Archaeological and historical discoveries indicate that the islands have been inhabited for over three thousand years. Being on an important trade route, Maldives was visited by people from all over the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These visitors left a strong influence on the people, their religion and the culture of the Maldives.
The Maldives has a population of about 300,000 people. (2006). The Maldivians have beautiful and harmonious blend of features from a mixture of Arabic to African, and Asian. The people live in simple, laid back, and contented life-style. With ready smiles, and always willing to lend a helping hand, the Maldivians are a friendly race and make visitors feel very welcome.
Despite its geographical isolation, Maldives is easily accessible. Many airlines offer regular schedule and charter flights from Asia, Europe, Middle East, and South Africa. Male' International Airport is located on an island of its own which is just over a kilometer long. The island is for the exclusive usage of the airport and is only 10 minutes from the capital by boat.
Strict laws prohibit the import of pornographic material s, weapons, and drugs, into the country, and the penalties are severe. Alcohol cannot be imported without a license. It should be declared at the customs and will be returned to you on departure. The export of coral, shells, and other objects removed from their marine habitat is prohibited in the Maldives. Please assist us in preserving the environment by taking only photographs and memories with while leaving only footprints.
A tourist visa of thirty days will be granted on arrival to all visitors with valid travel documents, a confirmed hotel reservation is required for immigration clearance, and visitors without hotel reservation s should seek assistance at the airport tourist information counter right outside the arrival hall.
The summer never ends in the Maldives. Although it is warm throughout the year there are slight variations in the temperature during certain periods determined by the monsoon; from November to April is mostly dry with very little wind, while the Southwest monsoon from May to October brings some rain and the temperature varies very little. The annual average daily temperature is between 30.4 and 25.4 degrees Celsius. The average rainfall is below 2mm per annum.
Visitors to the Maldives do not require any vaccinations or medications against Malaria before traveling to the Maldives unless they are coming from a yellow fever infected area.
The most common problem for tourists in the Maldives are sunburn and dehydration. The tropical sun is very intense in the country. And soft breezes on the islands and during boat rides can easily fool you. Some form of sun protection is necessary even for travelers with darker skin tones. A range of sun creams are available in Male' and in most resorts. It is also advisable to wear a T-shirt when snorkeling, to avoid dehydration drink lots of fluids.
There are two hospitals in Male', many clinics, pharmacies and a number of good doctors both in private practice and at the hospitals. A physician is also within easy reach from all resorts islands.
Light cotton clothes are recommended to ward off the heat and humidity. Nudism is an offense in the Country, and visitors are requested to respect the traditions and religion of the local people by wearing clothes that cover the thighs and shoulders when visiting inhabited islands.
The local currency is the Rufiyaa, and US$ 1.00 is equivalent to approximately 12.75 Rufiyaa, all major currencies are accepted widely in the country. The most commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB, and Euro Card. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any authorized moneychanger at the banks in Male'. It can be exchanged at the airport on arrival or at the resort islands.
Tourism is strictly regulated in the Maldives and independent travel is discouraged because it is seen as disruptive to traditional island communities. Those wanting to see the Maldivian way of life can stay in Malé, the intriguing capital city, and make daytime visits to island communities close to tourist resorts. It's not impossible to visit the outer islands, but it's difficult enough to deter all but the most dedicated and determined. An Inter Atoll Travel Permit is required to visit islands outside the tourist zone, and the Ministry of Atolls Administration will only issue them to those whose visit if sponsored by a resident of the island concerned.
By Air The Maldives has a small national airline and operates regular and very scenic flights to four air strips in the outer atolls. Seaplanes are used to transfer guests to some of the remoter resorts. Malé International Airport is the only international gateway; departure tax is $US10 per passenger. Sea-planes do take guests to the resort island of their choice. Apart from international flights operated by South Africa, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, the U.A.E., and a number of European countries to and from Malé International Airport, Island Aviation Services, the national carrier, operates regular flights to the domestic airports at Hanimaadhoo, Kadhdhoo, Kaadedhdhoo and Gan.
By Boat The Dhoni is the main form of local transport. It is a traditional all-purpose vessel now usually powered by a diesel engine. Larger boats called Vedis are used for longer trips to outer atolls. Safari cruises in modified, dhonis are increasingly popular, especially with dive groups who want to reach more remote sites. Most safari trips cruise around the tourist zone, but it is possible to arrange longer trips to the outer atolls - the operator will have to obtain the necessary permits. Most islands are so small that transport is not a problem.
The tourist resort islands have their own transfer boats to carry their clients. There is no regular inter-island transportation system between inhabited islands. The ad hoc transportation system is serviced mainly by Dhoni or Baththeli which average a speed of about 8 miles per hour. Modern speed boats are also available for hire.
Taxis are only available in the capital and are un-metered, charging Rf 15 called on phone from the taxi service.
Motorcycles can be rented on the main island of Malé only.
Bicycles can also be rented in the capital city, Malé as well on some of the other islands, where wheeled transport is necessary. Most islands though are small enough for ‘Shank’s pony’ (walking) to be enough.