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Maldives,
the “last paradise on earth”, is a virgin tropical island with
white sands, blue skies, lovely palm trees, clear waters and
brilliant turquoise lagoons. This is a tiny nation in the middle
of the Indian ocean to the South west of India consisting of 1200
tiny coral islands. The country is mostly visited for adventurous
sports like Scuba diving, Windsurfing; the fabulous Coral Reefs
and the wealth of Marine Life.
“Tourism” is the lifeline of the country and the island
resorts caters to every type of traveller from backpackers to the
rich and famous. The Government being aware of the dainty kind of
the surroundings they are exposed to, it closely regulates the
impact of tourists on both the local environment and population.
The unspoiled beauty and serenity you will discover in Maldives is
well worth the cost.
As a tourist one is free to move around on the resort islands and
the capital city, Male’, but entry to local villages and towns
is strictly through guided tours. Other forms of travel within the
country must be undertaken only if permitted by the government.
Major
cities : Kulhudhuffushi,
Malé, Naifaru, Thinadhoo
Clothing : Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton
clothing are most suitable. In addition swimming gear and a light
pullover. Sun glasses and a wide brimmed beach hat as well as
enough sun cream with a high protection factor should not be
included
Major events : Most
holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the dates
vary from year to year. Ramadan (known locally as rorda mas) the
Islamic month of fasting. Kuda Id the Prophet's Birthday.
Fixed holiday dates include : National
Day, the first day of the third month of the lunar calendar);
Victory Day( 3 November) and Republic Day (which commemorates the
current republic, founded on 11 November 1968).
Things to Buy : Stamps,
colorful island fabrics, local crafts made using lacquerwork and
weaving. The woven mats known as kuna, with elegant geometric
designs, black-coral jewelry, items made from turtle shell.
Things to do : Scuba
diving, Diving, Snorkeling and Windsurfing.
Cuisine :
Fish,
garudhya (tuna soup), spicy curry and rice are the stable food of
most of the population. Other dishes : pasta normally modified
with a flavour of tuna, other meats and chicken
Visa Permit
As a rule
visitors to the Maldives do not need an entry visa for a stay of
up to four weeks, however the passport has to be valid for at
least six months exceeding the date of leaving the Maldives.
A vaccination certificate is only required for visitors arriving
from cholera, yellow fever or malaria infested countries.
Culture
The Maldivian
culture is rich with flavors from most of the seafarers who landed
on it. Traditional dances and music may not be an everyday event
but there are occasions where traditional music and dances are
performed. Though traditional dresses are not used by present day
generation there are many types of traditional dresses made for
both men and women.
With a renowned history that evolved from the early settlers who
were from various parts of the world travelling the seas in olden
times, Maldives has been a meeting point of different cultures.
For example some of the local music and dance has African
influences, with handbeating of drums and songs in a language that
is not known to any but certainly represents that of East African
countries. Besides this, there is a great South Asian influence in
some of the music and dancing and especially in the traditional
food of the Maldivians. However, many of the South Asian customs
especially with regard to women - for instance the Sub
Continent’s tradition of secluding women from public view - are
not tenets of life here. In fact women play a major role in
society - not surprising considering the fact men spend the whole
day out at sea fishing. Many of the traditions are strongly
related to the sea and the fact that life is dependent on the seas
around.
When to go
One must
visit the beautiful island nation between December and April,
which is the dry season. This is the high season, however, and
resorts can be fully booked and prices are higher than the rest of
the year. The Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most
expensive part of the high season.
Between May and November it's still warm, but the skies can be
cloudy, humidity is higher and rain is more likely. This is the
low season, and there are fewer tourists and prices are lower. The
transition months of November and April are said to be associated
with increased water clarity and better visibility for divers.
Climate
The Maldives
have a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round and a
great deal of sunshine. The hottest month on average is April,
with a maximum monthly mean temperature of 31.5°C and a minimum
of 26.5°C. The coolest month is December, with a maximum monthly
mean temperature of 29.8°C and a minimum of 25.3°C.
There is a considerable variation of climate between Northern and
Southern atolls in the Maldives. In the south the rainfall is
greater but so are the number of rain days. Showers are not as
heavy as in the North. There are extremes of temperatures in the
North also, as the seasons are more evident further away from the
Equator.
Getting there
By Air : Malé
International Airport is the international airport of the country.
There are regular flights to Colombo (Sri Lanka), Thrivandrum
(southwest India), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), and Kuala Lumpur
(Malaysia), as well as many charter flights from European centres.
There are regular cargo ships, but they don't usually take
passengers. The Maldives is not popular with private yachts
because the reefs are dangerous and cruising permits are
restrictive and expensive.
Getting around
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 is sponsored by a resident of the
island concerned.
By Air
: Air
Maldives, the small national airline, has regular flights to the
four air strips in the outer atolls. Helicopters and seaplanes are
used to transfer guests to some of the remoter resorts.
Local transport:
--Dhoni, a
traditional all-purpose vessel now usually powered by a diesel
engine.
--Vedis, larger boats, used for longer trips to outer atolls.
--Safari cruises in modified, live-aboard dhonis are increasingly
popular, especially with dive groups who want to reach more remote
sites
--Taxis, motorcycles and bicycles are available in the capital.
Major attractions
Malé (The Capital City) : Male',
the capital of the Maldives, is a small, picturesque, and heavily
populated city which is about 2km (1.2mi) long and 1km (0.62mi)
wide. It is the commercial center, seat of government and the seat
of many important historical and religious landmarks. It has been
known as the Sultan's Island in the past.
Male’, known as ‘the Sultan's Island’ in the past, has no
beaches and instead the seawalls surround it on all the sides.
However, a newly landscaped artificial beach area and adjoining
breakwater stretching all the way round to the harbour in the
southwest of the island provide a pleasant jogging route.
The Grand Friday Mosque : Masjid-al-Sultan
Mohammed Thakurufaanu-al-A "z" zam is the biggest mosque
in the Maldives. It also includes the Islamic Center. This Grand
Mosque with its dominant golden dome ornates the city.
The Old Friday Mosque :with
its unique minaret and the tombs of national heroes and members of
royalty presents the visitor a glimpse of the past. The art in the
mosque and royal burial grounds are unique and invaluable.
Resorts :
The
tourists to the fantastic country of Maldives stay at either of
the 70-plus resort islands. Most resorts are situated in the three
atolls closest to the capital - North Malé Atoll, South Malé
Atoll and Ari Atoll. Despite their apparent similarity, however,
they differ considerably.
All the resorts are beautiful and are blessed with white sand,
blue sea and swaying palm trees, and they all promise great
diving. Though similar in many respects these resorts are unique
in terms of their comfort, cuisine, clientele, character and their
suitability for various excursions and activities.
Various resorts in the country are Angsana Resort & Spa
maldives Ihuru, Four Seasons Resorts at Kuda Huroa, Global Spa
resort and Global Day Spa.
Seenu (Addu Atoll) :
This
is the 'second city' of the Maldives, and the resort here is the
best base from one can visit the traditional Maldivian island
communities. The Addu people are fiercely independent, speak
differently from folk in the capital and at one time even tried to
secede from the republic.
Tourist development in Addu has been slow to start, but a resort
has been established in the old RAF buildings on Gan. Gan is
linked by causeways to the adjacent islands, and it's easy to get
around them by bicycle, giving unmatched opportunities to visit
the local villages and see village life.
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