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The Maldives is probably the most remote corner of Asia, but despite this, every year hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world fly there to enjoy their holidays in this exotic paradise world. Be prepared that in the Maldives you will be met by the warm Indian Ocean with clear water (in which you will see amazingly beautiful corals), as well as snow-white sandy beaches surrounded by groves of coconut palms and fruit trees.
Geography of the Maldives
The island state of the Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, about 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka and 400 km from India. The Maldives covers the territory of 26 atolls. The total area of this country, including all the islands (and there are more than a hundred of them) is 298 km2.
There are no mountains in the Maldives. In general, the highest point of the Maldives does not exceed 2.4 meters. Also, there are no rivers and lakes in the Maldives.
Capital
The capital of the Maldives is Male, which is now home to more than 100 thousand people. Male was built in the Middle Ages as the residence of the Maldivian sultan.
Official language of the Maldives
The official language in the Maldives is Dhivehi, belonging to the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European language family.
Religion
The majority of the population of the Maldives are Sunni Muslims.
State structure of the Maldives
According to the current Constitution, the Maldives is a parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, who has been elected for 5 years since 2008. The President appoints the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet of Ministers.
The parliament in the Maldives is unicameral - the People's Majlis. Deputies of the Mejlis are also elected for a 5-year term (their number may vary).
Climate and weather
The climate in the Maldives is subequatorial monsoonal. There are two periods of monsoons - northeast monsoons (dry season) from November to March and southwest monsoons (rain) from June to August. In other words, the dry season in the Maldives lasts from November to April (March and April are the hottest months of the year), and the wet season lasts from May to early November.
The air temperature in the Maldives ranges from +23C to +33C, and tends closer to +30C.
Air temperature in the Maldives (average):
January - +27С
- February - +28C
- March - +29С
- April - +29С
- May - +28C
- June - +28C
- July - +28С
- August - +28C
- September - +27C
- October - +27С
- November - +27C
- December - +27C
Ocean
The shores of the Maldives are washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean. The sea temperature near the Maldives ranges from +24C to +33C, so you can swim there all year round.
History of the Maldives
The Maldives was formed 65 million years ago as a result of the eruption of underwater volcanoes. The first people in the Maldives appeared 4 thousand years ago (they were sailors sailing the Indian Ocean). The Maldives was settled by people from Sri Lanka and India, and later by Arabs.
From about the middle of the 12th century, Islam began to spread in the Maldives.
Since the middle of the 16th century, Europeans (Portuguese, Dutch and British) have made numerous attempts to colonize the Maldives. In the end, in 1887, the Maldives came under the protectorate of Great Britain.
It wasn't until 1965 that the Maldives gained independence.
culture
The culture of the inhabitants of the Maldives was greatly influenced by Indian culture, as well as Islam. Since Islam is the main religion in the Maldives, it is understandable that the locals celebrate all Muslim holidays (Eid al-Adha and Kuda Eid).
In addition, there are national holidays in the Maldives - Independence Day (July 26) and Republic Day.
Kitchen
The cuisine of the Maldives was formed under the influence of Indian and Arabic culinary traditions. The main food items are fish (mostly tuna), rice, seafood, vegetables, and of course spices (due to the proximity of Sri Lanka and India). In addition, Maldivian cuisine cannot be imagined without coconut.
Coconut is the main ingredient in most local desserts. The people of Maldives often make various sweet puddings.
The main soft drinks are tea with added milk and sugar, as well as coffee, palm juice and sweetened milk.
From fermented palm milk, the inhabitants of the Maldives make a low-alcohol drink.
If you do not like the Maldivian cuisine, then the restaurant of any local hotel will offer various international dishes.
Attractions Maldives
The Maldives is a small island nation located on 26 atolls. The largest of them is Male, whose population exceeds 100 thousand people. It is clear that there are very few attractions in the Maldives. However, in this country there are places that you should still visit.
To imagine the history of the Maldives, we recommend that tourists visit the National Museum of Male. It contains artifacts that reflect all eras of the history of the Maldives. This museum is part of the Royal Palace, built in the 17th century.
Pay attention to the Hukuru Misky Mosque in Male. It was built in 1656. The interior of the mosque is famous for its wood carvings. One of its panels was carved in the 13th century to commemorate the introduction of Islam into the country.
Cities and resorts
The largest city in the Maldives is its capital, Male, which now has a population of more than 100,000 people.
The Republic of Maldives is located on 26 small atolls. As a rule, one hotel is located on each atoll. Please note that some of the hotels specialize in spa services, combining Asian and European spa programs.
The white sandy beaches in the Maldives are considered some of the best in the world. The Maddives are literally "immersed" in corals. Therefore, tourists in those places where coral reefs come close to the shore are advised to swim in special sandals.
You should know that you can be topless on the beaches of the Maldives only on one island - Kuramathi. Drinking alcohol on the beaches is also prohibited.
The legislation of the Republic of Maldives prohibits the collection of corals and any marine fauna.
Perhaps the best beach in the Maldives is on the South Ari Atoll. We are talking about Nalaguraidhoo beach. In addition, pay attention to the beaches on the islands of Banyan Tree Island, Nika and Cocoa Island.
The Maldives is considered a great place for diving. This is quite expected, given the presence in this region of a huge amount of corals and amazingly beautiful underwater world.
Souvenirs/Shopping
After a holiday in the Maldives, tourists usually bring home handicrafts, bright local fabrics, rugs with original patterns, black coral jewelry, and stamps. Make sure that the souvenirs you buy are really made in the Maldives, and not in Thailand and Indonesia.
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Are you endless romantics, madly in love with each other, or have you recently got married? Or maybe you are a diver from birth and are ready to explore the underwater world around the clock? Or do you prefer a relaxing holiday in a tropical paradise to luxurious hotels?
Welcome to the Maldives!
Geography of the Maldives
Republic of Maldives located in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, about 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka. The Maldives is an archipelago of 26 natural atolls, consisting of 1192 coral islets: 198 inhabited and 991 uninhabited islands. The length of the archipelago from north to south is 820 km, from east to west - 120 km. The total area is 90 thousand km², the land area is 298 km². Of the more than 1000 islands, only a few have an area of more than 1 km. The islands do not rise much above the ocean level: the highest point of the archipelago is on the southern Addu (Siena) atoll - 2.4 m. There are no rivers or mountains on them, each island is surrounded by a shallow lagoon. Atolls are formed by reefs, among which there are many corals. The reefs, the natural protection of the islands from the violence of the sea, amaze with their beauty. In addition, they serve as a refuge for numerous tropical fish. The depth of the sea under the reefs reaches 365 m. On the islands you can see typical tropical landscapes, with tall coconut trees, white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons. The largest atoll - Huvadhoo, located in the south, with a lagoon area of 2240 km, is one of the largest atolls in the world. The smallest atolls are Kaashidhu, north of Male Atoll, and Thoddhu, both less than 2 km in diameter.
The nearest neighbors of the Maldives in the north and east are India, located at a distance of about 600 km, and Sri Lanka, at a distance of about 670 km. In the west are the shores of the African Republic of Somalia, in the east are Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. The nearest neighbor of the Maldives in the southwest is the Seychelles, and a little further - Madagascar.
Climate in the Maldives
Maldives are located almost on the equator, and therefore the temperature in the Maldives does not fall below +27 ° C all year round. The climate is subequatorial monsoon. Under the influence of the northeast monsoons, dry from November to March and under the influence of the southwest monsoons, rainy from June to August. The air temperature never drops below +17 °C in January-February and never rises above +32 °C in April-May. The water temperature all year round is 28-30 degrees, humidity is 75-80%, although it changes under the influence of cold ocean breezes. May and November are considered the wettest months. In June, the sun is the least (6.5 hours a day). However, even on cloudy days, the sun exposure is so intense that it can harm sensitive fair skin even with indirect exposure.
Language in the Maldives
Official language - Dhivehi, close to Sinhalese, with borrowings from Arabic and English. The educated part of the population speaks Arabic and English. In tourist areas, staff speak many languages, including English, German, French, Italian and Japanese.
History and culture of the Maldives
The first inhabitants appeared on the islands three and a half thousand years ago. Aryan settlers settled here around 500 BC, however, reliable historical evidence appears only from the moment the inhabitants of the island converted to Islam in 1153. Sultans of various dynasties ruled the islands for centuries, although there was a fifteen-year period of Portuguese rule that ended in 1573 1887 to 1965 the period of the British protectorate continued, after which the islands returned to full independence. Three years later, the sultanate was abolished, in effect for the second time, and replaced by republican rule.
Despite foreign influences ranging from Indian films and martial arts to Michael Jackson and Muslim fundamentalism, the Dhivehi culture lives on in the Maldives. Western fashion is clearly felt in the capital of the country, pop music plays everywhere and many video salons are open. But, as soon as any religious event comes (for example, the holy holiday of Ramadan), the Maldivian traditions take precedence.
Several daily newspapers and magazines are published in the native language of the inhabitants of the country (divehi). There are several rock bands known throughout the country that sing lyrical Dhivehi songs. Multi-storey houses on the islands are designed in an architectural style that is an echo of the architecture of the first houses in the Maldives. Popular is "Bodu Beru" - a local big drum. This is the name he gave to the traditional music and dance rhythms of the Maldives. This art form can be seen in the resorts during the local culture night. Modern local rock bands, often performing at the resorts, perform well-known songs and music. When performing songs for the locals, they use some elements of bodu beru, percussion and drum solo inserts. Cassettes with recordings of local artists are sold in music stores in Male.
Customs and traditions of the Maldives
Religion leaves a certain imprint on the life and traditions of the Maldivians. For example:
- residents of the Maldives are not allowed to sell alcohol, alcoholic beverages can only be bought in the tourist area in a designated place, the use of alcoholic beverages in public places (outside the tourist area) is prohibited;
- in mosques one should behave with restraint. entering the mosque, you must take off your shoes and wash your feet in a special ritual pool, clothes should be closed, cover your legs, arms and shoulders, women should also cover their heads;
- it is forbidden by law to visit the capital of Male and the islands where the local population lives in open beach clothes, you must have light clothes that cover your shoulders, arms and legs, cotton clothing is considered the best option;
- nudism and topless on the beaches of the country are prohibited by law (with the exception of the island of Kuramati);
- it is customary to greet with a handshake, the official greeting is “salamu alaikum”, the greeting for an informal setting is “kihenen”;
- illegal fishing near the islands and spearfishing are prohibited;
- it is forbidden to litter
- In mosques and in places of religious shrines, photography is not allowed.
- you should not try to make contact with unfamiliar women in the Maldives, this is not accepted in Muslim countries.
Violation of the rules can result in a fine, imprisonment and even deportation from the country.
National cuisine in the Maldives
Cuisine of the Maldives based on Arabic and Indian cuisines. Most often there are various types of fish products, rice, spices, sauces. The favorite dish of the Maldivians is tuna with rice. Desserts - coconut in any form, areca nut, lots of fruits, fruit salads, pastries. Popular drinks are milk tea and Arabic coffee. Almost all fruits are imported, only coconuts and bananas are our own. Also, the Maldivians love a concentrated tuna paste called riha-akuru. It is mixed with boiled rice, chili and onions or spread on hot roshi. Many people prefer to eat rihaakura with grated green mango and chili. Packed in small bags, rihaakuru is sold in stores and shops - you can buy it and try it at home, for example, spread it on a sandwich. A Maldivian meal usually ends with a dish of thinly sliced betel nut (areca), betel leaves and lime paste meant to be chewed. These remedies are believed to improve digestion.
Bringing alcohol to the Maldives is prohibited. You can drink only in specially designated places - in bars and restaurants of hotels where visitors from Sri Lanka and India serve (citizens of the Maldives are prohibited from selling alcohol).
The cost of food and drinks in the resorts is much higher than in Male, since all products have to be brought to the islands. On average, a bottle of mineral water with a volume of 1.5 liters. costs 5 US dollars, a glass of wine - 6 US dollars, 1 buffet lunch - 35-40 US dollars. Prices vary by hotel category.
Monetary unit in the Maldives
Maldivian currency are rufiya and laari. 1 Maldivian rufiyaa is equal to 100 laari. 1 US dollar is approximately equal to 12 rufiyaa. In the Maldives, there are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 rufiyaas and coins of 2 and 1 rufiyaa, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari. In the Maldives, US dollars and major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and Euro Card) are almost universally accepted for payment. Therefore, it is not at all necessary to exchange dollars for local currency.
Shopping in the Maldives
The most famous souvenirs from the Maldives are undoubtedly "thudu kuna" - Maldivian mats woven from local natural palm fiber. Another souvenir is miniature wooden "doni" - traditional fishing boats that can be found everywhere in the Maldives. Shark jaws, coconut oil, shells, sarongs, handicrafts made of wood, most of which are handmade, coconut monkeys are also brought from the islands. In Male, buy high-quality foreign-made diving equipment and equipment at attractive prices.
Most shops are open from 9.00 to 22.00 with a few short breaks for prayer. On Fridays shops open after 14.00. Almost all salespeople speak English, some German and French. You can bargain, and even need to, the price can be reduced to 30%.
Maldivian Customs
When crossing the border with the Maldives, all baggage undergoes strict customs control.
It is allowed to import duty-free: foreign and national currency in any amount; cigarettes, no more than 200 pieces; perfumes up to 125 ml; goods for personal use in non-commercial quantities (no more than one item of each product per person)
It is allowed to export duty-free: national or foreign currency in unlimited quantities; previously imported goods for personal use and souvenirs
It is forbidden to import and export: alcoholic products; salami sausages; items of a pornographic nature (cassettes, publications); narcotic substances; items found at the bottom of the sea.
Export prohibited turtle shells and corals. The exception is objects, the decorative pattern of which is made using these materials, and souvenirs.
Attempting to smuggle alcoholic beverages is subject to a $500 fine. Alcohol left at customs will be returned when you leave the country.
reference Information
Tipping in the Maldives- not officially accepted, but with decent service, it does not hurt to reward the attendants with a small amount ($ 10 for a hotel employee, and a waiter - 5% of the bill). At some resorts, the service fee is immediately charged to the bill (as a rule, this is 10% of the total cost), then tipping is no longer necessary.
Electricity in the Maldives- voltage in the networks of the Maldives: 220-240 V, 50 Hz (voltage surges are possible).
Time in the Maldives- ahead of Moscow by 1 hour.
Visa to the Maldives- Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to enter the Maldives.
Phones in the Maldives- for calls to the Maldives to landline numbers, dial: 8 - 10 - 960 - (area code) - (phone number). To make calls to Russia, dial: 007 (Russian code) - (area code) - (phone number). The telephone code of the Maldives is 960.
The territory of the islands is divided into several telephone zones. The cost of calls within each zone is approximately the same, calls between zones are more expensive. You can call from pay phones, from hotels, or from a mobile phone. Most major Russian mobile operators provide roaming services in the Maldives. The cost of the service depends on the tariff rates of a particular operator.
Transport in the Maldives- There are no regular transport links on the islands. The main means of transport are sailing and motor boats. Most of the transportation is carried out by seaplanes, helicopters and boats. There is no public transport as such. The most common form of water transport in the Maldives is the wooden dhoni boat with a flat roof. Large Vedis boats are used for long journeys to distant atolls. By land they move mainly on bicycles and motorcycles. Car taxis (and roads) exist only in the capital Male and on the island of Gan.
measures>Precautionary measures
The Maldives is a small Asian island nation. The territory of the republic consists of a chain of small coral islands, 80% of which are still uninhabited. Let's find out how many islands there are in the Maldives and find out the names of at least the largest among them.
Territorial structure of the Maldives: islands and their number
How many islands are there in the Maldives?
Among the 1192 islands that are part of one of the 20 atolls, only 202 islands are inhabited, which is 1/6 of the entire land territory of the republic. Tourists and guests of the country are allowed only half of them.
Islands of the Maldives and their names
We will not list and describe all the islands of the Maldives and their names, since their number exceeds 1000.
Let's take a closer look at the most significant and largest islands of the Maldives. The name of these islands dates back to ancient times. They are part of the atolls.
So, let's get acquainted with the 9 largest and most significant islands and atolls of the Maldives:
North and South Male Atolls- these are atolls, consisting of more than 100 islands of various sizes (50 northern and 30 southern). North Male is the capital of the country - the beautiful city of Male. Of the 80 islands of 2 atolls, only 11 are inhabited, 44 are beautiful high-level resorts, and the remaining 25 are rented or uninhabited;
Gann- an island that is located on the southern atoll of Sienu (Addu). This island was once one of the English colonies. Its streets still retain the stiffness of that time. In the clear coastal waters of the island, you can go diving, exploring the rich underwater world;
Ari Atoll- includes more than 30 islands, of which 18 are inhabited, and 26 are luxurious exotic resorts. It's just perfect for lovers of underwater tourism. There are 4 marine reserves on the islands of the atoll: Maya Tila, Oramis Tila, Fish Head and Kudara Tila;
Baa Atoll- consists of 51 islands, of which only 10 are inhabited by people, and 5 are resorts;
Velavatu- This is an island that is part of the Dhaalu (Dhaalu) atoll. The locals used to call it "Turtle Island". This island is simply beautiful, because in a small area of \u200b\u200bthe land managed to accommodate various types of green spaces, magnificent palm trees, the tops of which rest against the sky and magnificent pristine sandy beaches. This place is just a paradise for lovers;
Filitheo (Filiheeo)- the only one of all the islands of Fafu Atoll, which has become a resort. In addition to it, the atoll includes 15 inhabited and the same number of wild islands. The island has a very lush and rich vegetation, which, combined with white sand beach and warm ocean waters, makes this place unforgettable;
Laviani Atoll- located north of North Male, truly a paradise on earth. It consists of 63 islands, most of which make up the beach area. Within its limits are some of the most beautiful barrier reefs with the richest life of underwater inhabitants. This is a wonderful place for lovers of scuba diving;
Kuramachi- this is one of the islands of the Maldives, known for the fact that three hotels are located on its territory at once, which is unusual for this republic. The combination of lush vegetation and pristine beaches makes this place unique.
Capital- city of Male
Square- 298 sq. km.
Population- 393 thousand people
Language– Maldivian
Form of government- presidential republic
Date of Independence (from UK)- July 26, 1965
Largest cities— Male
Currency- rufiyaa
Timezone — +5
Telephone code — +960
From above, they resemble a handful of opals scattered in the ocean blue, this is a divine work of art, and perhaps diabolical, because they are already very seductive. Located in the Indian Ocean, 700 km southwest of, 26 atolls, consisting of corals that have grown around extinct volcanoes, are the Republic of Maldives. Each of the 26 atolls has natural riches - white sand beaches, clear turquoise water and lush tropical vegetation. In total, there are about 2 thousand islands, but only 200 of them are inhabited and 87 receive tourists. So there are hotels for every taste.
Maldives - video
The Maldives are like animated pictures depicting a typical paradise island. Warm tropical sea and miles of white sandy beaches surrounded by palm trees. Just do not look for mountains here - they are not here. The islands are completely flat, they are even considered the flattest area in the world. Many of the islands rise above the water by no more than 2 meters. The population of the Maldives speaks Dhivehi, but when they enter school, at the age of three, children begin to learn Arabic. Most of the youth are also fluent in English. And the literacy rate will give odds to more developed countries, it reaches 99%.
Over the past few years, the Maldives has experienced a boom in foreign tourism. And this is completely understandable - the country can offer tourists any conditions: from the simplest to those that meet the most demanding tastes. Accommodation from campsites to 5 star hotels. But all the proposals have something in common - sapphire waters, golden beaches and emerald forests.
Looking at this beauty, you understand - the best place in the world for romantics. The weather here is beautiful, so this is the right place for rest and relaxation. The beaches here are rarely crowded, so it seems like you have your own beach.
In hotels full of oriental luxury, you can enjoy all the amenities and live like in a fairy tale. In endless pools, the water from which flows directly into the Indian Ocean, it is very easy to imagine yourself as a mermaid or an inhabitant of the ocean depths. It is impossible not to rest here. With the highest service, it remains only to relax and enjoy. And this proves how well the Maldives is adapted for tourists.
- the capital of the Republic of Maldives. Of the 400 thousand people living in the Maldives, about a third live in this city. Male is a lively large city typical of tropical islands. With numerous shops, lively bazaars and even traffic.
Islamic center- one of the most famous buildings in the city of Male, the roof of which is crowned with a golden dome. This is the largest mosque in the Maldives - it can accommodate 5,000 worshipers. Its beautiful wood carvings and Arabic calligraphy attract many admiring tourists.
A 20-minute boat ride from Male (the capital of the Maldives) is bandos island. This is a small island with a perimeter of 600 meters. Each of his bungalows is literally 3 meters from the beach.
Gan Island- the southernmost island of the Republic of Maldives, located beyond the equator. Its dimensions are 5 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide.
If the Maldives manages to maintain its reputation as the main center of attraction for divers of the entire planet, and manages to maintain everything that they have today, then they will remain such a center forever. Someone will come here for relaxation, entertainment and romance, someone to devote themselves to exploring the many wonders of the underwater world. And no one, neither nature lovers, nor fans of beaches and massages, nor those who need adrenaline, will be disappointed in the Maldives - wonderful islands at the very end of the world.
Road junction of the Maldives
The transport interchange between the islands is represented by two types of communication - boats and seaplanes. Most of the islands are small enough to be easily explored by bike. The peculiarity of this type of travel here is that in whatever direction you go, you will always find yourself on the seashore.
1. First of all, you should know that in the Maldives (as in many other countries) it is forbidden to get all kinds of corals, shells and the like from the sea. Also, it is not allowed to fish near the island, and spearfishing is completely prohibited.
2. One important virtues of the Maldives is that there are neither mosquitoes nor any other unpleasant insects and animals.
3. During a trip to the Maldives, it is worth spending at least one night under the open sky, looking at the stars. You can sleep right on the street, because the temperature at night does not fall below 24 degrees.
4. The main value of a holiday in the Maldives is the ability to step back from problems and stress.
5. If you decide to go on vacation to the island of Gan, be prepared for the fact that the island cuisine can greatly disappoint you. The thing is, almost no vegetables grow on the island and the hotel chefs have to cook from the products that are delivered here by plane. Often, these are products that are stored for a long time, and therefore lack exquisite taste.
6. Before traveling to the Maldives, it is recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. To avoid unwanted situations, it is better to take out insurance.
The Maldives is a scattering of picturesque atolls in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Everything here is conducive to bliss: kilometers of secluded beaches, high-class hotels and very beautiful nature. All about the Maldives: diving and surfing, photos, prices, weather and tours.
- Hot tours to the Maldives
- Tours for May Worldwide
The Maldives, the famous "residents" of the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, are rightfully considered one of the best exotic destinations. There are 1190 islands (or rather, atolls) and all of them are like a selection: with blue lagoons, sandy beaches and unique vegetation. There is everything for rest: peace and quiet, beautiful nature, rich underwater world. And one more thing, without which any advantages of any resort immediately fade in the eyes of modern tourists - good hotels and a high level of service.
Prices, I must say, in the Maldives are also quite “at the level”: vacations here can be afforded mainly by travelers whose income level is defined by marketers as “above average”. Having paid a significant amount for the trip, the following categories of vacationers will be 100% satisfied with their vacation. Maniac divers who dive three times a day. This is the most trouble-free subtype of tourists: they will still be delighted, diving like ducklings from morning to night. Happy married (or out of it) couples who need no one but each other. They can pick up a hotel with the appropriate environment - there are plenty of those on the islands. And, of course, seekers of an absolutely relaxed holiday in the entourage of a tropical paradise.
Time difference with Moscow
2 hours
- with Kaliningrad
- with Samara
- with Yekaterinburg
- with Omsk
- with Krasnoyarsk
- with Irkutsk
- with Yakutsk
- with Vladivostok
- with Severo-Kurilsk
- with Kamchatka
History and legend
According to legend, once life in the Maldives was not at all as cloudless as glossy catalogs inspire us. The sea genie Rannamaari, to the misfortune of the local residents, settled in their territorial waters, demanded regular human sacrifices every full moon, and only in the form of virgins from the island of Male. The poor fellow was taken to a certain temple, and the next morning they were found dead.
But not everything is Shrove Tuesday for the cat: once a traveler from the distant Maghreb, Abdul-Barakat ul-Barbari, arrived on the atoll. The stranger took pity on the girls (whom his compatriots apparently did not care about) and on the full moon he himself sat down in the temple in the place of the sacrifice. All night he read the Koran, and in the morning it turned out that the genie had fled, unable to withstand the power of the holy book. So the women were saved, and the Maldivians converted to Islam to celebrate - so now there are mosques everywhere, a ban on the import of alcohol and no topless (presumably, they are afraid that the genie would not return). However, this did not affect the amazing nature of the archipelago - and hence its attractiveness for tourists.
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Climate
The climate of the Maldives is warm and humid. Air temperature during the day is about +30 °C, at night +26 °C, water +26 °C. Due to its proximity to the equator, seasonal changes associated with the monsoons are almost imperceptible. During the southwest monsoon (May to October) it rains more often and the weather is more windy. The northeast monsoon season (November to February) is considered less humid.
Maps of Maldives
Visa and customs
Police: 119, fire department: 118, ambulance: 102.
Beaches in the Maldives
In the Maldives, all roads lead to the beach: fine white sand, perfectly blue waves, tall palm trees - wherever you look, pictures from advertising posters come to life everywhere. The coast is almost everywhere wide, spacious, equipped with amenities and umbrellas that save from the scorching sun. Most of the beaches belong to hotels, and the areas accountable to the modest "three rubles" are not much inferior in terms of grooming and comfort to the fashionable five-star zones.
On the Maldivian beaches it is strictly forbidden to sunbathe topless and drink alcohol.
The list of the most famous beaches of the archipelago includes Naladu and Banyan Tree on Male Atoll, San and Nika on Ari Atoll. Turtles nest on the banks of the Laviani, and dolphins splash around the coast of Maafushi. A wealthy public relaxes on the islands of Hadahaa (Gaafu Alif Atoll), Kunfunadu (Baa Atoll) and Veligandu (Ari Atoll). There is an equipped beach even in the capital: of course, it is not as spectacular as the recreation areas in luxury resorts, but it is quite suitable for surfing and sunbathing. And the most vivid impressions will be given by night swimming on the “glowing” beach: underwater microorganisms and luminescent algae on the coast of Vaadu (South Male) shimmer in the dark with blue lights, creating the effect of a starry sky descending to earth.
Diving in the Maldives
The Maldives... how much this word has merged for the diver's heart: comfortable water temperature (+27 °C at a depth of up to 40 m), excellent visibility up to 30 m and, of course, professional dive centers. The disadvantages of the direction include strong currents outside the reefs. The best season for scuba diving in the archipelago is from January to April, when the weather is sunny and the water is clear. Giraavaru Island Resort, on the North Atoll, has over 20 sites known to divers from all over the world.
For beginners, diving on reefs is ideal: on their inner slopes or inside the atoll. Advanced divers will be interested in the outer surface of the reef (there are amazing ocean fish living in caves with ledges and terraces), but do not forget about strong currents and breaking waves. The underwater coral slides are very interesting - their tops are at a depth of 5 to 25 m, and the base is up to 40 m.
In addition, there are several interesting wrecks in the Maldives, for example, the Victoria cargo ship with the remains of goods brought to the islands or the Chaika steamer, which sank at the end of the 19th century - its hull is completely split in two. Some of the popular sites are: Embudu National Reserve with a stunning variety of underwater life, Feliwaru and Halaveli wrecks (giant rays can be seen here), Maaya Reef, a cozy channel between the reefs of Fushi, teeming with many inhabitants, a secluded dive site Rakido, Guraidhoo Marine Protected Area , Miyaru's "shark" site.
Read more about local diving in the article by our permanent expert charming Veronica Birman "Diving without lyrics - 13. The soul of the Maldives".
Surfing
Board riding on the waves is a relatively recent entertainment in the Maldives: only in the late 80s. the first surfers came here. Today, the islands are considered one of the most popular surf spots in the world: they are never crowded (the number of people going out to sea is regulated by a special service), and the waves are just a feast for the eyes: high, stable, and ideally shaped. Lohifushi Island regularly hosts the prestigious O'Neill Deep Blue Open international tournament.
There are 7 popular surf spots in the Maldives, including Sultans, Pasta Point (with the exclusive right to “hire” waves by the Atoll Adventures club) and the so-called “Police Island”. The most wonderful surfing is from June to September, the height of local waves is from 1 to 2.5 m.
Surfing can also be practiced in the capital Male: there is a sandy bottom, and there is no risk of cutting yourself on corals at low tide. True, the landscapes are not as picturesque as in the atoll resorts.
Wedding in the Maldives
Entertainment and attractions
All the main beauties of the Maldives are located below sea level; there are no special sights on land. There is the little-remarkable capital Male (excursion from 40 USD), many uninhabited islands similar to each other, where they like to have picnics (from 35 USD), as well as a kind of "action" - a fishing excursion. Perhaps the only notable surface excursion is the Photo Flight, a seaplane flight over the islands. It costs a lot: for 15-20 minutes in the air you will have to pay about 150-250 USD. Other popular excursions are a yacht cruise (from 80-90 USD) or a submarine dive (from 45-50 USD).
Do you know how an atoll differs from "just an island"? Just in case, we give a certificate: an atoll is a coral island in the form of a continuous or discontinuous ring surrounding the lagoon. If you look from under the water, the atoll will most likely turn out to be a long-extinct volcano, on the slopes of which a coral reef once began to grow - and grew so much that it gradually appeared on the surface. But the top of the volcano, on the contrary, over the long centuries collapsed and sank under water. You know the rest: people came from somewhere to the formed ring, built hotels with restaurants and spas, and opened diving centers.
If the soul still requires a cultural program, we recommend visiting the National Museum on the territory of the picturesque Sultan Park, the Islamic Center under the golden dome and the Presidential Palace in Male. The country's oldest Old Friday Mosque with a unique minaret (1656) and the tomb of Mohammed Takurufanu, legends of national resistance, are also located here. There are ruins of a Buddhist temple from 90 BC on Ari Atoll. e., on the island of Matirah (Haa Alif atoll) - a mausoleum with a sacred tomb, a place of pilgrimage for Muslims.
Holidays and events
The main holidays in the Maldives are patriotic and religious in nature. The most magnificent celebrations take place on Independence Day, July 26: the islanders have fun in honor of the long-awaited exit from the protectorate of Britain and the declaration of sovereignty. On the first day of the month of Rabi al-awwal, the Day of the Nation is celebrated in honor of the liberation from the Portuguese invaders by the troops of Mohammed Takurufanu. On the 12th day of the same month, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is celebrated.
The end of the holy Ramadan marks Eid al-Fitr: three days of plentiful meals, visits and other amusements. After 70 days, Eid al-Adha arrives with traditional worship and sacrifices. November 3 - Victory Day in honor of the coup d'état prevented in 1988. In the first month of the Muslim calendar, Muharram, religious celebrations are held to celebrate the Islamic New Year.
December 10 is one of the most colorful local holidays: Fisherman's Day with folk festivals and noisy fairs. On New Year's Eve (January 1) and Christmas (December 25) adored by foreign tourists, bright celebrations are held in hotels and on city streets: the degree of fun depends only on the thickness of the wallet.
