Republic of Maldives - The Nation of Islands.

         When we think of a romantic trip far away from crowd, in an isolated island then Maldives is the place it has to be. The Maldives officially known as The Republic of Maldives, is a small island nation in South Asia situated in the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean. Mali is the capital and the most populated city, traditionally called the "King’s Island where the ancient royal dynasties ruled for its central location. In just three and a half decades the travel industry became the main source of income. Tourism is also the country’s biggest foreign currency earner and the single largest contributor to the GDP. For many centuries the Maldivian economy was entirely dependent on fishing and other marine products. Fishing remains the main occupation of the people and the government gives priority to the fisheries sector. The Maldives is an Islamic country. The local Languages spoken is Dhivehi but as the literacy level is good in Maldives majority of localities follow English language too. The Currency of Maldives is Maldivian Rufiyaa. 

   The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April. The Maldives tropical climate has a wet season from May to November, followed by a dry season, the driest months of which are February and March. This is also the sunniest time. As it is common in tropical areas, the rains mostly occur in the form of short and intense downpour or thunderstorm. The Maldives is in the equatorial belt and therefore severe storms are rare.

     The best reasons to visit Maldives is to spend your time relaxing at the clean beaches, fresh wind all around and the beautiful Turquoise Indian Ocean and the colorful breathtaking coral reefs. The Normal days are Hot and Sunny with the night being cool and the best part is to redefine romance under the sparkling roof of stars.   

    

• To enter the Maldives, a passport valid for six months is required by all nationals. 
• COVID-19 negative PCR test result, attached while completing Traveler Health Declaration form (sample taken 72 hours prior to departure to Maldives, counting from the first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives)
• Tourist visas for 30 days are issued on arrival only, and are free of charge to all visitors in possession of valid travel documents.
• Confirmed onward/return tickets to home country or to country of residence.

 

   

• Gan International Airport (ADDU CITY)
• Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAA DHAALU) 
• Maafaru International Airport (NOONU)
• Velana International Airport (MALE)

   

 

1.  MALE:

     It’s the capital of Maldives and also the most populated state of Maldives. The city was then called Mahal. Velana International Airport is located on nearby Hulhulé and is the city's airport as well as the principal airport in Maldives.

2.  ADDU CITY:

      Addu City is a city in Maldives that 

consists of the inhabited islands of Addu Atoll. Addu City is the second-largest urban area in Maldives, in terms of population, and is one of the two urban areas to get the status of "city" other than the capital city, Malé, and Fuvahmulah.

3.  FUVAHMULAH

       Fuvahmulah City is an island in the Maldives. It is under Maldives administrative divisions of Gnaviyani Atoll. Fuvahmulah means "Island of the Areca nut palms".  The inhabitants speak a distinctive form of the Dhivehi language, known as "Fuvahmoloke baha". The original name of the island could have been Mulah, but was called Fuvahmulah (the Mulah with the areca nut palms).

4.  KULHUDHUFFUSHI

    Kulhudhuffushi is the capital of Haa Dhaalu Atoll administrative in the north of the Maldives. The island is one of the biggest and most populous islands in the Northern part of the Maldives. Kulhudhuffushi is known as the "Heart of the North". The island is famous for its mangroves (kulhi), after which the island itself is named.

5.  THINADHOO

    Thinadhoo is the capital of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and the proposed capital for the Upper South Province of the Maldives. It has its own dialect of Dhivehi which is considerably different from northern and mid-Maldivian speech.

6.  NAIFARU 

        It is the capital and most populous island of Lhaviyani Atoll. The location of the first tuna canning factory in the Maldives was selected to be the nearby island of Felivaru due to the high number of catch by Naifarians. Fishing is still a major income generator for the island, although working in resort islands has gained popularity among the youth in the last few years. Naifaru has shops and markets that serve the island population as well the atoll population. These include hardware stores, food and consumer product stores, and electronic shops, building materials, fabric stores, boutiques and automobile showrooms. There are two passenger boats operating between Naifaru and the capital Male; it takes about nine hours on the sea in order to reach the destination. A passenger boat from Dhaalu atoll travels between Naifaru and Male.

7.  HINNAVARU

    Hinnavaru is one of the inhabited islands of Lhaviyani Atoll. Hinnavaru is the second most populous island in the Lhaviyani Atoll.

8.    DHUVAAFARU

    Dhuvaafaru is an inhabited island of Maldives located in the eastern edge of Raa Atoll. The island name of Dhuvaafaru is literally translated as "running reef". It is suggested that this name may have been derived from the ever-shifting shape of the island’s beach in different monsoons. Even today the shape of the beach and shoreline keeps changing consistently, especially during the rainy season.

9.  DHIDHDHOO

        Dhidhdhoo is the capital of Haa Alif Atoll in the Maldives. Being the capital, Dhidhdhoo is home to the largest population and is the economic trade hub of Haa Alif Atoll.

10. GAN

    Gan is the southernmost island of Addu Atoll. The origin of the word" Gan" is in the Sanskrit word "Grama", meaning "village". Gan has now a hotel catering for tourists and is connected by causeways to the neighboring islands. This island is not to be confused with two other Maldives islands called "Gan": Gan (Huvadhu Atoll) and Gan(Laamu Atoll).

BAGLIONI RESORT,  Maagau Island In Dhaalu Atoll.

LILYBEACH RESORT & SPA, Maldives Nestled on a private island

COMO MAALIFUSHI, Thaa Atoll

THE ST. REGIS MALDIVES VOMMULI RESORT, Dhaalu Atoll

FOUR SEASONS LANDAA GIRAAVAR, Baa Atoll

DHONI RIDE

The mechanization of the traditional fishing boat called dhoni in 1974 was a major milestone in the development of the fisheries industry.

And the best part you can experience and Enjoy the riveting sunset with your sweetheart on Dhoni ride as you take the scenic route around the islands. The utter calm and tranquility that you will attain in this moment is a memory that will stay with you both for years to come.

DOLPHIN SAFARI

Dolphins have punctuated the presence of marine life abundant in the Maldives, and one highlight of the Meemu Atoll is dolphin watching. Climb aboard the traditional Maldivian Dhoni and set sail – and don’t forget your camera!

SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELING

You must include scuba diving or snorkeling in Maldives on your bucket list. The Maldives is known for its incredible beaches and beautiful waters that lead to a gorgeous underwater world full of paradise. The area offers some coral reefs, but that isn’t what highly attracts divers. Instead, it is the incredible amount of marine life to be seen. Vaavu Atoll, North Male Atoll, Ari Atoll are few places you should visit for Scuba & Snorkeling.

VISITING ALL ISLANDS & 

MEETING THE LOCALS

If you are staying in a private island make sure if you have buffer days left once you have spent some memorable time with your loved ones you should go visiting the nearby island where you can meet the locals and know their culture and also speak with them if possible and know their experience of living in a paradise. Riding the Maldivian boat Dhoni can be equally charming to know about the local people and get acquainted with their culture.

 

SURFING IN THE MALDIVES

The Maldives is located right in the middle of the Indian Ocean to excellent surfing conditions on the outer reefs of atolls. Surfing conditions are good throughout the surfing season from in mid-February to November, however you can experience the best conditions from March to May and September to end of November. Five Islands, Two Ways, Love Charms and Antiques are some of the well-known surf points in the atoll. 

BODU BERU 

As you got in Maldives, make sure to catch sight of Bodu Beru, the popular Maldivian folk dance which is often held during evening on the beach. And this one of the best experience you should not miss on your trip to Maldives as you and loved one's can dance with it and make a wonderful memory.

    

NATIONAL MUSEUM 

 With the purpose of preserving history and instilling patriotism among the people of the Maldives, the museum has a large collection of historical artifacts, ranging from stone objects to fragments of royal antiquities from the Buddhist era to the rule of Islamic monarchs. The new building of the museum is also located in Sultan Park in Malé,

MALÉ FRIDAY MOSQUE

Malé Friday mosque also known as the Old Friday Mosque is one of the oldest and most ornate mosques in the city of Malé, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. The mosque was added to the tentative UNESCO World Heritage cultural list 

 

VAADHOO ISLAND

           The beach is a part of Vaadhoo Island, which is one of the islands of Raa Atoll in Maldives. It glows at night, this glow-in-dark is basically a natural phenomenon called ‘Bioluminescence’ wherein light is emitted or created by a living organism. Moreover, the sea is vast, mysterious and full of unknown creatures; it is believed that there are several marine animals which are capable of performing light producing action. Reaching Vaadhoo Island is not at all an issue as the destination is well connected to the rest part of Maldives. The island is located around 8 km away from Male, the capital city of Maldives and the main airport. Travelers can hire a speedboat to reach here, which takes around 15 minutes. Vaadhoo Island in Maldives is an absolute paradise and travelers here wait for the sun to go down just to catch a glimpse of incredible phenomenon. 

MAS HUNI

Mas huni is a typical Maldivian breakfast, composed of tuna, onion, coconut, and chili. All ingredients are finely chopped and mixed with the grated meat of the coconut. This dish is usually eaten with freshly baked roshi flatbread

BIS KEEMIYA

Somewhat like a samosa or spring roll, Bis Keemiya is an interesting dish that makes for a good snack. It's a pastry filled with tuna/hardboiled egg, sliced onions and gently tossed in small amount of oil, shredded cabbage. This snack is very interesting and tasty.

       GARUDHIYA

It is  a clear fish broth. The broth is based on tuna species found in the nation's ocean waters .Garudhiya is usually eaten with steamed rice, but it can also be eaten with roshi, the Maldivian chapati. 

SAAGU BONDIBAI

Sago is a popular food in the Maldives and so this sago pudding is a popular dish and should be tried. It is warmed with coconut milk, rose and cardamom and then laced with creamy condensed milk. This dessert is not so sweet. For this reason, it is usually more appreciated by adults than children.

ALUVI BOAKIBAA

Aluvi Boakibaa is a really simple cassava cake. It is a sweet made of cassava powder and coconut cake. It is a must try cake by every person visiting Maldives. 

BOSHI MAHSUNI

Boshi Mashuni is a blend of shredded, blanched banana flowers, fresh coconut and spices. It’s zingy with lime, hot with onion and Maldivian chili.

Alcohol and pork are served at resorts and liveaboards Only. However, owing to the fact that Maldives is a Muslim country, they are prohibited on the local islands. 

Local Transportation in  Maldives

SEA PLANE

                                                                          

                        

Travelling to your destination by a seaplane is a unique adventure in itself. As you soar above the islands and the ocean, you get to enjoy breathtaking views and take panoramic photos and videos. A seaplane is the quickest ' and, sometimes, the only ' way to get to the country's furthest islands. Transfers are often either included in the price of your hotel booking or arranged by the resort itself ' make sure to check with the property about transportation method and cost.

SPEED BOAT

Speedboat transfers are typically available to closer islands and are also significantly cheaper than the seaplane option. You can hop on a speedboat.

 

DHONI

Dhoni is a traditional cargo boat used by the locals. Even though dhonis are much slower than a speedboat, they are by no means any less exciting ' you will get to enjoy your voyage at a more relaxed pace and discover an authentic mode of getting about. You can find dhonis waiting in the harbor by the airport ferry jetty and hire the boat for a quick transfer or for a day of island hopping. Note that bargaining for the best price is acceptable and may help you land a better deal.

Beaches in Maldives are, without a doubt, the best places to let your mind relax but there is something different when it comes to Maldives. Be it sipping drinks with your partner under the stars or dipping your feet in the bioluminescent water, Vacations where kids, teens and adults can do as much or as little as they want. With endless land and water sports – the reasons to visit Maldives are many. You should definitely Plan your trip to Maldives and experience the fun yourself.

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