About Maldives
Maldives has always been a unique nation. Apart from a period of Portuguese domination in the Sixteenth century and carrying the status of a British Protectorate from 1887 to 1965, the archipelago has been an independent archipelago for at least twenty-five centuries. The population of the Maldives currently stands slightly in excess of a quarter of a million. A common language (Dhivehi) and a religion (Islam) have been two blessings that unite the people into a cohesive and peaceful society. Pride is taken in tradition though not at the expense of development and modernization.
Geography
The Maldives archipelago consists of 1190 tiny islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. Only 185 of these islands are inhabited, while the others are used largely for tourism and agriculture. The atolls are composed of live coral reefs and sand bars perched atop a 960km submarine ridge, while the land features lush tropical vegetation with abundant local coconut palms. With an average ground level of 1.5m above sea level, the Maldives is by far the lowest country on earth and as such has a very fragile ecosystem. The capital and largest city of the Maldives is Male.
Tourism in Maldives
Tourism is the largest economic industry in the Maldives. A tourist resort in the Maldives consists of an exclusive hotel on its own island, with its population entirely based on tourists and work force, with no local people or houses. These islands developed for tourism are approximately 800 by 200 metres in size and are composed of sand and coral to a maximum height of about 1.5 metres above the sea.
The guest house is located in the local island offers an ideal and affordable alternative where guests can enjoy community tourism and water activities from snorkeling, fishing, to diving. In addition to its beach encircling the island, each island has its own "house reef" which serves as a coral garden and natural aquarium for scuba divers and snorkelers. The shallow water enclosed by the house reef also serves as a large natural swimming pool and protects swimmers from the ocean waves and strong tidal currents outside the house reef and friendly service is what you can expect at this charming guest house. Its guestrooms are well-equipped with air conditioning, a ceiling fan and features all the amenities guarantees an enjoyable time for your stay in Maldives.
What to do in Maldives
The Maldives is renowned for its incredible diving opportunities. The crystal clear water and shallow lagoons are perfect for snorkelling, while the reef walls offer a kaleidoscope of sea life for more experienced divers. The Maldives have an amazing diversity of sea life, with corals and over 2000 species of fish, ranging from reef fish and reef sharks to moray eels, rays and whale sharks. The island's many sheltered lagoons also provide the perfect destination to enjoy an adventure-filled family holiday or romantic getaway for two.
Attractions in Maldives
If you are a surfer you will find just the right waves in some places. If you are a divining enthusiast, be prepared for a binge! The white coral beaches are simply unbelievable. The fishing is out of this world. Perhaps because of this, the Maldives is increasingly becoming one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world.
Climate
The Maldives actually straddles the equator. The climate is tropical with no major seasonal differences. Though the southwest monsoon does bring most of the rain, mostly around June and July, tropical rain showers can occur any time! The skies are usually clear and the sun shines brightly.
Temperature: 30°C all year round | Sea temperature: 25°C to 28°C
Language
The locals speak Dhivehi, with English widely spoken in areas frequented by tourists.
Culture
The local culture features a lively mix of South Indian, Sinhalese and Arab influences that is reflected in the traditional music, cuisine and art of the island.
Money
The monetary unit is the Maldivian Ruffiyaa (MVR), while international credit cards are widely accepted by resorts and guest houses.
Driving
Coming here is as easy as catching a plane. Catch one of the many scheduled or charter flights operating on a regular basis from points of origin in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. You, as our welcome guest, are issued thirty-day tourist visa on arrival at Male? International Airport.Most tourists will land in the capital, Male, and will be transferred to their hotel either by seaplane or boat. These two means of transport are widely used for most trips between islands.
Direct Flights
There are frequent direct flights to Male from most international destinations including India, Sri Lanka, Dubai and major airports in South-East Asia, as well as an increasing number of charters from Europe.
