Maldives official language. Republic of Maldives. Maldives on the world map. Maldives - sea. Cost of a holiday in the Maldives

A geographical miracle and an independent state, located in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, 700 km southwest of the island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), is a chain of 2 dozen atolls, which, in turn, consist of 1192 coral islands, of which about 200 inhabited. There are about 110 resort islands and new ones open every year.

The area of ​​the Maldives archipelago is more than 90 thousand square kilometers, but the land area is only 298 square kilometers. km.

The time difference from Moscow is +1 hour in summer and +2 hours in winter.

The capital of the Republic of Maldives is a city in which about 2/3 of the total population lives, located on the island of the same name, part of the Kaafu Atoll, sometimes also called Male Atoll

I will not go into details of the history and political system of the Maldives; you can read all this on Wikipedia if you want. The basic information you will need on your trip is also collected here.

Map of the Maldives archipelago with atolls

All 1192 islands are shown on the map and it is quite difficult to understand this diversity; it is more convenient to navigate by the names of the atolls.

What is this card for? Firstly, so that you can imagine the location relative to the international airport and possible transfer options. And when independent travel it was easier to plan the route. Personally, I don't need one detailed map it was very difficult to navigate. Moreover, the geographical division of the archipelago and the administrative division are quite different.

You can also use Google map

The most popular tourist atolls:

• Kaafu (or Male Atoll)
• Alifu Alifu (or North Ari Atoll)
• Alifu Dhaalu (or South Ari Atoll)
• Baa Atoll,
• Lhaviyani Atoll

They are popular due to their short distance from (until January 1, 2017, the airport was called “Ibrahim Nasir International Airport”)

IMHO: Convenience and a short time transfer within the Kaafu atoll and to the South and North Ari atolls has become a big disadvantage over time. For everyone inhabited islands They built guest houses and now there is no privacy there that distinguishes a holiday in the Maldives from other countries, the corals have died from the scooters flying over them.

Weather in the Maldives

The Maldives archipelago is located on both sides of the equator, so the climate there is equatorial-tropical. Air temperature all year round 30+/- 3 degrees, water temperature 28+/-2 degrees. But nevertheless, there is seasonality due to the monsoons, although not clearly expressed.

High season from December to March. At this time, the northeastern monsoons blow, as a rule, the weather is dry and sunny, there are practically no winds, and the amount of precipitation is minimal.

Low season from May to October. The southwest monsoon brings short-term rains, the air temperature rarely rises above 30 degrees, but the heat is felt more intensely due to high humidity. During the summer months there are waves and storms - this must be taken into account when planning

IMHO: I’ve been there twice in September. I really wanted to see the rain that the weather forecast promised. Failed. But in the low season, hotels reduce the cost of living by almost 2 times; for the summer, air tickets can be bought much cheaper. So the answer to the question: “When is the best time to go to the Maldives?” very ambiguous.

If you really can’t wait to tell your fortune on the coffee grounds what the weather will be like during your trip, you can use the archive of weather forecasts on Gismeteo. Just keep in mind that the length of the Maldives archipelago from north to south is 820 km, so the sun in Male may well turn into torrential rain even on, not to mention Haa Atoll.

Language and religion.

Despite the fact that freedom of religious belief is enshrined for citizens of the Republic of Maldives in the Constitution of the country, the vast majority of the country's citizens are Sunnis, i.e. adherents of the largest and most traditional Islamic movement.

The import of alcohol into the Maldives is strictly prohibited for religious reasons. And, if previously alcoholic beverages found in your luggage were simply confiscated for storage, absolutely free of charge, now they will simply be confiscated ( I’ll find out more about these changes in November, when I go myself again, so far I personally had to deposit it for storage and pick it up before departure).

The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi. Does this mean anything to you? Me too. The main thing is that education there is excellent and the majority of the population speaks English quite well, even residents of remote local islands. Not to mention the hotel islands, where even Russian-speaking staff are often found.

What you need to know when traveling to the Maldives

1. One of the main attractive features of the Maldives is the fine white sand, which is very treacherous. Of course, a huge plus is that it reflects the sun's rays and does not heat up. But this is its quality, plus the equatorial location of the archipelago threatens you with instant sunburn, even in cloudy weather. Take with you sun cream with a protection factor of at least 50.

2. The national currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa. The official exchange rate is $1 = 15.47 rufiyaa. Banks exchange at this rate; sometimes in stores they can give change even at the rate of 1:15.5. But usually everywhere they count at the rate of 1:15.

How many dollars to exchange for rufiyaa?

If you are going to a resort, not at all. In hotels you can pay by card or dollars. If you are going to a local island, 50 dollars will be enough for small purchases in stores. If you plan to eat in a cafe outside the guest houses, change 10 dollars per day.

Hoteliers on local islands mostly accept dollars. But in a cafe it is more profitable to pay in local currency. You can exchange dollars for rufiyaa in Male or at your hotelier. It is convenient and profitable to do this at the bank, at the airport (to the left of the exit from the terminal).

Weekends and holidays

The day off in the Maldives is Friday. On Friday there are no ferries, banks are closed and exchange offices, in summer many shops are closed. Be sure to take this into account when purchasing air tickets.

Religious holidays fall on different dates in the Muslim lunar calendar. Local residents widely celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan - Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, national holidays: National Day of the Maldives Republic on June 4-5, Independence Day on July 26, Victory Day on November 3, Victims Day on November 9, Republic Day on November 11-12. Celebrating Christmas and New Year is more of a tribute to tourists.

Visa and customs

Visa to visit the Maldives archipelago not required for Russian citizens. In 2019, the period of visa-free stay for Russians in the Maldives was extended to 90 days.

Republic of Maldives.

Country Summary

Capital Male. Founded 5 centuries BC. Politic system Full name - Republic of Maldives. State structure- a presidential republic, divided into 19 administrative regions (alotts) and 1 district (Male). The independence of the Maldives was proclaimed on July 26, 1965 (formerly a British protectorate); in 1968, the Maldives was declared a republic through a referendum. The unicameral parliament is the main legislative body headed by the speaker. The head of state, head of government and executive power is the president. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Republic of Maldives since 1978, is very popular and revered among the local population. All citizens over the age of 21 have the opportunity to elect the president and other members of the government. Parliament appoints the president, but for this choice to be valid, he must be supported in a national referendum. The administration of the atolls is appointed by the government itself. There is not a single political party in the country, although this is not prohibited at all. There are also no armed forces here. The position of prime minister has not existed since 1975. The Republic of Maldives is a peaceful country that devotes a lot of effort to cooperation with world countries. It has close relations with Great Britain and Japan, and diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation. Location The Maldives is located in Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka on either side of the Equator. There are a total of 1,190 islands of coral origin, forming 26 atolls, stretching in a double chain perpendicular to the equator. Lives on 201 islands local population 88 islands are used as tourist resorts. They have a variety of sizes and are designed to accommodate different numbers of tourists. The length of the Maldives archipelago from north to south is 820 kilometers, from east to west - 120. It is washed by the seas. The Maldives is washed by the Indian Ocean. Largest cities Male is the capital of the Maldives, as well as the commercial and administrative center. This is the only one locality which can be called a city. Time zone UTC+5. Flight time from Moscow Flight time to the Maldives from Moscow (direct flight Moscow - Male) is 8 hours 30 minutes. Territory total area Maldives 298 sq. km. Population In the Maldives there are only 339.3 thousand people: Maldivians (Sinhalese, Indians) - 90%, Arabs - 9%. Language Official language– Maldivian (Dhivehi). It originated about 1,500 years ago, belongs to the Indo-Aryan languages, and has its own written language called Tana, read from right to left. English is widely used in Male and in the resorts. Main religions The state religion is Sunni Islam. In 1153 AD. e. The Buddhist king Kalaminya, who ruled the Maldives at that time, converted to Islam, which remains the main religion to this day. Any other sects and religions are prohibited on the islands. Islam in the Maldives is liberal in nature, similar to that practiced in India and Indonesia.

There are incredibly beautiful mosques on the islands, and if you spend a little time on the islands, you can immediately feel how important religion is here. On all islands, residents pray several times a day.

When visiting a mosque, you can see what interesting ancient paintings cover their walls. They depict scenes from history and are designed to strengthen the spirit of the inhabitants of the archipelago, control their upbringing and thoughts. Mosques also host important official meetings and events.

But religion coexists quite peacefully with modernity. For example, the minaret of the famous Islamic Center, built more than twenty years ago, peacefully neighbors the post office building. The Islamic Center is included in the list of the most beautiful Asian mosques. The authorities took special care of its erection in order to strengthen the nation.

The official currency is Rufiyaa (Maldivian rupee) = 100 lari, 1 USD = 12 rufiyaa. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 rufiyaa and coins in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lari. Mains voltage Mains voltage is 220 V. Climate The climate is tropical, warm, even due to the proximity of the equator, without significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The best weather from November to the end of April (northeast monsoon): the sea is calm, the weather is sunny, hot and dry. Sometimes in June-July there are short-term rains, but they are not so long - 20-25 minutes, and the sun shines again. From May to October is the monsoon season: heavy rains, high humidity, stormy weather. The average daily maximum is +30.4°C. The average nighttime minimum is +25.4°C. Water temperature +24–27°C all year round.

During the monsoon cycle (spring and autumn), intense tropical storms and thunderstorms have recently become more frequent.

Finance

What kind of money should you take with you? Dollars. Dollars are accepted everywhere, there is no need to exchange them for rufiyaa, since even in souvenir shops local islands purchases can be paid in dollars. Euros are accepted only at resorts, as well as in some souvenir shops.

Where to change US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Therefore, it is not at all necessary to exchange dollars for local currency upon arrival.

The American dollar is preferred especially by banks, where they only exchange dollars for you. Exchange offices sometimes accept another world currency, but this is not the rule.

IN resort areas you can find exchange offices on almost every corner. Money can also be exchanged at big hotels. The exchange rate is almost the same everywhere, a little more favorable in Male than in hotels.

Credit cards Most hotels, shops, gas stations, car rentals, large shopping centers and restaurants accept payment cards, especially American Express, VISA, MasterCard and EuroCard. There is only one ATM in the Maldives from which you can withdraw from foreign bank accounts. You will find it in Male in front of the HSBC Bank building. Shopping Souvenir products can be purchased in special shops at resorts that are open until late evening hours, souvenir shops in fishing villages and Male (Chandani Magu Street).

The varied crafts of the locals will give you a wide selection of trinkets and truly beautiful rare items.

Typical souvenirs, as a rule, are beautiful seashells, shark jaws (a favorite souvenir of tourists), coconut oil, original silk clothes, sculptures carved from coconut wood, beautiful wooden dishes, painted souvenir plates, colorful fish figurines, paintings by local artists, coral jewelry, sarongs, wood crafts (hand-cut red and black figurines), coconut monkeys.

On one of the islands they produce lovely painted boxes and jewelry. They are made from a tree called funa.

On another island you will find another original souvenir - wicker rugs, which are very light and cute, they are made by hand from reed, just like the boxes.

Tourists very often buy wooden miniatures of Dhoni ships or sailboats. Usually Sri Lankan or Indian teas, smoking pipes, fans or sets are brought from the Maldives. You can also purchase a CD with local traditional or modern music.

You will like things made from various stones. This is not surprising, since the carving tradition here is very old and is carefully passed on to younger generations.

In Male you can profitably buy high-quality foreign-made diving equipment and equipment.

The export of black corals and tortoiseshell products from the country is prohibited.

Tipping Tipping is not officially accepted in the Maldives. But if the service was worth it, then unofficially, no one forbids thanking the service staff with a small amount: a hotel employee - $10, a waiter - 5%.

Some resorts add a service charge to the bill (usually 10%), in which case tipping is not necessary.
Taxi services Classic auto taxis are available only in the capital Male, on the Gan and Addu atolls. The trip is paid at the rate of 15Rf plus 5Rf for luggage during the day and 20Rf after 24:00. Any stop, even for a minute, automatically ends the trip, which must be immediately paid for. If you want to continue your trip, you will have to pay everything again.

There are several taxi services (operating around the clock), all cars are equipped with air conditioning. A taxi can be stopped on the street or called by phone (in this case the trip will cost 10Rf).

Public transport Public transport does not exist as such. Because most islands are so small that transport is simply not needed there. There is no usual sight for us here - a large accumulation of cars, the most common types ground transport are bicycles and motorcycles.

Basically, they use the services here water transport– a local taxi can be called a wooden boat with a flat roof – dhoni. This is a traditional multi-purpose vessel, now enhanced by diesel engines. On this modest boat, you can sail to the island you need. As a rule, tourists are greeted by immediately wearing a wreath of pink or white flowers around their necks, and are offered refreshing, fragrant napkins and coconut milk. Large boats are called "vedis" and are used for long trips to remote atolls.

You can safely bargain with private carriers. There is no schedule; ships depart as soon as they are filled with passengers.

Car rental in Male and other places large islands You can rent a car.

Road traffic is practically not regulated; there are either no markings or road signs, or they have long been destroyed; there are also no traffic lights. The speed is low, but drivers never give way to pedestrians, so you should be extremely careful on the few roads in the Maldives.

customs control

To pass customs control at Male airport, you must present all items for inspection, including hand luggage. It is necessary to remember that:

Import prohibited:

Any narcotic substances, including psychotropic drugs
- pornographic materials recorded for viewing videotapes of films, etc. Only sealed cassettes are allowed to be carried
- anti-Islamic literature
- military paraphernalia
- any pork products
- alcohol
- animals
- gunpowder/explosives/firearms/piercing, cutting objects and - -- weapons for underwater hunting.

As for “objects of religious worship,” this may mean anything that can harm the official religion of the Maldives - Islam. A small decorative cross on the neck is unlikely to be considered dangerous, but a large cross with a conspicuous figure of the crucified Christ may be banned from import. The same applies to images of Buddha: a small tabletop figurine may not cause objections from customs officers, unlike a large and noticeable one. They will probably confiscate the Bible, although they will not specifically search for this item. In any case, it is better to respect the feelings of Muslims

If the above items are present in your baggage, during customs control, they will be confiscated from you and placed in a special compartment at Male airport in exchange for a receipt describing the confiscated item. When leaving the country, you can get the confiscated items back by presenting this receipt.

Allowed to import into the country:
- personal consumption goods within reason (no more than one item per person);
- goods 200 cigarettes;
- 125 ml of perfumes.

It is prohibited to export from the country:

Black coral and products made from it (except for souvenirs made by officially certified government producers);
- objects and things found at the bottom of the sea.

Allowed to be exported from the country:

Gifts and souvenirs (shells; shark jaws; postcards, posters, shorts, T-shirts with local symbols, etc.);
- household items: thin-woven reed mats; wooden boxes; baskets woven from palm leaves;
- Coconut oil;
- jewelry.

Transport

The Maldives is a network of islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, completely surrounded by water surface. There is no regular transport service on the islands.

Transport in the Maldives is by boat. The only human invention that can move tourists, and even local residents, to a certain island. Tourists upon arrival to the Maldives can rent boats for independent travel, but before you rent a boat, do not forget to agree on the price in advance so as not to get into a conflict situation. The islands are scattered very close to each other, so the trip will not be tiring.

Almost all tourists visiting the islands arrive here by plane. international Airport Male is located on the island of Hulule, at a distance of 1 km (10 minutes ride on the national boat "dhoni") from the capital of the Maldives - Male.

Due to the peculiarities of the geography of the archipelago, most of transportation is carried out by seaplanes, helicopters and boats. The seaplane is only possible during daylight hours according to the schedule (from 07:00 to 16:00). It should be remembered that hydroaviation does not fly to all atolls. The deHavilland Twin Otter seaplane, notable for its rugged design and high maneuverability, is also known as the DHC-6, capable of smooth descent and carrying up to 20 passengers. The plane lands on the water, and a boat takes you to the pier (jeti).

There are 2 air carriers in the country - Maldivian Air Taxi and Hummingbird Island Airways. The prices are quite high; it is somewhat cheaper to book a plane through the hotel administration or a travel agency. In addition, companies offer sightseeing flights and day trips with picnics on uninhabited islands for 250 USD (approximately). You can take up to 20 kg of luggage with you free of charge plus 5 kg of hand luggage.

Any Maldives island can be crossed in 1.5 - 2 hours. However, tourism in the Maldives is regulated and independent travel around the islands is discouraged as it may have a negative impact on traditional island communities.

If you decide to take a vacation full program, and are not constrained by cash, then a rather expensive helicopter is at your service, but you will not only quickly arrive at the desired location, but also admire the Maldives from above.

It is possible to travel to outlying islands, but it is impossible to see everything at once. An inter-atoll travel permit is required to visit islands located beyond tourist area; permits are issued by the Ministry of Atoll Management only to those people invited by the residents of these islands and atolls.

Telecommunications

Telephone communications The entire territory of the Maldives is divided into several telephone zones. The cost of a call within one zone is approximately 0.25 rufiyaa per minute, between different zones - from 0.55 to 3 rufiyaa per minute.

For local and international calls, it is recommended to purchase Dhiraagu calling cards (cost Rwf 30, Rwf 50, Rwf 100, Rwf 200 and Rwf 500). You can purchase cards at the special store "Dhiiraagu Teleshop" in Male, as well as from card sellers on any of the major islands.

On a number of islands there are no payphones, and communication is carried out from call centers (usually open from Sunday to Thursday from 7.30 to 20.00, on Fridays - from 14.00 to 18.00, on Saturdays - from 9.00 to 18.00), served by telephone operators. The cost of a call depends on the distance and is slightly higher than from a pay phone. From 24.00 to 06.00 the cost of a call is 20% cheaper.

The Maldives also has mobile connection GSM-900 standard. Cell phones Most standards do not work in the Maldives, but you can rent a phone at the office of the local operator "Dhiraagu". More detailed advice can be obtained from the office of your mobile operator.

Calls to Russia To call to Russia: +7 - city code - subscriber number. Calls from Russia To call to the Maldives you should dial: 8 - 10 - 960 - subscriber number. City codes The telephone code of the Maldives is 960. Useful phones Useful phones

Help numbers:
Telephone network helpline - 110.
International telephone operator - 190.
Communication operator between atolls - 188.
Meteorological service - 317-171.
Male Airport Information Center - 332-211.
Maldives Tourism Development Bureau - 323-228.
Customs Department - 322-001, 310-045.

Emergency services:
Police (rescue service) - 119.
National Security Service - 313-281.
Fire service - 118.
Ambulance - 102.

National cuisine

The cuisine is based on two fundamental ones: Arabic and Indian. Local kitchen usually includes rice, fish curry, cooked with coconut milk. Lime, chili and small onions add piquancy to the dishes. No dish is unthinkable without spices. An important place in cooking is occupied by sauces; their preparation is akin to the sacred rite of a cook in the Maldives.

Rice is used in cooking in all variations - boiled in coconut milk, with various vegetables, peppers, fish or marine arthropods, as well as with bananas, papaya, mango, pumpkin, sweet potatoes or breadfruit.

The local roshi bread is very popular and is usually eaten with mashuni, a fish cocktail flavored with coconut, onion, chilli and lime.

The main and favorite dish for the islands - tuna with rice - may not be the same at all, because it may be seasoned with a completely different sauce this time.

Dishes in which fish appears as the main ingredient are very diverse, from simple boiled fish, cutlets and soups, to fish cocktails and fish pies.

Popular is hikimas - dried and smoked fish. Also good are the pie with fish, coconut and bajiya onions, and the most delicate fish pie, kulhi borkihaa. Also traditional fish soup and rice garudiya, tuna cutlets with coconut gulu, baked fish with chili paste fihunu mas, fried fish rolls keemia, fish pate rihaukuru, fried fish with pepper and garlic teleli mae and etc.

You can finish your lunch with suji, a very tasty local drink. Locals brew raa drink - a sweet and tasty palm juice that is extracted from the top of a palm tree trunk. Juices that are very good in the heat include local sweet milk kiru sarbat, sweet palm juice raa, suji drink and low-alcohol drink gaa made from fermented palm milk. Alcoholic drinks You can only buy them in hotels, and it is advisable to drink them only indoors, otherwise you risk getting into trouble.

The dessert dish will most likely be coconut in any form. Areca nut (an oval nut with betel leaves, cloves and lime) is eaten after lunch. If you want to try local sweets, try bondi - white coconut sticks - very tasty! Coconut milk, various puddings, vegetable and fruit salads and baked goods are widely consumed.

Tea is considered a popular drink in the Maldives and is served with milk. Another drink that you see more often than others is coffee brewed in Arabic style.

Apart from coconuts and bananas, few vegetables and fruits grow on the islands, so most of the products offered on tourist resorts, Maldives imports.

Work of institutions

Store opening hours are variable. The majority, especially on big islands, open from 07.00-08.00 to 21.00-23.00, but in summer time many shops are open from 13.00-15.00 to 18.00-20.00.

In Male, banks and exchange offices are concentrated on Marine Drive. They are open from 8.00 to 13.30, from Sunday to Thursday (like many other Muslim countries, Friday and Saturday are the weekend in the Maldives).

Holidays and non-working days

Holidays in the Maldives are based on the Islamic lunar calendar. This means that the holidays are on different days every year. You will feel the festive atmosphere mainly in the capital, since most shops will be closed on this day. In other cities or regions you will hardly feel the full grandeur of the holiday.

Usually on holidays families gather, everyone prepares food for the festive table, decorates and organizes fun. Traditional music is playing, people are dancing, wooden instruments and modern jazz and pop music can be heard.

Holidays:

January 1 - New Year.
January 8-10 - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan fasting).
March 15-18 - Eid al Kebir (Day of Sacrifice).
April 6 - Islamic New Year.
June 4-5 - National holiday.
June 15 - Mulud (Birthday of the Prophet).
July 26-27 - Independence Day.
November 11-12 - Republic Day.
September 1 is Huravi Day.
October 28 is Martyrs' Day.
November 3 - Victory Day.

Customs and orders

Although the Maldives is relatively liberal as an Islamic state, visitors to the country must carefully observe the laws.

Rightfully considered one of the oldest states in the world, the Maldives today can tell you a lot and surprise many. Here you need to constantly remember that the main religion is Islam. And therefore you need to adhere to established etiquette.

The usual form of greeting for Maldivians is to shake hands; they greet each other formally with “salaam alaikum”; they greet each other with the word “kihenen” in an informal setting. A carefree and simple existence in harmony with nature - this is the Maldivian way of life.

In the Maldives, musical traditions that arose in ancient times are alive. This applies to music, crafts, and dance. Musically, the Maldives is unique and inimitable. You will learn that three styles of song performance have been preserved here, each of which is individual and has its own name.

You will undoubtedly hear about Bodu Beru. This is both a song and a dance that is performed during the holidays. Once upon a time it was brought from the African continent. The dances are also performed according to traditions; there are several different popular national dances that we recommend you watch. For example, Bodu Beru, a costume dance, is danced by fifteen people, in addition there is a singer and three drummers play.

There are both female and purely male dances - this is what tradition dictates. A dance performed only by men, Dhandi Jehun, lasts about an hour and is performed without reference to any event. But the women's dance is Boaimalaafas Neshun, reflecting a long-vanished but existing tradition - bringing gifts to the Sultan. This dance is considered one of the most important and interesting dances in the Maldives.

The artistic Maldivians complement the natural beauty of the exotic coral islands. Fishing for them is both leisure and profession at the same time. The local hospitality is especially striking. This trait is passed on from generation to generation among Maldivians. The Maldives is a place where tourists are always a welcome guest.

Precautionary measures

Precautionary measures:

Buy water in plastic bottles.
- The Maldives is a Muslim country, therefore the laws are corresponding, therefore, for those who like to drink, the road here is either simply closed or they must abstain from this unhealthy pleasure.
- collecting corals and, especially, exporting them from the country is a criminal offense
- it is prohibited to break, tear living and dead corals in the ocean and near the shore, damage shells and lift them to the surface, fish near the islands, throw any garbage on the islands, for this you must use trash cans to avoid problems
- you cannot visit the capital Male and the islands where locals live and wear beachwear
- it is also prohibited to wear things that do not cover the body from shoulder to knee
If you are going to the beach, then regular beachwear will do. But if you suddenly want to visit the fishing villages and the capital of Male, then you must respect local laws and wear modest clothing.
- when diving and swimming, you should pay attention to the sharp edges of coral reefs, and also do not touch sea creatures, they may be poisonous

Fines will be charged for violations!

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, upscale hotels and very beautiful nature. All about the Maldives: diving and surfing, photos, prices, weather and tours.

• Last minute tours to the Maldives
• Tours for May Worldwide

The Maldives, 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 just right: with blue lagoons, sandy beaches and unique vegetation. There is everything for relaxation: peace and tranquility, beautiful nature, a rich underwater world. And also something without which any advantages of any resort immediately fade in the eyes modern tourists - good hotels and a high level of service.

Prices, it must be said, in the Maldives are also quite “at the level”: holidays here can be afforded mainly by travelers whose income level marketers define as “above average”. Having paid a significant amount for the trip, the following categories of vacationers will be 100% satisfied with their vacation. Divers are maniacs, diving three times a day. This is the most problem-free subtype of tourists: they will still be delighted, diving like ducklings from morning to night. Happily married (or unmarried) couples who need no one but each other. They can choose a hotel with the appropriate furnishings - there are plenty of them on the islands. And, of course, seekers of an absolutely relaxed holiday in the ambiance of a tropical paradise.

Regions and resorts of the Maldives

Time difference from Moscow

2 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• from Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

History and legend

According to legend, life in the Maldives was once not as cloudless as glossy catalogs would have us believe. The sea genie Rannamaari, who unfortunately settled in their territorial waters to the misfortune of local residents, demanded regular human sacrifices every full moon, and exclusively in the form of virgins from the island of Male. The poor fellows were taken to a certain temple, and the next morning they were found dead.

But it’s not all Maslenitsa: one day a traveler from the distant Maghreb, Abdul-Barakat ul-Barbari, arrived at the atoll. The stranger took pity on the girls (whom his compatriots apparently had nothing to do with) and on the full moon he himself sat down in the temple in the place of the victim. He read the Koran all night, but in the morning it turned out that the genie had escaped, unable to withstand the power of the holy book. So the women were saved, and the Maldivians joyfully converted to Islam - that’s why now there are mosques everywhere, a ban on the import of alcohol and no toplessness (presumably, they are afraid that the genie will return). However, this did not affect the amazing nature of the archipelago - and therefore its attractiveness for tourists.

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

Climate

The climate of the Maldives is warm and humid. Air temperature during the day is about +30 °C, at night +26 °C, water temperature +26 °C. Due to its close location to the equator seasonal changes associated with the monsoons are almost invisible. During the southwest monsoon (May to October), it rains more often and the weather is windier. The northeast monsoon season (November to February) is considered less humid.

Maps of the Maldives

Visa and customs

Police: 119, fire service: 118, ambulance: 102.

Beaches in the Maldives

In the Maldives, all roads lead to the beach: fine snow-white sand, perfectly blue waves, tall palm trees - everywhere you look, pictures from advertising posters come to life. The coastline is almost everywhere wide, spacious, equipped with amenities and umbrellas to protect you from the scorching sun. Most of the beaches belong to hotels, and the areas assigned to modest “three rubles” are not much inferior in grooming and comfort to fashionable five-star zones.

Topless sunbathing and drinking alcohol are strictly prohibited on Maldivian beaches.

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 shores of Lhaviani, and dolphins splash off the coast of Maafushi. The wealthy relax on the islands of Hadahaa (Gaafu Alif Atoll), Kunfunadhoo (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 quite suitable for surfing and sunbathing. And the most vivid impressions will give you the gift of a night swim on a “luminous” beach: underwater microorganisms and luminescent algae on the coast of Vaadu (South Male) shimmer with blue lights in the dark, creating the effect of a starry sky descending to earth.

Diving in the Maldives

Maldives... how much this word brings together for a diver’s heart: comfortable water temperature (+27 °C at a depth of 40 m), excellent visibility up to 30 m and, of course, professional dive centers. The disadvantages of this direction include strong currents outside the reefs. Best season for scuba diving in the archipelago - the period 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 would be ideal: on their inner slopes or inside the atoll. Advanced divers will be interested in the outer surface of the reef (amazing ocean fish live there 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 their base is up to 40 m.

In addition, there are several interesting wrecks in the Maldives, for example, the cargo ship Victoria with the remains of goods brought to the islands, or the steamer Chaika, which sank at the end of the 19th century - its hull was completely split in two. Some popular sites: national reserve"Embudu" with amazingly diverse underwater world, the Felivaru and Halaveli rivers (here you can see giant stingrays), the Maaya reef, the cozy channel between the reefs of Fushi, teeming with many inhabitants, the secluded dive site of Rakido, the protected marine area of ​​​​Guraidhoo, the “shark” site of Miyaru.

Read more about local diving in the article by our regular expert, the charming Veronica Birman, “Diving without lyrics - 13. The soul of the Maldives.”

Surfing

Wave boarding is a relatively recent entertainment in the Maldives: only in the late 80s. The first surfers flocked here. Today, the islands are considered one of the most popular places in the world for surfing: it is never crowded (the number of people going out to sea is regulated by a special service), and the waves are just a sight for sore eyes: high, stable, ideally shaped. The prestigious international tournament O’Neill Deep Blue Open is regularly held on the island of Lohifushi.

There are 7 popular surfing spots in the Maldives, including Sultans, Pasta Point (with exclusive rights to “rent” 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.

You can also practice surfing in the capital Male: there is a sandy bottom, and there is no risk of cutting yourself on the coral at low tide. True, the landscapes are not as picturesque as at the atoll resorts.

Wedding in the Maldives

A wedding in the Maldives is already a classic, a legend, a standard: there is hardly a more beautiful place to unite two loving hearts. No boring photos from the registry office, no vulgar competitions and unfamiliar second cousins ​​on the guest list: only the splash of the gentle waves of the Indian Ocean, the rustle of palm leaves overhead, soft sand under bare feet and flower garlands around the neck.

The combination of Hymen in the Maldives is purely symbolic: the atmosphere of a tropical fairy tale is more important than the stamp in the passport.

Wedding ceremonies are held in most hotels according to a script worked out to the smallest detail: the newlyweds are preened in the spa, taken by “dhoni” or horse-drawn carriages to an impromptu altar, showered with flower petals and rice and touched by the speech of the manager. Continuation - a romantic picnic or a yacht cruise and the wedding night in a secluded bungalow with the obligatory champagne for breakfast. More intricate options are underwater weddings (whether in a white dress or a wetsuit) under the guidance of dive instructors and ceremonies on board seaplanes rocking on the waves. Newly-made spouses are awarded certificates, a standard set of services costs from 12,500 MVR, a diving wedding - from 16,500 MVR.

• Which Maldives atoll to choose for your honeymoon?
• Maldives or Seychelles: what to choose for a wedding ceremony

Shopping in the Maldives

From the Maldives they bring lacquered black boxes with yellow, green and red flowers, mats made from local natural palm fiber, miniature traditional fishing boats, scary shark jaws, delicate coconut oil, colorful shells, sarongs, crafts made of wood and coconut “monkeys”.

Lovers of exotic outfits will be interested in national dresses with embroidery around the neck. Fans of large-sized souvenirs should pay attention to traditional drums, including the rather large “bodu-beru”: they are 100% authentic and will give you many unforgettable moments during transportation to your homeland. Among edible souvenirs, it is worth buying such an amazing thing as coconut sausage.

The best choice of souvenirs is in Male, where there are many shops and stores. By the way, you can also profitably buy high-quality foreign-made diving equipment there.

Prices for souvenirs in the Maldives are steep, and bargaining is not accepted.

Maldives in the rays of the setting sun

Cuisine and restaurants of the Maldives

The cuisine of the Maldives has borrowed a lot from Indian and Sri Lankan gastronomy: hot curry sauces, an abundance of spices, the use of a lot of fruit in cooking and almost complete ignorance of vegetables and herbs. Everything here revolves around two products: fish (especially tuna) and rice, served in different variations with all kinds of gravies and sauces. Methods for preparing sea creatures include: grilling, frying in oil or breading, smoking, drying and boiling. “Snack” options: the same fish, only in the form of a filling for a variety of pies, butter balls and a fair-sized kulebyak. Often they are fried to the point of impossibility. Any meal comes with unleavened Roshi bread or crispy Papadu flatbread.

It is also worth trying rice dishes with fish curry and coconut milk. At the Male fish market or in various supermarkets you can buy canned fish (tuna is a favorite among the local public and visitors), dried and dried fish. The traditional drink is “raa” made from palm milk; the local population almost never drinks alcohol (mainly due to religious prohibitions).

Almost all fruits in the Maldives, except bananas and coconuts, are imported.

It is better to try local gastronomic masterpieces in “t-shops” - small budget cafes scattered along the city streets. Most eating places are concentrated in Male; resort islands most often have 1-2 restaurants open, serving a variety of dishes from Maldivian, European and international cuisines. In the capital, breakfast costs 60-95 MVR, lunch - 105-160 MVR, dinner with wine - 500-800 MVR per person (alcohol is not served everywhere), prices are higher at “resorts”. The bill includes government tax and service charge (10%).

Cruise yachts in the Maldives

(excursion from 40 USD), many similar uninhabited islands where people like to have picnics (from 35 USD), as well as a kind of “action” - a fishing excursion. Perhaps the only notable overwater 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 provide information: an atoll is a coral island in the form of a continuous or discontinuous ring surrounding a lagoon. If you look from under the water, the atoll will most likely be long ago an extinct volcano, on the slopes of which a coral reef once began to grow - and it grew so much that it gradually appeared on the surface. But the top of the volcano, on the contrary, over many centuries collapsed and sank under water. You know the rest: people sailed from somewhere to the formed ring, built hotels with restaurants and spas, and opened diving centers.

If your soul still requires a cultural program, we recommend visiting National Museum on the territory of the picturesque Sultan's Park, the Islamic Center under the golden dome and the Presidential Palace in Male. The oldest in the country, the Old Friday Mosque with a unique minaret (1656) and the tomb of Mohammed Takurufanu, a legend of national resistance, are also located here. Ari Atoll has the ruins of a Buddhist temple from 90 BC. 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 British protectorate and the declaration of sovereignty. On the first day of the month of Rabi al-Awwal, Nation Day is celebrated to commemorate 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 holy Ramadan marks Eid al-Fitr: three days of hearty meals, visits and other entertainment. After 70 days, Eid al-Fitr begins with traditional services and sacrifices. November 3 is 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 festivities and noisy fairs. On New Year (January 1) and Christmas (December 25), adored by foreign tourists, colorful celebrations are held in hotels and on city streets: the degree of fun depends only on the thickness of the wallet.

👁 6.4k (21 per week) ⏱️ 1 min.

The ocean washing the Maldives is called the Indian Ocean, and they themselves are grouped into an archipelago stretching from north to south, consisting of coral atolls - ring-shaped island structures. Inside these rings are lagoons. In total, this archipelago includes 1,190 islands, which are grouped in 26 atolls. All atolls are divided into 19 administrative districts, and the 20th administrative unit became the capital of the state - the city of Male.

The islands are located southwest of the Hindustan Peninsula, and the Maldives is washed by the Indian Ocean- warm, huge and majestic, the blue of its waters merging with the sky on the horizon, which is why the horizon line becomes almost indistinguishable. But among the huge number of islands in the archipelago, only about two hundred were inhabited. In an archipelago like the Maldives, the sea occupies 99.7% of the territory and only an insignificant remaining part is on land. In general, the Maldives rise above the water, being part of a large underwater mountain range. Corals grew on the tops of seamounts for thousands of years, stretched upward towards the sun, gradually forming reefs. As a result, ring-shaped structures grew, parts of which later appeared above the surface of the water and formed the islands of atolls. And in the middle of the atoll there was a depression - a lagoon, which communicated with the ocean through a series of natural channels.

Indian Ocean temperature near the Maldives

Those who are going to the Maldives should not worry about the temperature of the ocean water - it is always warm and suitable for swimming. At any time of the year it is not colder than 26 degrees, which cannot but delight divers and just beachgoers. This is not surprising, because the archipelago is located very close to the equator. The water in the ocean is always clear and blue, which further enhances the pleasure of contact with it. During the monsoon period, strong currents form near many islands, making swimming in the sea dangerous, but the rest of the time communication between the atolls is not difficult.

Flora and fauna of the Maldives ocean

The many hundreds of species of fish that live in the Indian Ocean can be divided into two categories: fish that live in calm lagoons and reefs, and those that prefer the freedom of the open ocean, but sometimes also approach the islands in search of food. Fans of scuba diving and snorkeling are attracted by a lot of things underwater: exotic shapes and colors of coral, fish, shellfish, jellyfish, turtles, moray eels, sea ​​urchins and stars, dolphins, stingrays and sharks. Cetacean mammals and sea turtles also prefer to migrate across the ocean - divers love to photograph them.

10 0 1 0

Comments

Maldives – Island state in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean and stretch 70 km from the south of India towards the equator. The equator line crosses the Maldives between the atolls of Suvadiva and Addu. The Maldives is made up of more than 1,200 islands grouped into atolls.

Maldives is visa-free country for citizens Russian Federation. The visa is issued at the airport upon arrival and is valid for 30 days. Validity period of the passport six months from the end of the trip.

The Maldives is a Muslim country. You cannot bring alcohol here and walk around in the capital with uncovered legs and shoulders. Swimming and sunbathing in swimsuits on the islands where the local population lives is possible only on specially designated beaches (Bikini Beach).

The Maldives are coral islands. Here the airport is a separate island, the capital is a separate island, villages with local residents– separate islands, and each hotel is a separate island. The Maldives are also small uninhabited islands where you can get there by boat and be alone.

The capital of the Maldives is the city of Male.

Beach holiday on Maldives

Flight to the Maldives

Air travel to the Maldives no transfers is 9 hours (Moscow-Male). Direct regular flights at night are operated by Aeroflot from Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) to Male Airport (MLE). Departures 5 times a week (except Tuesday and Thursday). From December 23, 2019, flights from Moscow to the Maldives will be daily.

Flights with transfers (connecting flights) to the Maldives built on regular flights with the participation of many foreign carriers, for example:

• Qatar Airways landing in Doha (Qatar);
• Emirates Airlines landing in Dubai (UAE);
• Singapore Airlines landing in Singapore, Colombo (Sri Lanka) or Dubai.

By purchasing flight to connecting flight , at the airport in Moscow you will be given 2 boarding passes and your luggage will be checked in to the final destination of the flight. When transferring to another plane, you don’t need to think about check-in and luggage; it will be reloaded onto another plane by airport staff. Connection time is usually from 3 hours to 5 hours.

Transfer in the Maldives

Transfer in the Maldives from Male to hotels is carried out either by speedboat, seaplane, or domestic flights (sometimes + speedboat). In the Maldives there is a baggage limit of 20 kg. Seaplanes - small planes with a capacity of 10-15 people who take off from the water and land on the water. They fly only during daylight hours: from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Transfer to hotel islands in the Maldives by seaplane

Currency in the Maldives

The national currency is Maldivian rufiyaa. All hotels accept payments in dollars or by card. Change money in local currency not necessary.

Holidays in the Maldives

Holidays in the Maldives are year-round. Air temperature +30, water +26. The climate is warm and humid. Rain in the Maldives is more likely during the summer months.

The Maldives is one of the best exotic destinations tourism business. The Maldives offers heavenly conditions for beach holiday: blue lagoons with clear clean water, snow-white sand on the beaches, exotic vegetation and animal world islands and, of course, Coral reefs with the inhabitants of the Indian Ocean.

Holidays in the Maldives is a predominantly relaxing private holiday for couples, honeymooners, families with children, discerning clients and lovers of diving and windsurfing.

The Maldives is not a cheap pleasure. However, the quality service, privacy and nature of a tropical paradise are worth it.

In the Maldives, each island is predominantly one hotel. Most hotels are 4 and 5 star and Luxe level for VIP clients.

Holidays in the Maldives

Hotels in the Maldives

There are hotels in the Maldives that are located on large islands where the local population lives. Such hotels are called guesthouses. This is in most cases inexpensive option recreation.

Hotels in the Maldives at 4* and 5* level occupy one island and provide all the necessary infrastructure for recreation. Hotels in the Maldives offer, with rare exceptions, holidays in villas and water villas. Beachfront villas are surrounded by island greenery, often overlooking the ocean. Some beachfront villas have a private pool. Water bungalows are houses located in the lagoon on stilts. From each such water villa there is a staircase going down to the water. In addition, you can choose a villa with a sunset view or a sunrise view.

Hotels in the Maldives are unique and inimitable, everyone has their own distinctive feature. Some of them are aimed at holidays with children, others at secluded adult holidays for couples, there are active hotels with discos for young people, there are budget options for surfers and, of course, there are popular hotels for all categories of tourists.

Kurumba Maldives 5*- the first hotel that was built in the Maldives and welcomed tourists. It is still popular among vacationers today.

Kuramathi Island Resort 4* (Kuramathi Maldives)- the first hotel where they started feeding stingrays. Now it is a tradition and one of the spectacular entertainments in the Maldives.

Baros Maldives 5* Luxe– last year this hotel was recognized as the best VIP villa in the Maldives. Here is the most famous two-story restaurant on the water.

Conrad Maldives Rangeli Island 5* Luxe- consists of two islands connected by a thin isthmus. The first underwater restaurant and wine cellar in the Maldives was opened here.

W Maldives Retreat & Spa 5* Luxe. This hotel has an underground disco that does not disturb the calm, respectable holiday on the small green island.

What to do in the Maldives?

• You can have an informal wedding ceremony in the Maldives.
• Go diving. Best time in the Maldives for diving from January to April.
• The Maldives is ideal for surfing and windsurfing from April to September.
• Swim underwater with a mask, fins and snorkel.
• Go fishing.
• Sail on a dhoni sailing boat.
• Watch the evening show “feeding stingrays and whale sharks.”
• Fly on a parachute tied to a boat.
• Watch dolphins and whales.
• Grow your own personalized coral reef.
• Visit fishing villages where residents of the Maldives live and work.
• Spend a day on a desert island.
• Take a yacht cruise in the Maldives.
• View the Maldives from a seaplane.
• Visit the capital city of Male and stock up on souvenirs.