Maldives
The Republic of Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the southwestern tip of India. The archipelago consists of 26 atolls, 1192 islands, of which approx. 200 inhabited and another 87 are reserved for tourists. The area of none of the islands is larger than 13 km², and its total area is about 300 km².
The islands rise no higher than 2.5 meters above sea level, and 80% of the area is no more than 1 meter above sea level. Due to the low altitude, the existence of the islands is threatened by being swallowed by the sea due to global warming.
Marco Polo named the archipelago the flower of the Indian Ocean.
Male City
The capital city of Maldives, Male is one of the most well-organized Maldives tourist places, known popularly for its rich heritage, pristine beaches, bustling markets, narrow lanes, and opulent restaurants.
COMO Cocoa Island
Although Maldives is the proud bearer of gorgeous islands, yet the charm of this archipelago is incomplete without the stunning COMO Cocoa Island. This cozily positioned island is nothing but a tropical paradise for rejuvenation and relaxation.
Vaadhoo Island
Vaadhoo Island is a beautiful island in the Maldives which offers beautiful beaches, iconic landscapes and mesmerising beauty.
Addu Atoll
Better known as Seenu Atoll, Addu Atoll happens to be Maldives’ southernmost atoll. This popular atoll comprises a myriad of well-known and beautiful islands including the Gan Island. Other places of tourist interest on Addu Atoll include Meedhoo Island, Hulhudhoo Island, Hithadhoo Island, Maradhoo Island, and Feydhoo Island. Each of these islands is covered densely with clean local villages and lined with tall and shady coconut trees.
Maafushi
Counted among the most popular Maldives tourist spots, Maafushi Island forms the best beach of the country owing to its myriad of fun and thrilling activities.
The most loved activities to enjoy at Maafushi Island include shark diving, scuba diving, snorkeling, and dolphin safari. Tourists also like to flock to the famous Bikini Beach to flaunt their body in bikinis and get some impressive sun tanning.
Male Atoll
The Male Atoll is divided into North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll. Making for the island nation’s largest city, North Male Atoll is one of most favourite Maldives tourist places among the travel enthusiasts.
Weather:
The climate of Maldives is warm year round, determined by the monsoons. However, being on the equator, the monsoons are mild and not as defined as in neighboring countries. The southwest monsoon from May to October brings some rain and wind, the northeast monsoon, from November to April, is the dry season with very little wind. The temperature varies little.
The west coast is drier than the east coast and the central highlands. The far south and southwest receives minimal rainfall and is a semi-desert. The east coast is hot and humid during the rainy season and receives the most rainfall. This region also may be hit by cyclones between February and March. Along the coast temperatures range from 27 Celsius degrees to 32 Celsius degrees in the wet season and 18 Celsius degrees to 22 Celsius degrees in the dry season.
Wind:
The extreme northern part of the Maldives has a wind climate featuring a steady westerly from May through August and a northeasterly from December through February. The ocean wind speeds during June, July, and August are from 11.5 to 14.4 knot. The northeast is of 7.5 to 9.5 knot from December through February. September and October have significantly stronger northwest winds than March and April.
General:
The official language is the Maldivian language, which is related to Sinhalese, and their script is of Arabic origin.
The official religion is Islam Sunni branch. Public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited. Shoulder and head coverings in public are recommended.
Passport and Visa are required for visiting the Maldives.
Banking:
The currency is the Maldivian Rufiya. Master and Visa cards are accepted, but ATMS are available in Male. Banking hours are from Sunday to Thursday between 7:30am and 2:30pm.