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Maldives Travel
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Resorts in the Maldives woo tourists with promises of 'the last paradise on
earth', and if your idea of paradise is a pristine tropical island with
swaying palm trees, pure white beaches and brilliant turquoise lagoons, then
the Maldives will not disappoint. It's also a major destination for scuba divers, who
come for the fabulous coral reefs and the wealth of marine life. But it's
not a place for low budget backpackers or amateur anthropologists who want
to travel independently and live as the locals do.
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Recommended Hotels |
 Velavaru
Island Resort Male 
Each of the 84 rooms at this fine 4-star hotel feature
superior amenities. All rooms have hair dryer, clock radio, air
conditioning, television, minibar as well as other amenities. Featuring safe
box, mail service, dry cleaning and laundry, restaurants, this Maldives
hotel is sure to make each guest's trip an enjoyable one. Those looking for
first-rate sporting and leisure facilities will find spa, water sports.
Convenient location, a dedicated staff and first-rate facilities make this
hotel a favorite among travelers. |
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more Maldives Hotels |
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Tourism in the Maldives is carefully managed. The lack of local resources
makes it necessary to import virtually everything a visitor needs, so it
can't really compete on price. The strategy has been to develop a limited
number of quality resorts, each on its own uninhabited island, free from
traffic, crime and crass commercialism.
The tourism strategy also aims to minimize the adverse effects of tourism
on traditional Muslim communities. Tourists can make short guided visits to
local fishing villages, but must then return to their resort. To stay longer
or to travel to atolls outside the tourist zone requires a good reason, a
special permit, and a local person to sponsor the visitor. |
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Facts for the Traveler |
Full country name: Republic of Maldives
Area: 298 sq km
Population: 301,475
Capital City: Male
People: Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, African
Language: Divehi, English
Religion: Sunni Muslim |
Visas: Visas are required for most nationalities, but are free
and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
Health risks: sunburn (In the tropics, the desert or at high altitude
you can get sunburned quickly and seriously, even through clouds. Use a
strong sunscreen, hat and barrier cream for your nose and lips. Calamine
lotion and aloe vera are good for mild sunburn. Protect your eyes with
good-quality sunglasses)
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +5
Dialling Code: 960
Electricity: 230V ,50 Hz
Weights & measures: Metric |
When to Go |
| If you're looking for a few extra hours of sunshine then you should
visit the Maldives between December and April, which is the dry season. This
is the high season, however, and resorts can be fully booked and prices are
higher than the rest of the year. The Christmas-New Year period is the
busiest and most expensive part of the high season. Between May and November
it's still warm, but the skies can be cloudy, humidity is higher and rain is
more likely. This is the low season, and there are fewer tourists and prices
are lower. The transition months of November and April are said to be
associated with increased water clarity and better visibility for divers. |
Events |
| Most holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the dates vary
from year to year. The most important religious event is Ramadan (known
locally as rorda mas), the Islamic month of fasting. Other noteworthy events
are Kuda Id, the sighting of the new moon (celebrated at the end of
Ramadan), and the Prophet's Birthday, which commemorates the birthday of the
Prophet Mohammed. Fixed holiday dates include: National Day (the day
Mohammed Thakurufaan and his men overthrew the Portuguese on Malé in 1573,
the first day of the third month of the lunar calendar); Victory Day
(victory over Sri Lankan mercenaries who tried to overthrow the Maldivian
government on 3 November 1988); and Republic Day (which commemorates the
current republic, founded on 11 November 1968). |
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