The Maldives are a popular destination for many, synonymous with luxury and crystal clear waters.
Continuing our previous article, here are some more extra tips for the Maldives – a tropical paradise on Earth. Immerse yourself in a world of white sand, turquoise lagoons and endless sunshine, and discover what makes the Maldives such an exceptional place on Earth.
1. Geography and climate
The Maldives are located southwest of India and Sri Lanka and consist of approximately 1,200 coral islands, of which only about 200 are inhabited. The archipelago covers an area of more than 90,000 km², with most of the islands being very small and low-lying.
The highest point in the Maldives is only a few meters above sea level, making this country extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels.
The climate in the Maldives is tropical, with temperatures ranging between 25 and 30 °C throughout the year. There are two main seasons – the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October). The dry season is ideal for tourists as it offers sunny days and minimal rainfall.
2. Natural beauty
It’s no secret that the Maldives are synonymous with breathtaking natural beauty. Below the surface, the coral reefs surrounding the islands are teeming with a vibrant tapestry of marine life. Divers and snorkelers can discover colorful corals, tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and even sharks.
The most famous diving sites include Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll and North Male Atoll.
The beaches in the Maldives are some of the most beautiful in the world. The white sand, which is as fine as powder, and the turquoise water create a perfect contrast. The beaches are often lined with palm trees that provide pleasant shade. Among the most beautiful beaches are those on the islands of Veligandu, Fulhadhoo, and Dhigurah.
3. Culture and traditions
Although the Maldives is best known as a tourist destination, it also has a rich culture and traditions. The Maldivians are predominantly Muslim and their culture is influenced by Islamic traditions. Visitors should respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting inhabited islands.
Traditional Maldivian music and dance, known as “Bodu Beru,” is an important part of the local culture. Bodu Beru is an energetic dance performed to the accompaniment of drums and singing. This dance is often performed at various celebrations and festivals.
Maldivian cuisine is influenced by Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arabic cuisine. The main ingredients are fish, coconut, and rice. Traditional dishes include “Garudhiya” (fish soup), “Mas Huni” (grated coconut with tuna and onion), and “Fihunu Mas” (grilled fish with spices).
4. Activities and experiences
The Maldives offers a wealth of activities and experiences to satisfy even the most discerning travelers. In addition to diving and snorkeling, you can try other water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Many resorts also offer yacht trips, fishing and sunset cruises.
If you are looking for relaxation, the Maldives is the ideal place for wellness and spa treatments. Many resorts have their own wellness centers offering massages, aromatherapy, yoga and meditation. These treatments will help you unwind and recharge your batteries.
For those who want to learn about the local culture, there are trips to inhabited islands where you can visit local markets, mosques, and traditional houses. These trips will allow you to get to know the daily life of the Maldivians and their culture.
5. Practical information
If you are planning a trip to the Maldives, here is some practical information that may help you:
- Visas: Most visitors are granted a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival in the Maldives. Visas are free, but you must have a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation.
- Transportation: The main point of entry to the Maldives is Velana International Airport, located on the island of Hulhulé near the capital city of Malé. From the airport, you can reach the individual islands by speedboat, seaplane, or domestic flights.
- Currency: The official currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), but US dollars and credit cards are also widely accepted in tourist areas.
- Language: The official language is Dhivehi, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Safety: The Maldives is considered a safe destination, but it is important to observe basic safety precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and respecting local laws and customs.
Interesting facts
The surface of the islands is flat and nowhere exceeds three meters in height. The island groups are mostly arranged in oval atolls. They are surrounded by an almost continuous belt of coral reefs on the sea side.
As the coral limestone that makes up the islands is very permeable, the islands suffer from a lack of drinking water sources and have almost no watercourses. The soil covers only part of the islands and is mostly shallow.
The climate is hot, with average monthly temperatures of 24 to 31 °C, with little temperature variation during the day and rainfall of 2,000-2,600 mm per year. The Maldivian coral archipelago was settled by immigrants from Sri Lanka and India. Most of the population is ethnically related to the Sinhalese, the main ethnic group of Sri Lanka.
The original form of government was a sultanate. Arab sailors also landed in the Maldives during their exploratory and trading voyages in the Indian Ocean. Under their influence, Islam spread here in the 12th century.
In the 16th century, the islands were conquered by the Portuguese, who were later replaced by the Dutch. In 1802, the archipelago became part of the British colonial empire and was administratively linked to Ceylon. In 1887, Britain established a protectorate over the Maldives.
When Ceylon gained independence in 1948, its formal connection with the Maldives, where British rule continued, also ceased. On July 26, 1965, the Maldives gained political independence. The sultanate ceased to exist on March 15, 1968, with the proclamation of the Republic of Maldives.