Maldives on the world map: where are the Maldives. Republic of Maldives. Maldives on the world map. Maldives - sea Where are the Maldives

The Maldives are probably the most remote corner of Asia, but despite this, hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world fly there every year to enjoy a holiday in this exotic paradise. Be prepared that in the Maldives you will be greeted by the warm Indian Ocean with clear water (in which you will see amazingly beautiful corals), as well as snow-white sandy beaches surrounded by groves of coconut palms and fruit trees.

Geography of the Maldives

The island nation of Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean about 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka and 400 km from India. The Maldives covers an area of ​​26 atolls. The total area of ​​this country, including all the islands (and there are more than a hundred of them) is 298 km.

There are no mountains in the Maldives. In general, the highest point of the Maldives does not exceed 2.4 meters. Also, there are no rivers or lakes in the Maldives.

Capital

The capital of the Maldives is Male, which is now home to more than 100 thousand people. Male was built in the Middle Ages as the residence of the Maldivian Sultan.

Official language of the Maldives

The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which belongs to the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European language family.

Religion

The majority of the population of the Maldives is Sunni Muslim.

Government of the Maldives

According to the current Constitution, the Maldives is a parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, who has been elected for a 5-year term since 2008. The President appoints the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The parliament in the Maldives is unicameral - the People's Majlis. Mejlis deputies are also elected for a 5-year term (their number may vary).

Climate and weather

The climate in the Maldives is subequatorial monsoon. There are two monsoon periods - the northeast monsoon (dry season) from November to March and the southwest monsoon (rainy season) from June to August. In other words, the dry season in the Maldives lasts from November to April (March and April are the hottest months of the year), and the wet season lasts from May to early November.

The air temperature in the Maldives ranges from +23C to +33C, and tends closer to +30C.

Air temperature in the Maldives (average):

January - +27C
- February - +28C
- March - +29C
- April - +29C
- May - +28C
- June - +28C
- July - +28C
- August - +28C
- September - +27С
- October - +27C
- November - +27C
- December - +27C

Ocean

The shores of the Maldives are washed by the Indian Ocean. The sea temperature near the Maldives ranges from +24C to +33C, so you can swim there all year round.

History of the Maldives

The Maldives were formed 65 million years ago as a result of the eruption of underwater volcanoes. The first people appeared in the Maldives 4 thousand years ago (these were sailors sailing the Indian Ocean). The Maldives were inhabited by people from Sri Lanka and India, and later by Arabs.

Around the middle of the 12th century, Islam began to spread in the Maldives.

Since the mid-16th century, Europeans (Portuguese, Dutch and English) made numerous attempts to colonize the Maldives. Eventually, in 1887, the Maldives came under British protectorate.

It was not until 1965 that the Maldives gained independence.

Culture

The culture of the people of the Maldives has been greatly influenced by Indian culture, as well as Islam. Since Islam is the main religion in the Maldives, it is understandable that local residents celebrate all Muslim holidays (Eid al-Fitr and Kuda-Eid).

In addition, the Maldives also has national holidays - Independence Day (July 26) and Republic Day.

Kitchen

The cuisine of the Maldives was formed under the influence of Indian and Arab culinary traditions. The main foods are fish (mainly tuna), rice, seafood, vegetables, and, of course, spices (due to the proximity of Sri Lanka and India). In addition, it is impossible to imagine Maldivian cuisine without coconut.

Coconut is the main ingredient in most local desserts. Residents of the Maldives often make various sweet puddings.

The main non-alcoholic drinks are tea, to which milk and sugar are added, as well as coffee, palm juice and sweet milk.

Residents of the Maldives make a low-alcohol drink from fermented palm milk.

If you don't like Maldivian cuisine, the restaurant of any local hotel will offer a variety of international dishes.

Sights of the Maldives

The Maldives is a small island nation located on 26 atolls. The largest of them is Male, whose population exceeds 100 thousand people. It is clear that there are very few attractions in the Maldives. However, there are places in this country that are still worth visiting.

To introduce the history of the Maldives, we recommend that tourists visit the Male National Museum. It contains artifacts representing all eras of the history of the Maldives. This museum is part of the Royal Palace, built in the 17th century.

Check out the Hukuru Miskiy Mosque in Male. It was built in 1656. The interior of the mosque is famous for its wood carvings. One of its panels was carved in the 13th century to commemorate the introduction of Islam in the country.

Cities and resorts

The largest city in the Maldives is its capital Male, which is now home to more than 100 thousand people.

The Republic of Maldives is located on 26 small atolls. Each atoll usually has one hotel. Please note that some hotels specialize in spa services, combining Asian and European spa programs.

The white sandy beaches of the Maldives are considered to be some of the best in the world. The Maldivian Islands are literally “drowning” in corals. Therefore, we recommend that tourists in those places where coral reefs come close to the shore swim in special sandals.

You should know that you can only be topless on the beaches of the Maldives on one island - Kuramati. Drinking alcohol on the beaches is also prohibited.

The legislation of the Republic of Maldives prohibits the collection of corals and any marine fauna.

Perhaps the best beach in the Maldives is in South Ari Atoll. We are talking about Nalaguraidhoo beach. Also check out the beaches on Banyan Tree Island, Nika and Cocoa Island.

The Maldives is considered an excellent place for diving. This is quite expected, given the presence of a huge amount of corals and amazingly beautiful underwater world in this region.

Souvenirs/shopping

After a holiday in the Maldives, tourists usually bring home folk art products, bright local fabrics, rugs with original patterns, black coral jewelry, and stamps. Make sure that the souvenirs you buy are actually made in the Maldives, and not in Thailand or Indonesia.

Office hours

– one of the most popular places for tourists. These are small pieces of land surrounded by the ocean. Many people are interested where are the Maldives located on the world map. To be precise, they are located 700 km southwest of the island of Sri Lanka. This is a chain of 20 atolls and more than 1000 small coral islets. On the map it is clear that all this is located in the Indian Ocean, and in a ratio of 1:99, where the first is land, the second, respectively, water. Why are these islands so popular? The sun always shines there, the azure sea splashes along the soft light sandy beaches. The Maldives are especially appreciated by surfers, explorers of the underwater world and exotic tourism. The service here is excellent, but the prices are such that not every travel lover can afford it.
between December and March. At this time, there are no tropical rains (although there are fans of this phenomenon) and the sea is turquoise, and the beach is snow-white, as in many famous photographs circulating on the Internet. Due to tropical rains and monsoons, large waves rise and it is impossible to swim in the sea, so if you want to get into a fairy tale from advertising brochures, then your choice is any days from December to March. Rains, however, do not interfere with excursions, so those people who do not swim for some reason can relax and save a lot. Prices are also falling for air travel. Weather in the Maldives in view of them unusual location on the map varies greatly over the course of a year. Winter is the warmest, so prices increase by 30% and above.
The Maldives attracts representatives of a variety of nations: Russians, Germans, English, Italians, Asians, and others, but all of them here have average incomes and above. The exception is scuba divers - they can rent the cheapest apartments, which will not prevent them from doing what they love. There are no strong differences between tourists here - both family people and single people come here for different types of recreation. The island should be chosen based on the purpose of the trip. A large hotel usually occupies the entire area. It’s better for newlyweds to go to - here there is a separate beach for each bungalow, for families with children it’s better to go to Villahohi, for lovers of parties and noisy entertainment - Nalaguraida, and for a beach holiday the island of Kani is suitable.
What a tourist needs to know:
Bringing alcohol to the Maldives is prohibited. It can only be consumed in hotel bars and restaurants, as citizens of the Maldives are prohibited from selling alcohol;
Dogs are also prohibited here. There are none here at all, and it is prohibited to fly on vacation with dogs;
The state is Islamic;
The national language is Dhivehi. No one speaks English outside of tourist areas;
The only airport on the island of Hulele, there are boats and boats to the other islands;
You can pay in dollars and euros, credit cards are also accepted;
Many people come here to celebrate a wedding - this can be done underwater, on board a seaplane, and even underwater;
The cheapest round-trip flights per person from Moscow to Male will cost approximately $420;
Tourists can study, or they can simply book excursions to the sights of the islands;
Here you can try all kinds of exotic fish - either buy at the market or catch it yourself and cook at the hotel, as well as national dishes - a “mixture” of Indian and Arab cuisine. Favorite foods here are coconut and tuna;
It is best to buy souvenirs at a bazaar or market - interesting goods from Thailand, Sri Lanka and India are sold there.
Maldives on the map deservedly occupy their prominent place and enjoy honor and popularity among wealthy tourists - there is always excellent service, fabulous beaches and the sea, the opportunity to engage in active “water” hobbies - diving and surfing.

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This question is asked by those who have already bought the long-awaited one or are just going to look for tickets and prepare for the trip. Everyone has heard about this stunning resort, the leader among the giants of beach holidays, and have probably seen photos from the best beaches and hotels more than once. The Maldives are 8.5 hours away by direct flight from Moscow to Male. This island nation is located in South Asia in the middle of the Indian Ocean near the equator. It is this geographical location of the Maldives and the equatorial climate that provide excellent weather for a beach holiday all year round in any season.

To choose the best hotel, it is worth understanding where the Maldives are, where the capital Male and the international airport are located, and where you will go on vacation. I hope I have already convinced you of the importance of understanding the geographical location of the Maldives? Then let's go!

The geography of the Maldives is so interesting that when you start studying it, you immediately understand why the widespread “lostness” of the Maldives is not accidental. They are so small that they are practically invisible on a geographical map. And many people often don't know what the Maldives is. Some of them quite seriously think that this is not a whole country, but one small island (for example, as part of Chile) with magnificent beaches and hotels.

Where is Male

Male(Male) is the capital of the Republic of Maldives. Male is located in the very center of the country on a fairly large and densely populated island. It is part of the North Male Atoll (Kaafu). Thousands of tourists fly to the Maldives every day at Male International Airport (its code is MLE), located on the island of Hulule, neighboring the capital.

Good to know:

  • See cheap flights to Male follow the link →
  • A ready-made tour to the Maldives can be selected on the website

Male City is the financial, administrative and transport center of the Maldives. It is home to many significant cultural attractions, modern hospitals, shops, restaurants, banks and a post office.

Male Island It is connected to many of the inhabited islands in the Maldives by various means of transport - ferries, speedboats and local air travel by conventional aircraft and seaplanes.

Male on the world map

Where are the Maldives resort islands?

Not all islands in the Maldives are inhabited. Of the nearly 1,200 individual islands, only about 200 are inhabited or used as resorts. The Maldives are located both south and north of the capital Male. Some of them can be reached by speedboat or ferry, while others are located so far away that tourists fly to them either by seaplane (air taxi) or by regular domestic flights.

If you have already chosen your hotel, then on the map of the atolls you can understand where it is approximately located (see map). And for those who are still choosing, it will be interesting to keep in mind:

  • The closest resort island to the airport in the Maldives is a famous hotel Kurumba. It is very popular among Russian tourists, and for good reason, because the holiday there, judging by the reviews, is simply magnificent!
  • The furthest island in the south where the local population lives is Gan(Addu Atoll). Maldivian Airlines flies there from Male. Near the island of Gan there is a magnificent resort on the equator. Who hasn't dreamed of relaxing right under the sun? There is such an opportunity in the Maldives. Look at Villingili Island Shangri-La.
  • The most distant resort from the capital in the Maldives is located in the north of the Maldives archipelago on the island of Manafaru: JA Manafaru

The farthest island in the Maldives is Manafaru

To summarize my article, I hope that now you know exactly where the Maldives is located and what special geographical features are characteristic of this country. Therefore, when you are planning to relax in the Maldives, you will know exactly where you are flying and will never get lost!

  • Inexpensive islands (from 50 to 100 dollars):
  • How to book a hotel yourself:

    • The Maldives is a small island country in the Indian Ocean, located in an equatorial climate, and is one of the world's popular resorts. Its territorial possessions include about 1,200 islands, its area is 90,000 square meters. km. This state is located very low, because the atolls rise above sea level by only 1 - 2 m. The state religion in the Maldives is Islam.

    The country is 700 km from Sri Lanka and 430 km from India. From Moscow to the Maldives the distance is about 6570 km. Moscow time differs from Maldivian time by only 1 hour. In summer (in Moscow -11 hours, in the Maldives 12 hours) and by 2 hours in winter. The islands of the archipelago are mostly small in size, some are tiny. Each island is protected from the wind by a shield of coral, so there is no storm on the islands, and the water is surprisingly clear and clean.

    The Republic of Maldives has been considered the best resort country and tourist center for decades. There is a first-class level of tourist service here. Wealthy people from all over the world come here to vacation. Because spending a vacation in the Maldives is not a cheap pleasure. Not every person can afford this. Although the locals themselves live quite modestly.

    Basically, resorts and beaches are located in the north of the country, where the tourism business is well developed and guest service is at the highest level. In the south of the state, the tourism business is somewhat behind in its development. The local population, the Maldivians, lives on the remote islands of the southern part of the archipelago. On these islands, the only ones in the archipelago, vacationers can communicate with village residents, feel the national flavor, and get acquainted with its life and way of life. On other islands of the resort, it is not so easy to walk along the Maldivian village streets.

    The Republic of Maldives lies in a subequatorial monsoon climate, so the weather on the islands is always good and warm, you can relax at any time of the year. The lowest air temperature is +17 C (January - February), average temperatures are from +24 to +33 C.

    The climate of the Maldives is influenced by two monsoons, they divide the weather of the archipelago into two seasons. The influence of the northeast monsoon in time (January-March) coincides with the winter period in Europe. It brings sunny, dry weather, and is therefore associated with the peak tourist season in the country. The monsoon from the southwest, operating from May to December, brings precipitation and damp weather. The rains here are short-lived. Rainy period at the resort: May, November; dry and sunny - February – April.

    The nature of the Maldives, as far as land areas are concerned, is rather poor and monotonous. Animals representing the above-water world are gray herons, flying foxes, hermit crabs, huge snails - Achatina. The flora of the Maldives is even poorer. Basically, lush palm and banana groves grow everywhere on the islands. Coconuts and bananas are cultivated in large quantities in the country.

    But the underwater world of the ocean off the coasts of the islands is very rich and brightly colorful. Reefs, colorful algae, are inhabited by a variety of inhabitants. Here you can see over 1100 species. fish, about 145 species. crabs, almost 400 species. mollusks, up to 200 species. corals, more than 20 species of mammals.

    Historical facts

    About 20 centuries ago, the first settlers appeared on the previously uninhabited islands of the Indian Ocean - residents of the nearby states of Sri Lanka and India. Initially, the first religion on the islands was Buddhism. But in the 12th century it was supplanted by Islam. This religion was actively spread by the Arabs who inhabited the islands.

    Since the middle of the 16th century, Portugal and Holland laid claim to the Maldives. But they failed to establish their dominance over the islands. Local residents actively prevented the invasion of foreigners.

    But since 1887, the Maldives still became a colony of England. Eighty years later, in 1967, the Maldivians achieved independence from Britain. In 1968, the country became a republic with a presidential form of government.

    Like all Islamic states, the Maldives is strong in religious practices and traditions. The islanders do not drink alcohol, do not sell it, and do not show off their women. But many Maldivians work as bartenders in hotels and make excellent cocktails for guests, but do not try them themselves.

    Most of the country's population is engaged in the tourism business; the occupations of another part of the country's residents are related to the ocean: fishing, repairing yachts, boats and other low-paid jobs

    Transport links between many of the islands are poor, so most Maldivians live isolated and scattered. Ordinary islanders live a leisurely and measured life: in the morning, in the evening - fishing with access to the ocean, during the day - relaxing in a hammock under palm trees, pursuing personal hobbies.

    The working week in the Maldives lasts 5 days: starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday. During the working day, they are given 15 minutes each 5 times. time for prayer. Shops are open from 6 a.m., but sometimes from 8 to 9 a.m. Shops close at 8 p.m., some are open until 11 p.m. Banks and government institutions are open from 7.30 to 8 a.m. until 13.30.

    At Maldivian resorts there is a system of restrictions and prohibitions; ignoring and violating them can lead to serious problems and troubles.

    What should you not do while on a Maldivian beach?

    Prohibited:

    • sunbathing topless or completely naked;
    • take walks around the Maldives in open clothes (very short tops and shorts);
    • break off coral branches as souvenirs;
    • engage in underwater hunting, fishing (equated to poaching);
    • littering and drinking alcohol outside the hotel premises (heavy fines).

    It would take too long to list all the resort beaches, since every island has them. Here are the most famous and ennobled resorts of the Maldives:

    • island: North Male: Naladu, Banyan Tree;
    • Ari Island: San, No way;
    • Kunuhura Island. - Pasta Point.

    In addition to these popular resorts, there are beautiful beaches on the islands of Lhaviani (swimming with turtles), Maafushi (dolphin watching), Kunfadhoo, Hadahaa, Vaadu,

    Many tourists are interested in local attractions, island life and try, as part of excursion groups, to make trips and hikes to places of natural and historical monuments or to modern, interesting sites. Various hikes and excursion programs are organized for vacationers and residents of the islands of the archipelago, such as: visiting the National Museum located on the island of Male (Sultan Park), the Presidential Palace, and the Good Friday Mosque, built from coral.

    A modern facility that is interesting to visit is the unique and unusual Ithaa restaurant. It is included in the list of the 10 most unusual restaurants in the world because the restaurant halls are under water. The queue for this unique establishment is usually endless, you need to book a table in advance, the cost of services is very high, but rich, wealthy tourists definitely try to visit there.

    Many tourists are interested in the life of the islanders, their way of life, and national color. Excursions are organized for them with a visit to a Maldivian village, and trips on a seaplane are organized.

    Seaplanes operate very noisily and their noise is constantly heard. They take tourists to the islands. A flight on such a transfer costs much more than travel on a ferry, speedboat or boat. But the beauty of nature, the coastal and oceanic landscape with all its colors and shades can be clearly seen from a bird's eye view.

    These include clean white beaches, delicate azure lagoons, lush groves of palm trees, a pink oceanic sunset, when the sun quickly sinks into the ocean waters, painting them pink in different shades. All this can be seen from the air in all its glory.

    Being in the cabin of a seaplane and contemplating the surrounding islands from above is an impressive and exciting adventure that will long remain one of the best memories of your vacation. Therefore, sightseeing trips on seaplanes are in great demand among tourists.

    Trans Maldivian Airways organizes sea air transportation in the Maldives.

    Beaches are an important natural attraction of the country. After all, the country’s tourism business, its main activity, plays a leading role in the economic and cultural development of the state. The country exists thanks to tourism. Of all the beaches, several main ones stand out:

    • Fulhadhoo Island,
    • Finolhu-Kanifushi Island;
    • Dhigurah Island;
    • Amilla-Fushi.

    A special feature of these beaches is a long sand spit along which you can walk to several ocean islands. On some beaches you can swim in a bikini.

    • Each island has its own types of entertainment and activities: diving, sailing, catamaran trips, snorkeling, fishing (fish are released)
    • There is also a unique beach here, one of the wonders of nature - the luminous beach (Baa Atoll).
    • The neon glow is especially noticeable in the period of time - June-February. The glow occurs throughout the evening and night.

    There are about 427,000 people in the Maldives. They are settled on two hundred islands. Not all islands in the archipelago are inhabited. About 120 islands were allocated for tourist complexes. Each island has its own hotel, there is branded service, each hotel complex operates in a competitive environment, tries to attract more tourists to its island, and offers them the most modern service with comfort. Each hotel is built taking into account an individual approach; bright advertisements of hotels with a wide range of services are striking everywhere.

    A visa is not required for tourists, but if someone comes on their own or the trip is for business, then it is necessary to prepare documents upon arrival at the airport. But the entry of Israeli citizens into the country is prohibited.

    Tourists upon arrival in the Maldives receive a map of the archipelago. Famous tourist routes and interesting places are marked on it. Uninhabited islands are not marked on it. What is good for Russian vacationers is that the symbols on the map are signed in Russian.

    In a Muslim state there is a unique calendar - Nikaya. According to the Maldivian calendar, the year is divided into 27 time periods, each period lasting 1 or 2 weeks. At each of these periods of time, certain weather is established in the Maldives, which has its own specific characteristics.

    Evening in the Maldives begins early, at 6 o'clock, and it becomes dark very quickly, and therefore the evenings are very long. There are no discos here. Because guests need rest and peace. Upon arrival at the hotel, you need to know that the electricity voltage is only 110V and the Maldivians have special sockets - three-pin. Therefore, it is better to immediately take an adapter.

    • The Maldives is a relatively safe resort. There are no animals here that pose a danger to humans. There are no poisonous reptiles or predatory animals. There aren't even dogs here.
    • For children, the resort also has playgrounds, excursions and many different entertainments.
    • The Maldives is a fabulous place on Earth. And the trip there remains unforgettable.

    Detailed information about the Maldives, the location of the islands on the world map, how to get to them, whether a visa is needed, what prices, which hotels to choose and how to book. And also everything about types of recreation for complete Maldivian relaxation, information about national dishes, climate, weather, currency and Maldivians

    The coast of the Indian Ocean with its picturesque atolls - Maldives. Beautiful nature, top-class hotels, beaches that are impossible to take in with your eyes. The Maldives is the best exotic holiday for tourists who want to swim in the Indian Ocean. Lagoons with blue shimmering atolls, golden sandy beaches, exotics, beautiful flora and fauna, and most importantly, high-class hotels with excellent service.


    Not everyone can afford to go to the Maldives, as the prices here are not low. The tours are not cheap. But having paid so much money, tourists are usually completely satisfied.

    Maldives- this is a paradise for maniac divers who do not get out of the water for days on end. They don’t care where or how to live, just to dive. This is also a great place to hold honeymoon. The memories will remain for the rest of your life. This is a place for those who want to completely relax and forget that there is another life somewhere with problems and troubles.

    General information about the islands

    Where are the Maldives on the world map

    The Maldives, located south of the Indian subcontinent, is a magnificent island chain in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, consisting of 26 atolls. The Maldives was once a British colony. Gained independence in 1965.

    State capital: Male city
    Form of government: The President rules the country. The highest legislative body is the Mejlis.
    Religion: Islam
    National currency: Rufia
    Population: The Maldives has a population of 436,330 in 2017, ranking 175th in the world. The Maldives has a high population density of 1,102 people per square kilometer, making it the 11th most populous country on earth.
    Maldives dialing code: +960
    Official website of the country: http://www.visitmaldives.com/en

    Excellent episode of Heads and Tails about the Maldives

    Climate in the Maldives, or when is the best time to go

    The Maldives has a subequatorial monsoon climate. All year round the temperature ranges from + 24 to + 30 degrees. The rainy season starts from June and ends in August.

    The best time of year to visit the Maldives is during the dry season, which lasts from January to April

    Visa and customs regulations

    Citizens of the Russian Federation and the CIS are exempt from receiving visas. You just need to apply for medical insurance. Currency import and export without restrictions. The import of alcoholic beverages into the country is prohibited. This also applies to goods purchased at airport stores. There are some restrictions forimport of products: salami sausage and pork. If the cost of the goods is above $200, it must be declared. You cannot carry items for underwater fishing. You cannot export individuals from the country's underwater world. The ban has been lifted only from souvenirs sold legally.

    There is no Tax free system in the Maldives

    How to get to the islands

    The Maldives has one airport at its disposal. It is located at a distance of 2 km. from Male on Hulwle Island.

    There are flights from Moscow to the Maldives from airports : Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo. There are direct and connecting flights. Ticket prices one way: from 240 to 525 US dollars. Travel time without transfers is 8 hours 45 minutes. With transfers up to 13 hours. When departing from the islands, you must pay a fee of 25 USD. Only children under 2 years of age are exempt from the fee.

    From Maldives Airport to Male ferries operate, the ticket will cost 15 MVR. For 20 MVR you can by boate get to other Maldives. They fly to very remote islands on seaplanes. Usually all Maldivian tour operators have their representatives at the airport. They meet and dispatch tourists.

    Resorts of the Maldives

    Capital of the Maldives Male occupies an area of ​​5.8 square meters. km. Can be considered one of the smallest capitals in the world. Located on the island of the same name, it accommodates a third of the population of the entire country. Arriving travelers are amazed by the views of skyscrapers and highways. The main embankment is also the central street of the capital. Here government buildings, banks and offices various companies. The city is divided by a park with piers. On one side is the presidential pier. On the other hand, ferries depart to the airport. But all around there is a real paradise of exotic islands, to which tourists go. All other islands are for rent.

    Islands, their features and what makes them remarkable

    The best entertainment on the islands is diving. The beauty of the seabed and clear water attracts a huge number of fans of this sport. The main areas of the islands have not yet been developed. Only 28 of them were turned into expensive resorts.

    Ari Atoll

    They treat tourists very carefully here. There is plenty to do: windsurfing, snorkeling, water skiing, canoeing, catamarans, boat diving, scooter riding and diving.

    Vaavu

    There are a huge number of small islands, but only 5 of them are accessible for tourism. Population - 2000 people. The archipelago is untouched nature and an amazing underwater world. Here you can watch stingrays, see reef sharks, hammerhead fish and many other representatives of the underwater world. All these pristine delights attract a large influx of tourists.

    Laviani

    An amazingly beautiful atoll. A great place for scuba diving. Reef protrusions from the water are overgrown with coral formations. Ocean water abounds with tropical fish. You can see moray eels and large sharks. These are 63 small islands. Its length is 30 km. There are 2 hotels here, a small hotel and a luxury hut. Wealthy tourists like to spend their holidays here.

    Miimu

    Miimu - size in length - 47 km. Fabulously beautiful and almost uninhabited. The silver surface of the ocean, green islands, amazing customs, very tasty food. Miimu is shaped like a shark's jaws when they are open. There are a huge number of places on it where no human has ever set foot. This naturally attracts lovers of active tourism. Despite some wild nature, it is fully equipped to receive tourists. There is everything here, including a diving center.

    Shiinu Atoll

    Siinu Atoll is almost the equator. Includes a large number of coral islands. Six islands are inhabited. They are connected to the ocean by straits. There was once a naval base here.

    Gan Island

    Gan Island is famous for its airport with daily flights to the capital.

    Hithadhoo Island

    Hithadhoo Island, which is the second largest city, has a highway. This is an unprecedented rarity for the island.

    Matirah

    Matheerah is a skeleton with an ancient mausoleum containing a sacred tomb. Sufi Muslim pilgrims come here. “Noble” - that’s what they call it in the Maldives.

    Oh well

    The hotels located here can be reached by seaplane. This will take about 45 minutes. There is clean water, amazing flora and fauna. There are a lot of reef rocks, it is better to dive with an instructor.

    Male

    Locations of 3 luxury hotels. The island is not big, there are not many places to visit with excursions. This is understandable, since people come here on vacation. But there is something and it needs to be seen. Click on the name Male, where we tell you a lot more about the capital!

    Good Friday Mosque- main attraction. The golden domed mosque is visible when the plane lands. Orthodox Christians are allowed entry. Women need special clothing. If you go up to the second floor you need to take off your shoes. Historical National Museum located in a beautiful building. The exhibits in the museum include personal belongings of the sultans, outfits, jewelry, coral sculptures, and weapons.

    Closed-code monument to tsunami victims. Erected in memory of the victims of the prices in 2004. It is a spiral wrapping around a stele. Very reminiscent of DNA molecules, which are characterized as something eternal and living. So the sculptor wanted to show that people remember the dead and they are always alive in their hearts. They mourn for them. Friday old mosque erected on the remains of the foundation of the pagan temple. Its architectural design is an interweaving of Hinduism and Islamism. At the entrance there is a minaret shaped like a lighthouse. The sultans and their entourage are buried nearby. Everyone is allowed in, just not during prayer. The mosque blocks are made of corals that fit perfectly together. No type of mortar was used during construction. This causes genuine amazement!

    Timu Palace. The place where the country's first sultan was born. In 1986 it was restored and opened to the public. It is a place of pilgrimage for local nationalists.

    National Maldivian cuisine

    Tourists coming to the Maldives eat fish with rice and sauce. Rarely do people decide to try traditional Maldivian cuisine. Such an experience can be an excursion to the capital of the country, where you can try national dishes of local cuisine in restaurants. Fish is the main dish in the Maldives. This is not surprising when you consider that the entire island is an ocean.


    Most of all, the islanders love tuna. This is their main dish. It can be fresh, boiled, dried, dried, smoked or canned. There is no gas in the houses here. Cooked on wood-fired stoves. To prevent smoke from entering the house, the kitchen is located separately from the main living space.

    It is hardly worth listing the names of local dishes. You won't remember them anyway. Let's focus on the main products from which these dishes are prepared. This is coconut, onion, chili, lime juice, maize, salt, flour. Various types of flatbreads and fillings are very popular here. The products we listed above are placed inside, the dough is pinched and baked, just as we bake pies in a frying pan.

    They love tuna broth here. Tourists enjoy eating it as a first course. The islanders use this broth when stewing rice, to which they also add coconut milk, lime, chili and onions. The diet of local residents here also includes concentrated tuna paste. It is used to prepare dishes from already cooked rice. This dish is called here - rihaakuru. You can buy it ready-made in the store and try it by spreading it on bread. That is, make yourself a sandwich.


    There is a dish here that is prepared from dried fish and curry sauce. It's terribly spicy. Rice is also a staple food. Breadfruit is also used. Breadfruit is sliced, fried and considered a snack. Taro and sweet potato are local vegetables. They are also widely used in the local diet. Chicken - this should already be some kind of big celebration: a wedding, a religious holiday.

    Meals in the Maldives are traditional - thinly sliced ​​nuts, betel leaves, and paste are served. You just need to chew all this. Locals believe that this chewing aids digestion. This is such a simple food. For us, this is just the ideal diet. Anyone who wants to lose weight, go to the Maldives. This diet, plus swimming, lying in the sun, traveling around the country, snorkeling and the kilograms disappeared.

    Local drinking water, by our standards, is not suitable for drinking, so buy purified drinking water.

    Some drinks in the Maldives are locally made. Coca-Cola is produced here by purifying sea water using special equipment. They also produce their own mineral water. If you want something stronger, you can only afford it in bars at resorts. Alcohol is not sold in stores. You will also be pleased here with the food that we are all accustomed to.

    Based on all of the above, the Maldives can be safely classified as a paradise for relaxation; any person who loves beach holidays and solitude with nature absolutely needs to go there.

    Video review from tourists about their trip to the Maldives