Maldives For 2024: Paradise, Culture, Travel Guide

Introduction

The Maldives is a perfect destination that has warm weather; blue sea, and white sand beaches teeming with marine life. The Maldives is an island country in the Indian Ocean, situated south west of Sri Lanka and India, and comprises of 1,192 islands of coral formation of which 26 atolls. Every atoll is a circular-shaped coral wall surrounding a central, circular-shaped body of water known as a lagoon. The Maldives stands as a unique and rapidly developing tourist center, which is perfectly combined elements of nature, history, and culture. Maldives has it all; from the expansive overwater villas, diving and snorkeling to fun filled water sports.

Geography of the Maldives

The Maldives is one of the most geographically unique countries in the world. Its chain of islands stretches over 90,000 square kilometers, making it one of the most dispersed countries on Earth. The terrain of the Maldives is flat and the highest natural point in country is about 2. 4 meters (7. 8 feet ) above the sea level and this makes it the lowest altitude country in the world.

Maldives atolls are mainly composed by coral reefs that host a vast number of documented species of sea beings that ranges from different fish species and not to mention the manta and turtles. The water around these reefs is clean and transparent and is thus suitable for snorkeling, scuba diving and taking underwater photographs. As the country is situated close to the equator the climate is hot throughout the year, so people come to the Maldives to get a tan.

History of the Maldives

Thus, the history of this Maldivian region is inextricably connected with maritime trade because of the location. The Maldives has received many cultures and civilizations like Sinhalese, Arabs Indian and Persian. It is inhabited from more than 2500 years ago by the austronesians mainly originating from the Indian subcontinent.

In the 12th century the Kingdom of Maldives turned into Islamic after the last Buddhist king while it started a long period of sultanate. The Maldives became a sultanate for close to eight centuries and its rulers where bearing the affect of the Arab traders who visited the country.

In 1887, the Maldives entered into a treaty with Great Britain and Maldives became a British protectorate and at the same time, it was an independent country with power over internal affairs. The British left the Maldives in a process of becoming an independent country which the Maldives gained in July 26 in 1965. It joined the league of republics in 1968 and has since then developed into one of the most popular international tourist delights.

Art & Culture in the Maldives

In culture and tradition Maldives is a blend of thousand year old tradition evolved out of frequent contact with neighboring lands. The locals are the Maldivians and a blended race that is roughly South Indian, Arabic, and African.

The primary language that is spoken is called the Dhivehi language which is of Indo-Aryan origin and has influence from the Arabic, Persian as well as the English languages. Music and dance are equally an important part of the Maldivian tradition; some of which includes Bodu Beru, big drum dance. The performances of Bodu Beru entail the use of drums, vocals and dance that aer aimed at recounting or narrating various aspects of the Maldivian way of life and history.

Crafts and souvenir making are the another important and integral part of the Maldivian tradition. Some of the products include the lacquer works, coral carvings, and woven mat which are bought as souvenirs. All the art works represent the island and its relation to the sea and the natural environment.

The religion of the Maldives is Islamic and therefore you are able to see อ muazin mosques all over the islands. Maldivians people are absolutely religious but at the same time they are kind hearted and friendly to every foreigner who comes to their country. But, guests should not violate the local culture especially when they are touring other parts of the country other than the tourism circuits.

Best time to visit Maldives?

It should be noted which season is better to visit the Maldives – Is it better to be there in summer or winter?
The weather conditions in Maldives are tropical and it has a constant high temperature of between 25 and 32 degree Celsius, 77 and 90 degree Fahrenheit respectively. However, the preferred time to visit is during the dry season so, they are able to plan for their trip during November- April when it is extremely hot and dry. This period is particularly favourable for those interested in sea and sun such as beach lovers, divers and honeymooners.

The dry season is from November to April with quite low humidity and almost no rain The wet season is from May to October which features occasional showers. However, this does not discourage many tourist to visit during this season because prices are very cheap, there are few visitors, and there is good surfing from June to August.

How to visit Maldives?

The following are some of the guides that can help someone visit the Maldives How to visit the Maldives.
The primary gateway to the Maldives is Velana International Airport which is based in the vicinity of Malé – the country’s capital. There are several airlines that have direct flights that fly to Nairobi from other parts of the world such as Dubai, Singapore and Doha.

When you get there you normally require a seaplane or speedboat to get to your island resort or the specific island of your choice. While some luxury resorts provide own transportation, others provide facilities for organizing shared means of transport. When it comes to transfers it is also wise to consult with your chosen accommodation provider to make arrangements beforehand.

Visa Requirements: Visitors from all other nations may get a Visa on arrival that lasts for a maximum of 30 days on presenting valid Passport, return ticket and confirmed reservation proof for accommodation. Before going anywhere it is better to consult certain visa requirements where necessary.

Glimpses of the Things to See in Maldives

• Malé: The capital city can be recommended for visiting for on the day. Have a feel of the local people by visiting the Malé Fish Market, Old Friday Mosque, as well as visiting the Maldives National Museum. The Malé is, in fact, rather small and rather densely populated in comparison to the surrounding Chiefs’ island resorts.

• Banana Reef: Banana Reef is also one of the most famous places for scuba diving and snorkelling due to maximum coral formations and fish in the clear water. It is in North Malé Atoll and offers easy and challenging dive sites for learners and the professional divers respectively.

• Vaadhoo Island: One of the famous places due to the brilliant bioluminescent beaches of the island and at anytime of the day especially at night this island glitters due to the bioluminescent plankton. It is quite a unique and beautiful occurrence and thus should not be missed by any lover of nature.

• Hulhumale Island: Amid the natural formations close to Malé, Hulhumale is already beginning to develop wonderful sandy shores and a leisurely tone. The island is also a nice destination for those who would like to get a closer touch with the local people but stay within the guesthouses instead of expensive hotels.

• Manta Point: Manta Point is situated close Ari Atoll; it is considered as the one of the best destinations to observe giant manta rays. The sea here is quite shallow and the manta rays come near to the waters surface making it very entertaining to snorkel around.

Top Resorts in the Maldives

• They are some of the most parts of resorts that you could find in the Maldives.
• Soneva Jani: Including the overwater villas with slides that plunge directly into the lagoon, Soneva Jani one of the best vacation resorts that provides luxury as well as privacy.
• The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort: Resembling a contemporary structure with an aesthetic interference of Maldi island architecture, this resort provides all the luxuries of a modern world along with a well acclaimed spa.
• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: Described by many as having the world’s first and finest underwater restaurant which they call Ithaa, Conrad Maldives showcases yet another mesmerizing dining experience through this underwater dining. Some of the most uncommon experiences which are worth experiencing in the Maldives include the following.
• Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: The Maldives is a divers dream come true because water here is as clear as it gets. There are probabilities to make a sightseeing tour with an interesting bottom, coral gardens, fishes and shipwrecks.
• Dolphin Watching: Such activities as Dolphin watching cruises etc. The Maldives has different types of dolphins among which the most famous is the spinner dolphin which is famous for leaping.
• Underwater Dining: Some resort propose to dine underwater, which means you will be eating in water with fishes swimming around.
• Island Hopping: Thoroughly visit inhabited and uninhabited islands which will give you an opportunity to learn more about the locals as you visit traditional towns.

Practical Tips for Travelers

1. Dress Modestly in Public Areas: During a tour to local islands or on the island of Malé, it is credited for tourists to dress decently so as to honor the common Islamic culture of the country. This is so because swimsuits are only permissible in resorts or what is referred to as ‘bikini beaches.’
2. Tipping: Actually tipping is not obligatory, but it is always welcome in most of the resorts. A small amount of change is expected to be tipped to housekeeping staff, wait staff and drivers.
3. Currency: The money used in the country is Maldivian Rufiyaa but tourist dollar is well accepted in the resorts and areas of interest.
4. Sustainable Travel: Many travel to the area and thus there is always a caution taken to ensure that they do not harm the coral reefs or the surrounding environment. Maldives resort industry has become environmentally conscious, and therefore you should try and find resorts that are pro- environment.

Conclusion

The Maldives is the place that cannot be compared to any other; the time here stops, and the nature dominates. Whether you are planning for a honeymoon vacation, diving holiday, sunshine break or simply want to enjoy a stay in an over-water villa that sits in a crystal clear water, in the Maldives you will find everything what you are looking for. That is why the Maldives is considered to be one of the best traveling destinations, due to its beautiful nature, friendly people and numerous possibilities.