Maldives - island state in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean and stretch 70 km from the south of India towards the equator. The equator line crosses the Maldives between Suwadiva and Addu atolls. The Maldives is more than 1200 islands united into atolls.
Maldives is visa-free country for citizens Russian Federation... The visa is put at the airport upon arrival and is valid for 30 days. The validity of the passport six months from the end of the trip.
The Maldives is a Muslim country. You cannot bring alcohol here and walk in the capital with bare legs and shoulders. Swimming and sunbathing in swimsuits on the islands where the local population lives is possible only on specially designated beaches (Bikini Beach).
Maldives is coral islands ... Here the airport is a separate island, the capital is a separate island, villages with locals are separate islands, and each hotel is a separate island. The Maldives are also small uninhabited islands that can be reached by boat and be alone.
Capital Maldives - the city of Male.
Beach holidays in the Maldives
Flight to Maldives
Flight to Maldives without transfers is 9 hours (Moscow-Male). Direct regular night-time flights are operated by Aeroflot from Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) to Male Airport (MLE). Departures 5 times a week (except Tuesday and Thursday). From December 23, 2019, flights from Moscow to the Maldives will be daily.
Connecting flights (connecting flights) to the Maldives built on regular flights with the participation of many foreign carriers, for example:
- Qatar Airways landing in Doha (Qatar);
- Emirates Airlines landing in Dubai (UAE);
- Singapore Airlines landing in Singapore, Colombo (Sri Lanka) or Dubai.
By purchasing flight to connecting flight , at the airport in Moscow, 2 boarding passes will be handed out and the baggage is checked in to the final point of the flight. When transferring to another plane, you do not need to think about check-in and luggage, the airport staff will transfer it to another plane. Docking time is usually from 3 hours to 5 hours.
Direct tickets from Moscow to Male
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Maldives transfer
Maldives transfer from Male to hotels is carried out either by speedboats, or by seaplane, or by domestic air flights (sometimes + speedboat). In the Maldives, there is a 20 kg baggage limit. Seaplanes are small planes with a capacity of 10-15 people that take off from the water and land on the water. They fly only during daylight hours: from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Seaplane transfer to hotel islands in Maldives
Currency in Maldives
The national currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa. In all hotels, payments are made in dollars or by card. Change money into local currency not necessary.
Holidays in the Maldives
Holidays in the Maldives are year-round. Air temperature +30, water +26. The climate is warm and humid. Rain in the Maldives is more likely during the summer months.
Maldives is one of the best exotic destinations travel business. In the Maldives, paradise conditions for a beach holiday: blue lagoons with clear clear water, white sand on the beaches, exotic flora and fauna of the island and, of course, coral reefs with inhabitants Indian Ocean.
Holidays in the Maldives Is a predominantly relaxing private getaway for couples, honeymooners, families with children, discerning clientele and diving and windsurfing enthusiasts
The Maldives are not cheap. However, the quality service, privacy and nature of a tropical paradise are worth it.
In the Maldives, each island is predominantly one hotel. Most of the hotels are 4 and 5 stars and Luxe for VIP clients.
Holidays in the Maldives
Hotels in Maldives
There are hotels in the Maldives that are located on large islandswhere the local population lives. Such hotels are called guisthaus. This is in most cases an inexpensive vacation option.
4 * and 5 * hotels in the Maldives occupy one island and represent all the necessary infrastructure for recreation. Hotels in the Maldives offer, with rare exceptions, vacation in villas and villas on the water... Beachfront villas are immersed in the greenery of the island, where the view from the windows often overlooks the ocean. Some beachfront villas have a private pool. Water bungalows are houses on stilts in the lagoon. Each of these water villas has a staircase leading down to the water. In addition, you can choose a villa with a sunset view or a sunrise view.
Maldives hotels are unique and inimitable, everyone has their own distinctive feature... Some of them are aimed at families with children, others for a secluded adult vacation for couples, there are active hotels with discos for young people, there are budget options for surfers and, of course, there are popular hotels for all categories of tourists.
Kurumba Maldives 5 * - the first hotel that was built in the Maldives and received tourists. It is still popular among vacationers today.
Kuramathi Island Resort 4 * (Kuramathi Maldives) - the first hotel to start feeding stingrays. It is now a tradition and one of the spectacular entertainment in the Maldives.
Baros Maldives 5 * Luxe - this hotel last year was recognized as the best vip-villa in the Maldives. The most famous two-story restaurant on the water is located here.
Conrad Maldives Rangeli Island 5 * Luxe - consists of two islands connected by a thin isthmus. The first underwater restaurant and wine cellar in the Maldives was opened here.
W Maldives Retreat & Spa 5 * Luxe. This hotel has an underground disco that does not disturb the quiet respectable holiday on the small green island.
What to do in the Maldives?
- In the Maldives, it is possible to host an informal wedding ceremony.
- Go diving. Best time in the Maldives for diving from January to April.
- The Maldives are ideal for surfing and windsurfing from April to September.
- Swim underwater with a mask, fins and snorkel.
- Go fishing.
- Take a dhoni sailing boat trip.
- Watch the evening show "feeding stingrays and whale sharks".
- Fly with a parachute attached to a boat.
- Dolphin and whale watching.
- Grow your own signature coral reef.
- Visit the fishing villages where the people of the Maldives live and work.
- Spend a day on a desert island.
- Take a yacht cruise in the Maldives.
- View the Maldives from a seaplane.
- Visit the capital city of Male and stock up on souvenirs.
👁 6.4k (15 per week) ⏱️ 1 min.
The ocean washing the Maldives is called the Indian Ocean, and they themselves are grouped into an archipelago stretching from north to south, consisting of coral atolls - ring-shaped island structures. There are lagoons inside these rings. In total, this archipelago includes 1190 islands, which are grouped in 26 atolls. All atolls are divided into 19 administrative districts, and the capital of the state, the city of Male, became the 20th administrative unit.
The islands are located southwest of the Industan Peninsula, and the Indian Ocean is washed by the Maldives - warm, huge and majestic, the blue of its waters merging with the sky on the horizon, because of which the horizon line becomes almost indistinguishable. But among the huge number of islands in the archipelago, only about two hundred were inhabited. In an archipelago like the Maldives, the sea covers 99.7% of the territory and only an insignificant remainder falls on land. In general, the Maldives rise above the water, being part of a large underwater mountain range. For thousands of years, corals have grown on the tops of the seamounts, reaching up towards the sun, gradually forming reefs. As a result, ring-shaped structures grew, parts of which later appeared above the surface of the water and formed islands of atolls. And in the middle of the atoll there was a depression - a lagoon, which communicated with the ocean through a series of natural channels-channels.
Indian Ocean temperature off Maldives
Those who are going to the Maldives should not worry about the temperature of the ocean water - it is always warm and suitable for swimming here. At any time of the year, it is no colder than 26 degrees., which cannot but delight divers and just beach goers. This is not surprising, because the archipelago is very close to the equator. The water in the ocean is always clear and blue, which further enhances the pleasure of contact with it. During the monsoon, many islands have strong currents, making sailing in the sea dangerous, but the rest of the time, communication between the atolls is easy.
Flora and fauna of the Maldives ocean
The many hundreds of fish species found in the Indian Ocean can be divided into two categories: fish that live in calm lagoons and reefs, and those that prefer the freedom of the open ocean, but sometimes also approach the islands in search of food. Fans of scuba diving and snorkeling are attracted by a lot underwater: exotic shapes and colors of coral, fish, shellfish, jellyfish, turtles, moray eels, sea \u200b\u200burchins and stars, dolphins, rays and sharks. Cetacean mammals and sea turtles also prefer to migrate across the ocean - they are very popular with divers.
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- an island state in the south of Asia, in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. There are more than 2000 small islands. Maritime boundaries lie in the Indian Ocean.
The name of the country comes from the Sanskrit dwipa - "island".
Official name: Maldives
Capital: Male
The area of \u200b\u200bthe land: 298 sq. km
Total population: 395 K people
Administrative division: The country is divided into 20 island groups.
Form of government: Republic.
Head of State: President elected for a term of 5 years.
Population composition: 99% are Maldivians (ethnogenesis is not completely clear), as well as Arabs and people from the African continent.
Official language: maldivian (Dhivehi). English language widespread in the capital Male and in resorts.
Religion: Almost the entire population is a Sunni Muslim.
Internet domain: .mv
Mains voltage: ~ 230 V, 50 Hz
Country dialing code: +960
Climate
Tropical marine. Temperature all year round on average, it does not fall below +25 C even at night. The average temperature is about +28 C all year round (daytime maximum - about +32 C, night minimum - +25 C). The amount of precipitation is about 2500 mm. per year, and most often in the form of short rains in the evening and at night. The water temperature is also constant - about + 24-27 C all year round.
The best weather conditions are observed during the Iruvai period (November-December to March-April, the northeast monsoon season), when the sea is calm and the weather is sunny and dry. From May to October, during the "hulhangu" season (April to October), the weather is less predictable - the southwest monsoon can bring intermittent rains, high humidity and choppy seas (although it is the least hot during this period). Storms and waves are most likely in June and December.
Geography
The island nation of Maldives is 700 km away. southwest of Sri Lanka, in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. Two practically parallel chains of islands, bordered by coral reefs, and lying at a relatively small distance from each other, stretch for 820 km. from North to South. There are 1196 islands in total, forming 26 atolls, of which only 199 are inhabited and about 100 are open to the public. total area countries about 90 thousand square meters. km., land - only 298 sq. km.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
Forests cover no more than 3% of the islands' area. On many islands, coconut palms grow, which do not suffer from soil salinity, banana groves and a dense shrub cover, in some places mangroves, and in the depths of the islands there are banyan trees, pandanus and various thorny plants.
The coastal waters are abundant in fish. There are sea turtles, which have been intensively exterminated by the population for a long time. Their meat and fat were used for food, and their shells were used for various crafts. Currently, turtles are on the verge of extinction and are protected by law. Since 1996, a program for the protection of environment "A Million Trees". Within its framework, nurseries have been created in which seedlings are grown for further planting on the islands of the archipelago.
The traditional activities of the Maldivians are collecting cowrie shells and growing a coconut tree that produces copra, vegetable oil and palm leaves. Crops such as rice, taro, millet, corn, sweet potatoes, and cassava are also cultivated. Of the industrial sectors, fish processing is developed.
sights
The Maldives is widely known for its atoll resorts, each of which is its own unique world, surrounded by pristine coral beaches and an indescribable blue sea. This is a "place at the end of the world", where there is no noise of cities and annoying signs of civilization, where only exotic nature and endless expanses of the ocean.
Numerous underwater coral reefs and caves stretch across the Maldives archipelago, lush tropical vegetation emphasizes the pristine and unique beauty of the islands, and ancient culture local residents create a unique environment for a secluded holiday.
Banks and currency
Maldives rupees (rufiyaa). One rupee is equal to 100 lari. Banknotes in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 rupees are in circulation. And also coins of 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lari. USD and major credit cardsso it is not necessary to exchange dollars for local currency upon arrival.
In Male, banks and exchange offices are concentrated on Marine Drive. They are open from 8.00 to 13.30, Sunday through Thursday (like in many other Muslim countries, Friday and Saturday are weekends in the Maldives). Upon departure, the remaining rupees are allowed to be exchanged back for dollars. Currency exchange can be carried out not only at the bank, but also in a number of large stores, which have a special sign next to the signs of international tourist cards.
Useful information for tourists
It is forbidden to drink alcohol in public places (outside resort area). Drinking bottled water and soft drinks is recommended. Local water, although it is purified quite thoroughly (often it is desalinated sea water), but due to the high temperature it quickly becomes unusable.
Traditional Islamic norms of behavior are strong in the country, but without the slightest sign of bigotry. The restrictions are the same as in Oman. Taking pictures in mosques is prohibited. The guards of the mosque usually insist on accompanying the tourist, hoping to take a fee, but in fact, you can inspect the mosque on your own. Nude swimming is prohibited on all islands in the archipelago, with the exception of Kuramati Island. You can bargain in markets and private shops, but the amount of the "discount" is usually small.
Spearfishing and unauthorized fishing are prohibited (all types of sea fishing are freely organized in hotels), it is strictly not allowed to lift corals (both living and dead), shells and other marine life from the bottom of the sea. Heavy fines are charged for violation. The country has one of the largest markets in the region selling seashells, corals and various exotic marine animals, so you can always buy these souvenirs without breaking local laws.
Officially, tips are not accepted, but unofficially, if the service really deserves it, it is customary to leave a small amount to the personally serving employee ($ 10 per week to the hotel employee or 5% to the waiter). Some resorts include payment for services (usually 10%), in which case a tip is not necessary. In case of renting a boat or motorboat, the amount should be negotiated in advance.
The Republic of Maldives is nothing more than a group of atolls - rings that span sea lagoons. The archipelago is located south of India, and the sea of \u200b\u200bthe Maldives is a majestic and vast Indian Ocean, which here merges with the sky, making the horizon almost invisible.
Paradise vacation
Which sea washes the Maldives? This question is one of the first to ask themselves the lucky owners of tours to luxury Maldivian resorts. The Indian Ocean is the third largest among the world's oceans and it was its waters that made beach vacation the islands are so amazing and memorable. The main visitors to the local resorts can be roughly divided into three groups:
- Newlyweds who decided to spend honeymoon royally. The sea of \u200b\u200bthe Maldives, the white sand of the beaches and the bright sun, complete with magnificent hotels and the opportunity to retire for two on the whole island - weighty arguments in favor of choosing this particular tourist destination.
- Divers for whom the first and only place is the rich underwater world of the Indian Ocean in the Maldives. Other aspects are of little concern to them, and diving at the local resorts is possible in any season.
- Fans of high-class rest and perfect service, for whom the price does not matter.
Ocean of dreams
The Indian Ocean in the Maldives can be called ideal. It has a beautiful color, the water is clean and transparent, the underwater world is striking in its variety, and the water temperature makes bathing pleasant and comfortable. The thermometer in its waters at the local resorts does not drop below +26 degrees throughout the year, from which both beachgoers and divers stay in full of delight.
The question of what seas in the Maldives is usually puzzled by those who like to go out on yachts. On the archipelago there is an opportunity to even stay on a yacht, and its rent will not exceed the cost good number at the hotel here. This type of recreation allows you to see many new islands and get a real ocean of impressions.
The Indian Ocean is rich in a wide variety of fauna. Here you can see not only sea turtles and dolphins, but even blue whales and sperm whales. In the Maldives region, the ocean waters are inhabited by plankton, some of which can glow at night, making the waves especially picturesque. There are no dangerous animals on land on the islands, and whale sharks, which can swim to the shores at a sufficiently close distance, feed only on plankton and do not pose a threat to swimmers.
Detailed information about the Maldives, the location of the islands on the world map, how to get to them, whether you need a visa, what prices, what hotels to choose and how to book. And also everything about the types of recreation for a full Maldivian relaxation, information about national dishes, climate, weather, currency and Maldivians
The Indian Ocean coastline with picturesque atolls - Maldives. The most beautiful nature, hotels top class, beaches that are impossible to see. Maldives best exotic vacation for tourists who want to swim in the Indian Ocean. Lagoons with atolls shimmering with blue, golden sandy beach, exotic, beautiful flora and fauna, and most importantly high-class hotels with excellent service.
Not everyone can afford to go to the Maldives, since the prices here are not small. Tours are not cheap. But having paid so little money, tourists usually remain completely satisfied.
Maldives - this is a paradise for maniac divers who do not get out of the water for days. They don't care where and how to live, as long as they dive. It is also a great place to spend honeymoon trip... Memories will remain for the rest of your life. This is a place for those who want to completely relax and forget that somewhere there is another life with problems and troubles.
General information about the islands
Where are the Maldives on the world map
The Maldives, south of the Indian Subcontinent, is a magnificent island chain of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. The Maldives was once a British colony. They 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: In 2017, the Maldives is home to 436,330 people, 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 area code: +960
Country official website: http://www.visitmaldives.com/en
Great Eagle and Tails issue on the Maldives
Climate in the Maldives, or when to go
The Maldives has a monsoon subequatorial climate. The whole year the temperature ranges from + 24 to + 30 degrees. The rainy season starts in June and ends in August.
The best time of the year to visit the Maldives is during the dry season, which runs from January to April
Visa and customs regulations
Citizens of the Russian Federation and the CIS are exempt from receiving visas... You only need to issue a medical insurance policy. Currency imported and exported without restrictions. The import of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the territory of the country. This also applies to items purchased from airport stores. There are some restrictions forimport of products: salami sausage and pork. If the value of the product is more than $ 200, it must be declared. Items for underwater fishing are not allowed. You can not take out individuals of the underwater world of the country. The ban has been lifted only for legally sold souvenirs.
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 Hulvle Island.
Flights from Moscow to Maldives : Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo... There are direct flights and with transfers. Ticket prices one way: from $ 240 to $ 525. Travel time without changes is 8 hours 45 minutes, with changes up to 13 hours. Departure from the islands must pay a fee of 25 USD. Only children under 2 years old are exempted from collection.
From Maldives airport to Male there are ferries, the ticket will cost 15 MVR. For 20 MVR you can by boate get to other Maldives as well. They fly to very remote islands on seaplanes... Usually all Maldivian tour operators have their representatives at the airport. They meet and dispatch tourists.
Maldives Resorts
Capital of the Maldives Male occupies an area of \u200b\u200b5.8 sq. km. It can be considered one of the smallest capitals in the world. Located on the island of the same name, accommodates a third of the population of the entire country. Arriving travelers are amazed at the views of skyscrapers and highways. The main embankment is also the main street of the capital. Here government buildings, banks and offices various firms. The city is divided by a square with moorings. On the one hand, this is the presidential pier. On the other, ferries leave for the airport. But reigns around real paradise of exotic islands, to which tourists go. All other islands are for rent.
Islands, their features and how they are remarkable
The best entertainment on the islands is diving. The beauty of the seabed and clear water attracts a huge number of lovers of this sport. The main areas of the islands have not yet been developed. Only 28 of them have been turned into expensive resorts.
Ari atoll
Here they are very attentive to tourists. Things to do: windsurfing, snorkelling, water skiing, canoeing, catamarans, boat diving, scooter riding and diving.
Waavu
A huge number of small islets, but only 5 of them are available for tourism. Population - 2000 people. The archipelago is pristine nature and an amazing underwater world. Here you can watch stingrays, see a reef shark, hammerhead fish and many other representatives of the underwater world. All these pristine charms attract a large influx of tourists.
Laviani
An amazingly beautiful atoll. Beautiful place for scuba diving. Reef ledges from the water are overgrown with coral formations. The ocean water is teeming with tropical fish. Moray eels and large sharks can be seen. These are 63 small islands. Its length is 30 km. There are 2 hotels, 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 surface of the ocean is a silvery ocean surface, the islands are green, amazing customs, delicious food. Miimu is shaped like a shark's jaw when it is open. On it there are a huge number of places where no man's foot has yet gone. It naturally attracts amateurs active tourism... Despite some wildness of nature, it is fully equipped to receive tourists. Everything is there, including the diving center.
Siinu Atoll
Siinu Atoll is almost the equator. Includes a large number of coral islands. Six islands are inhabited. Straits connect them with the ocean. Once there was a naval base here.
Gan Island
Gan Island is famous for its airport with daily flights to the capital.
Hitadu Island
The island of Hitadu, which is the second largest city, has a highway. This is an unprecedented rarity for the island.
Matirah
Matirah (Matheerah) - a skeleton with an ancient mausoleum, which houses a sacred tomb. Pilgrims from Sufi Muslims come here. "Noble" - so they call him in the Maldives.
Oh well
The hotels located here can be reached by seaplane. It will take about 45 minutes. Here, clear water, amazing flora and fauna. There are many reef rocks, it is better to dive with an instructor.
Male
Locations of 3 top-class hotels. The island is not big, there are not very many places to visit with excursions. This is understandable, since people come here on vacation. But, there is something and it must be seen. Click on the name Male, there we tell a lot more about the capital!
Mosque "Good Friday" - the main attraction. A mosque with a golden dome is visible when the plane lands. Orthodox Christians are allowed. Women need special clothing. If you go up to the second floor, you need to take off your shoes. Historical National Museum settled in beautiful building... In the museum, the exhibits are personal belongings of the sultans, outfits, jewelry, coral sculptures, weapons.
A closed source monument to the victims of the tsunami... Erected in memory of the victims with prices in 2004. It is a spiral entwining the stele. It is very similar to DNA molecules, which are characterized as something eternal and alive. So the sculptor wanted to show that people remember the dead and they are always alive in their hearts. They grieve for them. Friday old mosque erected on the remains of the foundations of the temple of the Gentiles. Its architectural design is the interweaving of Hinduism and Islamism. At the entrance, the minaret resembles a lighthouse. The sultans and their entourage are buried nearby. Everyone is allowed in, but not during namaz. The blocks of the mosque are made up of corals that are perfectly matched to each other. No type of mortar was used during construction. This is not a fake amazement!
Timu Palace... The place where the first sultan of the country 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 visiting the Maldives eat fish with rice and sauce. They rarely dare to try traditional Maldivian cuisine. Such an experience can be an excursion to the capital of the country, where you can taste national dishes 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 area.
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. These are coconut, onion, chili, lime juice, maize, salt, flour. Various types of tortillas and fillings are very popular here. The products listed above are put inside, the dough is pinched and baked, as we bake pies in a frying pan.
They love tuna broth here. Tourists are happy to eat it as a first course. The islanders use this broth when stewing rice, to which they also add coconut milk, lime, chili and onions. There is also concentrated tuna pasta in the diet of local residents. It is used to prepare dishes from already cooked rice. Such a 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 made from dried fish and curry sauce. It's terribly spicy. Rice is also a staple food. Breadfruit is also used. The breadfruit is sliced, roasted and is considered a snack. Taro and sweet potatoes are local vegetables. They are also widely used in local diets. Chicken - this should already be some kind of big celebration: a wedding, a religious holiday.
Eating in the Maldives is traditional - thinly sliced \u200b\u200bnuts, betel leaves, pasta are served. All this should be simply chewed. Locals this chewing is believed to aid digestion. This is not a tricky food. For us, this is just the perfect diet. Who wants to lose weight, go to the Maldives. Such a diet, plus swimming, lying in the sun, trips around the country, snorkelling and kilograms, is gone.
Local drinking water is not drinkable by our standards, so buy purified drinking water.
Some drinks in the Maldives are local. Coca-Cola is produced here by purifying seawater using special equipment. They also release their own mineral water. If you want something stronger, then you can only afford it in bars in resorts. Alcohol is not sold in stores. Here you will also be delighted with the food we are all used to.
Based on the foregoing, the Maldives can be safely attributed to a heavenly place for relaxation, it is inappropriate to get there for any person who loves beach holidays and solitude with nature.
Video review from tourists about their trip to the Maldives
