Scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian ocean, the gem like islands of the Maldives depict the rare vision of
tropical paradise. Palm fringed islands with sparkling white beaches turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and coral reefs teeming with abundant varieties of marine flora and faun, continue to fascinate visitors, as it has fascinated others in the past, for
thousand years. • 99% water & 1 land • 26 atolls • 1,190 islands • 100 resorts • 200 inhabited Islands • Area of 90,000 sq. km • 300,000 people • Time: + 5 hrs GMT • Language: Dhivehi – English widely spoken • Currency: Rufiyaa (All major currencies, credit cards and travelers cheques accepted) • Tourism across all atolls Each atoll is enclosed by a fringing coral reef that has a few deep, natural channels serving as entry points. Likewise, a protective coral reef surrounds each island. Most islands have a shallow lagoon, known in Maldivian as a villu.The islands are very small and low-lying, many of which are no more than two meters above sea level. Common features include white sandy beaches and clear lagoons. The protective coral reef surrounding each island is also home to hundreds of species of tropical fish, countless shapes and sizes of coral seashells and all forms of marine life. |
Maldives Located on the equator 700km South West of Sri Lanka  |
The islands are formed from the growth of coral over long submerged mountain
other forms of rocks or minerals visible or within easy reach. As a result, beaches are covered with white coral sand with no
trace of yellow or black as seen anywhere else in the world. There are no hills, moutains or rivers in the maldives. The
islands are small, and the coral-based soil is poor in essential nutrients. |
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| CAPITAL Male' the capital island has an area of 1.77 sq.km MAJOR NDUSTRIES Tourism, fish canning, manufacture of garments, boat RELIGION: Religion 100% Sunni Muslim. country with a 100% Muslim population. Islam was introduced around A.D.800, and the moderate form practised in Maldives has remained virtually unchanged. CLIMATE: • Nestling across the equator • Tropical weather • Temperature 28° C - 32° C • A never ending summer • Water temp 28° • Visibility 30 – 50 meters |
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| THE AIRPORT • Free Visa on arrival • Easy procedures • No restrictions to any nationalities |
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| TRANSPORT The common mode of inter-island transport is by locally built boats known "Dhoni". Although there is no regular ferry service between the islands, one would often come across boats leaving Male’ to most of the islands. Island Aviation operates domestic flights between the four regional airports (Seen Atoll Gan, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Kaadedhoo, Laamu Atoll Kadhdhoo in the south and Haa Dhaalu Atoll Hanimaadhoo in the north) and Male’ International airport. Male’ International Airport on the island of Hulhule handles all international air traffic. • Transfers to Resorts : Seaplane and Speedboat |
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THINGS TO DO IN MALDIVES Diving and snorkeling | Water sports | Island hopping / see the culture Surfing | Renewing vows and weddings | Night fishing / big game fishing | Underwater spa treatment | Dine in an underwater restaurant | A visit to the capital, Male’ | Cruising the atolls | Submarine dive  |