The Republic of Maldives is located in equatorial waters south of India. The state is a chain of atolls that consist of 1,192 islands of coral origin. The capital of the state is Male, the only city in the entire archipelago.

The Maldives were inhabited more than 2 thousand years ago. Twice the Portuguese and the Dutch tried to establish power over the islands, but the local population did not allow this to be done. In 1887, a British protectorate was established over the Maldives. The Maldives was under British rule for more than half a century and finally gained independence in 1965. In 1968, a referendum was held in the country, as a result of which the state became a republic.

Capital	Male
Population	395,000 people
Population density	1328 people/km 2
Religion
Form of government	presidential republic
Timezone
International telephone code
Internet domain zone
Electricity

Climate and weather

The climate in the Maldives is equatorial, with a predominance of monsoon winds. The northeast monsoon from November to April creates favorable conditions for recreation on the islands. Due to the proximity of the equator, the air temperature is approximately the same throughout the year and does not fall below +25 °C. In April, the southwest monsoon brings humid air masses to the islands. During this period, the Maldives experiences a slight drop in temperature, precipitation and storms.

Nature

The flora in the Maldives is represented by typical tropical vegetation. There are mangroves and fruit trees here. The abundance of vegetation depends on the soil. On some small islands covered with sand, only shrubs and grasses are found. Large islands are rich in vegetation. There is also a real jungle with tropical plants, mangroves, and various types of exotic flowers. But there is one plant in the Maldives that grows everywhere, regardless of the type of soil - the coconut palm.

Fauna Maldives not too varied. Some species of reptiles live here: snakes, which are not dangerous to humans, lizards. Mosquitoes are found only on the wild islands of the archipelago. Among the insects in the Maldives, butterflies and rhinoceros beetles also live.

The underwater world of the Maldives is much more interesting. On the ocean floor you can find different types of corals and marine life, ranging from sea ​​urchins and ending with whale sharks.

Attractions

There are not many historical or cultural attractions in the Maldives. The most interesting places located in Male. Here you can visit Sultan Park. Until 1968, the Sultan's palace was located here. Subsequently, the palace was destroyed, and the gardens surrounding the palace were turned into a park.

The Islamic Center is also of interest. This is a large mosque next to the pier. Its interior is decorated with symbols of Arabic calligraphy and wood carvings. It is better to visit the mosque accompanied by one of the local residents: after all, this is a religious building in which special rules of behavior must be observed.

Another attraction of the Maldives is the National Museum, which displays items of clothing and jewelry of the sultans. Also here are the manuscript of the Koran and pre-Islamic statues that were found during archaeological excavations.

Nutrition

The local cuisine is based on Indian and arab traditions. Many dishes consist of ingredients such as rice, seafood and spices. The most common sauce is coconut curry; it is added to almost all dishes. There are a variety of fish dishes, for the preparation of which there are hundreds of recipes. Fish is even added to pies. The main side dish is rice, which is cooked with coconut milk, vegetables and even some fruits, such as papaya, bananas, mangoes, and pumpkin. The meat they eat is mostly chicken, but extremely rarely. Coconut is most often served for dessert. Baked goods and fruit salads are also widespread. The drinks here are mainly tea, coffee and various juices.

Accommodation

There are practically no high-rise buildings in the Maldives, with the exception of buildings in Male. Hotels are represented by all kinds of villas, bungalows, chalets, and cottages. All of them are one- and two-story, located separately from each other and have an entrance from the street. In the main building hotel complexes, as a rule, there is a reception, a bar and a restaurant. The tourist houses themselves are located either in the depths of the island, or on the shore, or right on the water. In the latter case, the houses are connected to the land by a wooden bridge, and in some cases the rooms can only be reached by boat. Whatever type of accommodation you choose, they are all different high level service.

Entertainment and relaxation

Mostly people go to the Maldives for beach holiday. However, there are many options here. active rest. For example, lovers of diving and snorkeling can have a great time on the islands. Divers from all over the world come to the Maldives, because the reefs near the islands are home to an incredible variety of marine life of unimaginable colors and shapes. But not only fish and corals attract diving enthusiasts. In the waters surrounding the atolls, there are many sunken ships that are also of interest to divers.

Due to the fact that the Maldives is a Muslim state, many holidays here are of a religious nature. In addition, in the Muslim calendar, almost all holidays “move”, i.e. fall on different dates from year to year. Unchangeable are New Year(January 1), Independence Day (July 26-27), Catholic Christmas (December 25).

Purchases

Most of the shops are located in Male and they specialize in souvenirs. Usually these are products made from coral, shells, and wood. Straw mats are especially popular. Local artisans make and sell beautiful coral jewelry - bracelets, earrings, necklaces. You can also purchase high-quality diving equipment in the Maldives.

Closed days in the Maldives are Friday and Saturday, respectively, shops are open from Sunday to Thursday from 7:30 to 21:00 or from 9:00 to 22:00. During prayers, which are performed 5 times a day, shops are closed, but if you are there at this time, it is not necessary to leave the trading floor.

Transport

The international airport is located in Male. At all air Transport It is widespread on the islands, which is due to the peculiar geography of the archipelago. Air transport is represented by seaplanes and helicopters. In addition, transportation is carried out on sailing, motor boats and cutters. Public transport in the Maldives does not exist in principle. Although there are taxis in Male. Its peculiarity is that if the car stops for more than a minute, then the trip is considered over and must be paid. On the islands it is possible to rent a boat or speedboat. This will cost an average of $140.

Connection

Mobile communications in the Maldives are well developed. You can use your operator for calls if you activate roaming, but it is cheaper to purchase a SIM card from a local mobile operator. The cost per minute of connection is on average $0.5. The Maldives is divided into several telephone zones, and the cost of calls from one zone to another is higher than within one zone.

Safety

After political parties were allowed in the country, rallies and demonstrations often began to take place on the streets of Male. It is not safe for tourists, although street crimes are extremely rare in the Maldives. To increase security, the law obliges all hotels to provide guests with a safe for storing documents, money and jewelry. If you discover that you have something missing, you should inform the manager, who must record your request in writing. The manager will then conduct his own investigation and, if necessary, contact the police.

When traveling to the Maldives, you must be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and yellow fever. In addition, it is necessary to take out medical insurance, because any treatment in the country is paid.

Business climate

If you wish, you can open your own small business in the Maldives. The most popular destinations are the hotel and restaurant business. You can also organize a diving center or yacht club. However, the country's government is reluctant to hand over business to foreigners, preferring to do it on its own. This is due to the fact that when the Maldives was first discovered as a new tourist destination, attempts by foreigners to set up tourism businesses here usually ended in failure.

The tax system in the Maldives is considered one of the simplest in the world. There is no VAT or income tax here.

Real estate

Due to the very small area of ​​the state, real estate prices in the Maldives are very high. In addition, there is a moratorium on the purchase of real estate by foreigners. Instead, the state proposes to take out real estate for a long-term lease. The minimum term of such an agreement is 35 years, the maximum is 50 years. Mostly villas are rented; it is extremely difficult to rent an apartment on the islands. If you manage to find a suitable apartment, then you will have to pay at least $300,000 for it. Most of the villas for rent are luxury housing. The cost of such housing starts from $350,0000.

Since the Maldives is a Muslim state, this imposes some obligations on tourists. You should not appear in public places in revealing outfits. Topless swimming on the wrecks is strictly prohibited and will result in a fine. Drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited in public places. The state has a ban on catching and exporting corals unless they were purchased in a souvenir shop. In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip, the amount of which is 10% of the order value.

Visa information

Citizens of the Russian Federation do not require a visa. The Russian consulate closest to the Maldives is located on the island of Sri Lanka.

Republic of Maldives.

Country Summary

Capital Male. Founded 5 centuries BC. Politic system Full name - Republic of Maldives. The government structure is a presidential republic, divided into 19 administrative regions(Alottov) and 1 district (Male). The independence of the Maldives was proclaimed on July 26, 1965 (formerly a British protectorate); in 1968, the Maldives was declared a republic through a referendum. The unicameral parliament is the main legislative body headed by the speaker. The head of state, head of government and executive power is the president. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Republic of Maldives since 1978, is very popular and revered among the local population. All citizens over the age of 21 have the opportunity to elect the president and other members of the government. Parliament appoints the president, but for this choice to be valid, he must be supported in a national referendum. The administration of the atolls is appointed by the government itself. There is not a single political party in the country, although this is not prohibited at all. There are also no armed forces here. The position of prime minister has not existed since 1975. The Republic of Maldives is a peaceful country that devotes a lot of effort to cooperation with world countries. It has close relations with Great Britain and Japan, with Russian Federation- diplomatic relations. Location The Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka on either side of the Equator. There are a total of 1,190 islands of coral origin, forming 26 atolls, stretching in a double chain perpendicular to the equator. The local population lives on 201 islands, 88 islands are used as tourist resorts. They have a variety of sizes and are designed to accommodate different numbers of tourists. The length of the Maldives archipelago from north to south is 820 kilometers, from east to west - 120. It is washed by the seas. The Maldives is washed by Indian Ocean. Largest cities Male is the capital of the Maldives, as well as the commercial and administrative center. This is the only one locality which can be called a city. Time zone UTC+5. Flight time from Moscow Flight time to the Maldives from Moscow (direct flight Moscow - Male) is 8 hours 30 minutes. Territory total area Maldives 298 sq. km. Population In the Maldives there are only 339.3 thousand people: Maldivians (Sinhalese, Indians) - 90%, Arabs - 9%. Language Official language– Maldivian (Dhivehi). It originated about 1,500 years ago, belongs to the Indo-Aryan languages, and has its own written language called Tana, read from right to left. English is widely used in Male and in the resorts. Main religions The state religion is Sunni Islam. In 1153 AD. e. The Buddhist king Kalaminya, who ruled the Maldives at that time, converted to Islam, which remains the main religion to this day. Any other sects and religions are prohibited on the islands. Islam in the Maldives is liberal in nature, similar to that practiced in India and Indonesia.

There are incredibly beautiful mosques on the islands, and if you spend a little time on the islands, you can immediately feel how important religion is here. On all islands, residents pray several times a day.

When visiting a mosque, you can see what interesting ancient paintings cover their walls. They depict scenes from history and are designed to strengthen the spirit of the inhabitants of the archipelago, control their upbringing and thoughts. Mosques also host important official meetings and events.

But religion coexists quite peacefully with modernity. For example, the minaret of the famous Islamic Center, built more than twenty years ago, peacefully neighbors the post office building. The Islamic Center is included in the list of the most beautiful Asian mosques. The authorities took special care of its erection in order to strengthen the nation.

The official currency is Rufiyaa (Maldivian rupee) = 100 lari, 1 USD = 12 rufiyaa. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 rufiyaa and coins in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lari. Mains voltage Mains voltage is 220 V. Climate The climate is tropical, warm, even due to the proximity of the equator, without significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The best weather conditions are from November to the end of April (northeast monsoon): calm sea, sunny, hot and dry weather. Sometimes in June-July there are short-term rains, but they are not so long - 20-25 minutes, and the sun shines again. From May to October is the monsoon season: heavy rains, high humidity, stormy weather. The average daily maximum is +30.4°C. The average nighttime minimum is +25.4°C. Water temperature +24–27°С all year round.

During the monsoon cycle (spring and autumn), intense tropical storms and thunderstorms have recently become more frequent.

Finance

What kind of money to take with you Dollars. Dollars are accepted everywhere, there is no need to exchange them for rufiyaa, since even in souvenir shops on the local islands you can pay for purchases in dollars. Euros are accepted only at resorts, as well as in some souvenir shops.

Where to change US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Therefore, it is not at all necessary to exchange dollars for local currency upon arrival.

The American dollar is preferred especially by banks, where they only exchange dollars for you. Exchange offices sometimes accept other world currencies, but this is not the rule.

In resort areas you can find exchange offices on almost every corner. Money can also be exchanged in large hotels. The exchange rate is almost the same everywhere, a little more favorable in Male than in hotels.

Credit Cards Most hotels, stores, gas stations, car rental offices, large shopping centers and restaurants accept payment cards, especially American Express, VISA, MasterCard and EuroCard. There is only one ATM in the Maldives from which you can withdraw from foreign bank accounts. You will find it in Male in front of the HSBC Bank building. Shopping Souvenir products can be purchased in special shops at resorts that are open until late evening hours, souvenir shops in fishing villages and Male (Chandani Magu Street).

The varied crafts of the locals will give you a wide selection of trinkets and truly beautiful rare items.

Typical souvenirs, as a rule, are beautiful seashells, shark jaws (a favorite souvenir of tourists), coconut oil, original silk clothes, sculptures carved from coconut wood, beautiful wooden dishes, painted souvenir plates, colorful fish figurines, paintings by local artists, coral jewelry, sarongs, wood crafts (hand-cut red and black figurines), coconut monkeys.

On one of the islands they produce lovely painted boxes and jewelry. They are made from a tree called funa.

On another island you will find another original souvenir - wicker rugs, which are very light and cute, they are made by hand from reed, just like the boxes.

Tourists very often buy wooden miniatures of Dhoni ships or sailboats. Usually Sri Lankan or Indian teas, smoking pipes, fans or sets are brought from the Maldives. You can also purchase a CD with local traditional or modern music.

You will like things made from various stones. This is not surprising, since the carving tradition here is very old and is carefully passed on to younger generations.

In Male you can profitably buy high-quality foreign-made diving equipment and equipment.

The export of black corals and tortoiseshell products from the country is prohibited.

Tipping Tipping is not officially accepted in the Maldives. But if the service was worth it, then unofficially, no one forbids thanking the service staff with a small amount: a hotel employee - $10, a waiter - 5%.

Some resorts add a service charge to the bill (usually 10%), in which case tipping is not necessary.
Taxi services Classic auto taxis are available only in the capital Male, on the Gan and Addu atolls. The trip is paid at the rate of 15Rf plus 5Rf for luggage during the day and 20Rf after 24:00. Any stop, even for a minute, automatically ends the trip, which must be immediately paid for. If you want to continue your trip, you will have to pay everything again.

There are several taxi services (operating around the clock), all cars are equipped with air conditioning. A taxi can be stopped on the street or called by phone (in this case the trip will cost 10Rf).

Public transport There is no public transport as such. Because most islands are so small that transport is simply not needed there. There is no sight here that is familiar to us - large cluster cars, the most common types of ground transport are bicycles and motorcycles.

Basically, they use the services here water transport– a local taxi can be called a wooden boat with a flat roof – dhoni. This is a traditional multi-purpose vessel, now enhanced by diesel engines. On this modest boat, you can sail to the island you need. As a rule, tourists are greeted by immediately wearing a wreath of pink or white flowers around their necks, and are offered refreshing, fragrant napkins and coconut milk. Large boats are called "vedis" and are used for long trips to remote atolls.

You can safely bargain with private carriers. There is no schedule; ships depart as soon as they are filled with passengers.

Car rental You can rent a car in Male and other major islands.

Road traffic is practically not regulated; there are either no markings or road signs, or they have long been destroyed; there are also no traffic lights. The speed is low, but drivers never give way to pedestrians, so you should be extremely careful on the few roads in the Maldives.

customs control

To pass customs control at Male airport, you must present all items for inspection, including hand luggage. It is necessary to remember that:

Import prohibited:

Any narcotic substances, including psychotropic drugs
- pornographic materials recorded for viewing videotapes of films, etc. Only sealed cassettes are allowed to be carried
- anti-Islamic literature
- military paraphernalia
- any pork products
- alcohol
- animals
- gunpowder/explosives/firearms/piercing, cutting objects and - -- weapons for underwater hunting.

As for “objects of religious worship,” this may mean anything that can harm the official religion of the Maldives - Islam. A small decorative cross on the neck is unlikely to be considered dangerous, but a large cross with a conspicuous figure of the crucified Christ may be banned from import. The same applies to images of Buddha: a small tabletop figurine may not cause objections from customs officers, unlike a large and noticeable one. They will probably confiscate the Bible, although they will not specifically search for this item. In any case, it is better to respect the feelings of Muslims

If the above items are present in your baggage, during customs control, they will be confiscated from you and placed in a special compartment at Male airport in exchange for a receipt describing the confiscated item. When leaving the country, you can get the confiscated items back by presenting this receipt.

Allowed to import into the country:
- personal consumption goods within reason (no more than one item per person);
- goods 200 cigarettes;
- 125 ml of perfumes.

It is prohibited to export from the country:

Black coral and products made from it (except for souvenirs made by officially certified government producers);
- objects and things found at the bottom of the sea.

Allowed to be exported from the country:

Gifts and souvenirs (shells; shark jaws; postcards, posters, shorts, T-shirts with local symbols, etc.);
- household items: thin-woven reed mats; wooden boxes; baskets woven from palm leaves;
- Coconut oil;
- jewelry.

Transport

The Maldives is a network of islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, completely surrounded by water. There is no regular transport service on the islands.

Transport in the Maldives is by boat. The only human invention that can move tourists, and even local residents, to a certain island. Tourists upon arrival to the Maldives can rent boats for independent travel, but before you rent a boat, do not forget to agree on the price in advance so as not to get into a conflict situation. The islands are scattered very close to each other, so the trip will not be tiring.

Almost all tourists visiting the islands arrive here by plane. Male International Airport is located on Hulule Island, at a distance of 1 km (10 minutes ride by national boat "dhoni") from the capital of the Maldives - Male.

Due to the geography of the archipelago, most transportation is carried out by seaplanes, helicopters and boats. The seaplane is only possible during daylight hours according to the schedule (from 07:00 to 16:00). It should be remembered that hydroaviation does not fly to all atolls. The deHavilland Twin Otter seaplane, notable for its rugged design and high maneuverability, is also known as the DHC-6, capable of smooth descent and carrying up to 20 passengers. The plane lands on the water, and a boat takes you to the pier (jeti).

There are 2 air carriers in the country - Maldivian Air Taxi and Hummingbird Island Airways. The prices are quite high; it is somewhat cheaper to book a plane through the hotel administration or a travel agency. In addition, companies offer sightseeing flights and one-day excursions with picnics to uninhabited islands for 250 USD. (approximately). You can take up to 20 kg of luggage with you free of charge plus 5 kg of hand luggage.

Any Maldives island can be crossed in 1.5 - 2 hours. However, tourism in the Maldives is regulated and independent travel around the islands is discouraged as it may have a negative impact on traditional island communities.

If you decide to relax to the fullest, and are not constrained by cash, then a rather expensive helicopter is at your service, but you will not only quickly arrive at the desired location, but also admire the Maldives from above.

It is possible to travel to outlying islands, but it is impossible to see everything at once. An inter-atoll travel permit is required to visit islands located outside the tourist area; permits are issued by the Ministry of Atoll Management only to those people invited by the residents of these islands and atolls.

Telecommunications

Telephone communications The entire territory of the Maldives is divided into several telephone zones. The cost of a call within one zone is approximately 0.25 rufiyaa per minute, between different zones - from 0.55 to 3 rufiyaa per minute.

For local and international calls, it is recommended to purchase telephone cards Dhiraagu (cost 30, 50, 100, 200 and 500 rufiyaa). You can purchase cards at the special store "Dhiiraagu Teleshop" in Male, as well as from card sellers on any of the major islands.

On a number of islands there are no payphones, and communication is carried out from call centers (usually open from Sunday to Thursday from 7.30 to 20.00, on Fridays - from 14.00 to 18.00, on Saturdays - from 9.00 to 18.00), served by telephone operators. The cost of a call depends on the distance and is slightly higher than from a pay phone. From 24.00 to 06.00 the cost of a call is 20% cheaper.

The Maldives also has mobile connection GSM-900 standard. Mobile phones of most standards do not work in the Maldives, but you can rent a phone from the local operator Dhiraagu office. More detailed advice can be obtained from the office of your mobile operator.

Calls to Russia To call to Russia: +7 - city code - subscriber number. Calls from Russia To call to the Maldives you should dial: 8 - 10 - 960 - subscriber number. City codes The telephone code of the Maldives is 960. Useful phones Useful phones

Help numbers:
Telephone network helpline - 110.
International telephone operator - 190.
Communication operator between atolls - 188.
Meteorological service - 317-171.
Male Airport Information Center - 332-211.
Maldives Tourism Development Bureau - 323-228.
Customs Department - 322-001, 310-045.

Emergency services:
Police (rescue service) - 119.
National Security Service - 313-281.
Fire service - 118.
Ambulance - 102.

National cuisine

The cuisine is based on two fundamental ones: Arabic and Indian. Local kitchen usually includes rice, fish curry, cooked with coconut milk. Lime, chili and small onions add piquancy to the dishes. No dish is unthinkable without spices. An important place in cooking is occupied by sauces; their preparation is akin to the sacred rite of a cook in the Maldives.

Rice is used in cooking in all variations - boiled in coconut milk, with various vegetables, peppers, fish or marine arthropods, as well as with bananas, papaya, mango, pumpkin, sweet potatoes or breadfruit.

The local roshi bread is very popular and is usually eaten with mashuni, a fish cocktail flavored with coconut, onion, chilli and lime.

The main and favorite dish for the islands - tuna with rice - may not be the same at all, because it may be seasoned with a completely different sauce this time.

Dishes in which fish appears as the main ingredient are very diverse, from simple boiled fish, cutlets and soups, to fish cocktails and fish pies.

Popular is hikimas - dried and smoked fish. Also good are the pie with fish, coconut and bajiya onions, and the most delicate fish pie, kulhi borkihaa. Also traditional fish soup and rice garudiya, tuna cutlets with coconut gulu, baked fish with chili paste fihunu mas, fried fish rolls keemia, fish pate rihaukuru, fried fish with pepper and garlic teleli mae and etc.

You can finish your lunch with suji, a very tasty local drink. Locals brew raa drink - a sweet and tasty palm juice that is extracted from the top of a palm tree trunk. Juices that are very good in the heat include local sweet milk kiru sarbat, sweet palm juice raa, suji drink and low-alcohol drink gaa made from fermented palm milk. Alcoholic drinks can only be purchased in hotels, and it is advisable to drink them only indoors, otherwise you risk getting into trouble.

The dessert dish will most likely be coconut in any form. Areca nut (an oval nut with betel leaves, cloves and lime) is eaten after lunch. If you want to try local sweets, try bondi - white coconut sticks - very tasty! Coconut milk, various puddings, vegetable and fruit salads and baked goods are widely consumed.

Tea is considered a popular drink in the Maldives and is served with milk. Another drink that you see more often than others is coffee brewed in Arabic style.

Apart from coconuts and bananas, few vegetables and fruits grow on the islands, so the Maldives imports most of the products offered at tourist resorts.

Work of institutions

Store opening hours are variable. The majority, especially on big islands, open from 07.00-08.00 to 21.00-23.00, but in the summer many shops are open from 13.00-15.00 to 18.00-20.00.

In Male, banks and exchange offices are concentrated on Marine Drive. They are open from 8.00 to 13.30, from Sunday to Thursday (like many other Muslim countries, the Maldives has closed days on Friday and Saturday).

Holidays and non-working days

Holidays in the Maldives originate from Islamic lunar calendar. This means that the holidays are on different days every year. You will feel the festive atmosphere mainly in the capital, since most shops will be closed on this day. In other cities or regions you will hardly feel the full grandeur of the holiday.

Usually on holidays families gather, everyone prepares food for the festive table, decorates and organizes fun. Playing traditional music, people are dancing, you can hear all the wooden instruments and modern jazz and pop music.

Holidays:

January 1 - New Year.
January 8-10 - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan fasting).
March 15-18 - Eid al Kebir (Day of Sacrifice).
April 6 - Islamic New Year.
June 4-5 - National holiday.
June 15 - Mulud (Birthday of the Prophet).
July 26-27 - Independence Day.
November 11-12 - Republic Day.
September 1 is Huravi Day.
October 28 is Martyrs' Day.
November 3 - Victory Day.

Customs and orders

Although the Maldives is relatively liberal as an Islamic state, visitors to the country must carefully observe the laws.

Rightfully considered one of the oldest states in the world, the Maldives today can tell you a lot and surprise many. Here you need to constantly remember that the main religion is Islam. And therefore you need to adhere to established etiquette.

The usual form of greeting for Maldivians is to shake hands; they greet each other formally with “salaam alaikum”; they greet each other with the word “kihenen” in an informal setting. A carefree and simple existence in harmony with nature - this is the Maldivian way of life.

In the Maldives, musical traditions that arose in ancient times are alive. This applies to music, crafts, and dance. Musically, the Maldives is unique and inimitable. You will learn that three styles of song performance have been preserved here, each of which is individual and has its own name.

You will undoubtedly hear about Bodu Beru. This is both a song and a dance that is performed during the holidays. Once upon a time it was brought from the African continent. The dances are also performed according to traditions; there are several different popular national dances that we recommend you watch. For example, Bodu Beru, a costume dance, is danced by fifteen people, in addition there is a singer and three drummers play.

There are both female and purely male dances - this is what tradition dictates. A dance performed only by men, Dhandi Jehun, lasts about an hour and is performed without reference to any event. But the women's dance is Boaimalaafas Neshun, reflecting a long-vanished but existing tradition - bringing gifts to the Sultan. This dance is considered one of the most important and interesting dances in the Maldives.

The artistic Maldivians complement the natural beauty of the exotic coral islands. Fishing for them is both leisure and profession at the same time. The local hospitality is especially striking. This trait is passed on from generation to generation among Maldivians. The Maldives is a place where tourists are always a welcome guest.

Precautionary measures

Precautionary measures:

Buy water in plastic bottles.
- The Maldives is a Muslim country, therefore the laws are corresponding, therefore, for those who like to drink, the road here is either simply closed or they must abstain from this unhealthy pleasure.
- collecting corals and, especially, exporting them from the country is a criminal offense
- it is prohibited to break, tear living and dead corals in the ocean and near the shore, damage shells and lift them to the surface, fish near the islands, throw any garbage on the islands, for this you must use trash cans to avoid problems
- you cannot visit the capital Male and the islands where locals live and wear beachwear
- it is also prohibited to wear things that do not cover the body from shoulder to knee
If you are going to the beach, then regular beachwear will do. But if you suddenly want to visit the fishing villages and the capital of Male, then you must respect local laws and wear modest clothing.
- when diving and swimming, you should pay attention to the sharp edges of coral reefs, and also do not touch sea creatures, they may be poisonous

Fines will be charged for violations!

Basic moments

The Maldives offers generous sunshine, glamorous sand-sifted beaches, bounty-style turquoise lagoons and fantastic diving 365 days a year. And this is a delightful atmosphere of complete relaxation, respectable laziness and detachment from everyday problems. No matter what economic cataclysms shake the planet, this asian resort continues to live in his relaxed and independent big land rhythm. The classical Islamic state, with its traditional taboo on everything that contradicts religious canons, managed to adapt to the free morals of the tourist elite, without compromising its own traditions at all. The Maldives is the very place where the roads of visitors and indigenous inhabitants (unless they are hotel employees) almost never cross, and a bank account, no matter how solid it may be, can be wiped out in a matter of days. It is in the Maldives that you can have the most romantic wedding, improve your diving skills, and, finally, just feel like the last person on the planet by renting a secluded bungalow with a private beach and stunning views of the ocean.

History of the Maldives

According to rough estimates, the history of the Maldives began more than 2000 years ago, when the atolls lost in the Indian Ocean were inhabited by people from neighboring India and Sri Lanka. It was the first settlers who brought Buddhism to the islands, which in the 12th century supplanted Islam, which was actively propagated by the Arabs who arrived here.

Starting from the mid-16th century, the Portuguese and Dutch began to lay claim to the territory of the Maldives. But the local inhabitants were in no hurry to turn their country into a raw materials appendage of insatiable Europe, actively resisting the attacks of foreigners.

In 1887, England still managed to establish a protectorate over the Maldives. But in 1967, the islanders rebelled, demanding complete independence from Britain, which was granted to them a year later. The country was immediately declared a republic and a new president was elected.

Weather and climate

You can go to the Maldives at any time of the year: thanks to the subequatorial monsoon climate, it is always warm here. Even in the coldest months (January - February), the thermometer never drops below +17 °C, but average temperature air often fluctuates between +24...+33 °C. The main climatic differences depend on the two monsoon seasons. The winter northeast monsoon, which blows from January to March, is the peak season, bringing dry weather and coinciding with the European winter. The southwest monsoon from May to December causes wet weather, but the rain rarely lasts very long. The rainiest months in the Maldives are May and November, while the sunniest months are March and before and after it.

Geography

The Republic of Maldives is an Asian country in the equatorial Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is 700 km from here, and India is only 430. By the way, the Maldives are considered the lowest state on the planet: almost all of the land here is only a meter or two above sea level, so in the distant future the fashionable resort risks repeating the fate of Atlantis.

The Maldives islands are mostly small, and the area of ​​some of them is absolutely tiny. Almost each of these pieces of land has its own coral “shield,” so the main feature of the local beaches is that they are almost never stormy, and the water off the coast remains amazingly clear.

Main resort area countries form northern atolls, guaranteeing their guests the highest level of service and complete privacy. The southern atolls are a little behind in terms of tourism business development, but it is easy to predict that in the foreseeable future they will also catch up, given that their lagoons are full of suitable diving spots.

But tour operators reached the far southern atolls relatively recently, so for now these islands continue to be inhabited by the Maldivians themselves. This, of course, does not mean that the ubiquitous backpacker has never set foot here - quite the opposite, given the fact that the distant atolls are perhaps the only place in the country where a tourist thirsting for national flavor can freely contact the local inhabitants. In other parts of the resort you won’t be able to walk so freely through the village streets.

Flora and fauna

The natural world of the equatorial paradise is surprisingly poor. The main inhabitants of the land are hermit crabs, giant Achatina (snails), flying foxes (relatives of our bats) and gray herons. The situation with vegetation in the Maldives is even worse. Basically, the tourist will have to admire coconut palms and bananas, which are cultivated in huge quantities on the islands. True, as soon as you leave the shore and plunge into the azure ocean waves, a completely different Maldives will appear before you - whimsical, full of life and the most incredible colors. The reefs surrounding the resort are home to more than 1,100 species of fish, 400 species of shellfish, 187 species of coral, 21 species of mammals (whales, dolphins) and 145 species of crabs.

Capital

The classic rule: “The capital is the face of the state” does not work in the Maldives. Male - small, but incredibly dense populated city on south coast atoll of the same name. Its area is 5.8 km². It is in Male that ¼ of the total population of the republic lives.

It’s a paradox, but the capital of an elite world resort is not much different from the provincial cities of India. Cramped streets, high-rise buildings right next to each other, a littered port and the unchanging symbol of any Islamic country - the mosque. There are almost no significant attractions in the city, so tourists arriving in the Maldives do not stay in Male. Perhaps they will go to the local market to look at the abundance of fish rows, or, in urgent need, they will take a walk to the hospital.

Local residents and national traditions

As in any Islamic state, religious traditions are strong in the Maldives. The indigenous people do not drink alcohol and never sell it, or rather, they try to pretend that they are disgusted by it, and also hide their women under shapeless robes. This way of life, of course, is not imposed on visitors. Moreover, many Maldivians work as bartenders in hotels, masterfully mixing cocktails and filling guests' glasses with drinks that they would never try themselves.

The bulk of the country's population is employed in the tourism business, but those for whom the stars shine a little less brightly have to earn a living by fishing, repairing boats and other not the most highly paid activities.

Since not all islands have regular transport links with other parts of the land, the majority of Maldivians live extremely isolated. Ordinary islanders have a monotonous and measured life: going to sea in the morning, lazy swinging in a hammock chair and idle contemplation of the surrounding reality in the afternoon, and at sunset, fishing again.

Etiquette standards and rules of behavior at the resort

The Maldives has a lot of restrictions, non-compliance with which can lead to serious problems. For example, on the most beautiful beaches on the planet it is forbidden to sunbathe topless, much less be completely naked. Walking around cities and towns in ultra-short tops and shorts is also not recommended, nor is it recommended to break off branches of local coral as a souvenir of your trip. Fans of coastal fishing and spearfishing are better off not talking about their passion at all: such types of fishing in the Maldives are equated to poaching. And for throwing garbage and drinking alcohol outside the hotel premises, substantial fines are imposed.

Video: Maldives from above

Beaches of the Maldives

Listing the beaches of a resort consisting of almost 2,000 islands is a thankless task, so it’s easier to name the most popular and well-groomed of them. On North Male Atoll, these are Banyan Tree and Naladu. Nikak and San, which belong to the Ari Atoll, do not suffer from a lack of swimmers. You can swim in the company of Maldivian turtles on the beaches of Lhaviani Atoll, and the shores of Maafushi are better suited for observing the habits of dolphins. The islands of Kunfadhoo and Hadahaa are occupied by those with deep pockets, while incorrigible romantics flock to the coast of Vaadu, dreaming of watching the sunrise on a luminescent beach. Surfers and other wave-chasers hang out around Kunuhura Island, where their unofficial headquarters is Pasta Point Resort.

Attractions and entertainment in the Maldives

Once you have explored the amazing beaches of the Maldives and discovered all the delights of the system all inclusive, you are unlikely to want to go anywhere else. Well, if such a desire nevertheless arises, then take a ride to the Sultan Park on the island of Male, where the National Museum is also located. In the capital, you can also gaze at the Presidential Palace, a rather modest building by modern standards, where all official receptions are held, and at the Good Friday Mosque, built from coral blocks. If possible, book a table at the underwater restaurant Ithaa, one of the ten most unusual restaurants on the planet. The queue for this pretentious establishment is endless, and for the exclusive surroundings they demand an inadequate amount from visitors, but according to the lucky ones who managed to appreciate the local service, it is worth it.

It's certainly hard to find a more comfortable destination than a tropical island with upscale hotels, great food and impeccable, friendly staff. But if you come to the Maldives for at least a couple of weeks, then most likely you will want to see what is hidden behind the borders of a cozy hotel. Traveling around the Maldives is not easy, especially if you try to do it on your own, but it is possible to join an organized excursion. This could be an aimless boat ride looking for a suitable angle for a selfie against the sunset, or a visit to a Maldivian village and getting to know the life of the islanders. You can relieve yourself of worries (and extra money) by booking an aerial cruise on a seaplane, or renting a real submarine with a crew to explore the ocean floor. Well, lovers of picturesque ruins should go to Ari Atoll, where the ruins of an ancient Buddhist temple are still preserved.

Traveling around the area

Of course, what places you can visit and what trips you can take are entirely determined by the location of the resort you're at. True, you will find little variety here, because one island is not much different from another. Perhaps only a trip to Male will give you new impressions. Most resorts located near the capital can organize a one-day excursion for their guests. And while all of Male's attractions are gathered in one place and can be explored in just a couple of hours, it's worth staying overnight to get a taste of the capital and see how its inhabitants entertain themselves after the sun dips below the horizon and the heat subsides. This can be done by taking a day boat flight to the capital, having previously booked a hotel room, and returning the next day also on a day flight. You can also take the boat or seaplane that hotels send to pick up tourists from the airport.

Boat trips

Another popular way to explore the Maldives is boat excursions. These can be short sunset trips around the island where your hotel is located, or long trips where you charter a boat or go on liveaboards (passengers live on their own boat on the open ocean). Travel conditions depend entirely on the size of your wallet. On most boats, passengers are provided not with private cabins, but with bunks separated by curtains, and the tourists are expected to do the routine daily work themselves.

A higher degree of comfort is offered by vessels such as the Atoll Explorer, which features air-conditioned cabins and a swimming pool on upper deck. Private yachts are intended for the very rich, famous and influential people, as well as oligarchs who avoid resort accommodation.

If these prices are a little out of your budget, the resort can charter a speedboat and crew for the day. It will cost no more than $200. Ordering from the pier in Male will cost less due to competition. To reduce the price even further, you can charter a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat, but then you won't be able to travel long distances.

If you want to get a taste of the sweet life and ride luxury yacht, in Kuredu on Lhaviani Atoll they offer day cruises on yachts, and night cruises can be booked privately. The yacht is also available at W Retreat & Spa on Ari Atoll.

Desert Islands

Paradoxically, uninhabited islands may be the busiest after Male. Often they are “adopted” by certain resorts, which build various communal amenities, cafes there and send their guests there on a day excursion to have a picnic, snorkel and just swim. And since several groups of tourists come ashore at once, calling these islands “uninhabited” would be somewhat incorrect.

There are tourists who want to visit the uninhabited islands of the Maldives not in such large numbers. Some resorts offer private dinners on the sand for two or more guests and even offer the opportunity to stay overnight. Visitors are given a flag to raise in case of danger.

If money isn't an issue for you, you can rent an entire resort; many small islands can provide safe havens for rich people. For example, the boat-only portion of the Soneva Gili resort can be rented in its entirety.

Village Islands

In the Maldives, excursions to nearby villages are very popular among tourists. Some resorts have close relationships with the islands on which the villages are located and regularly shuttle guests back and forth. If there is no such island near the resort, then, as a rule, a visit to the village is included in the program of a one-day excursion, which involves visiting an uninhabited island.

Maldivian villages that you will visit during organized tour, will not give a complete picture of the life of the local population. There you will see crowds of tourists milling around and a market that has arisen with the express purpose of satisfying their needs, and not at all the needs of the local residents. But the schools, mosques and houses will be real, and the natural spontaneous development of these villages will allow your eye to take a break from the strict regularity of the resorts.

To visit a “real village” in the Maldives, somewhere off the beaten path, you will have to make a considerable effort. First, it won't be cheap (you have to rent a separate boat because the transport to the inland atolls doesn't take foreigners on board). Secondly, you will have to overcome many bureaucratic obstacles, such as obtaining permission to visit the inland atolls from the administration of the ministry located in Male. And in order to receive it, you need confirmation from a person living on the island you are going to visit. All this, of course, deprives the acquaintance with the real life of the archipelago of spontaneity. If your determination is unshakable, a travel agent in Male will help you overcome bureaucratic obstacles.

Diving

Masters of scuba gear and action cameras in the Maldives will find perfectly warm water (on average +27 °C), excellent visibility even at a depth of 40 m and an incredibly rich underwater world. The only danger is the currents that gain strength just outside the reefs, so it is better for beginners to flounder inside the atolls.

It is better to go in search of bottom riches from September to May: the sea during this period is calm, it does not have the abundance of plankton that occurs with the arrival of the monsoons. Coral slides, sunken ships (wrecks), inter-island straits - all these are traditional routes for heroes in wetsuits.

One type of diving or another can be practiced at almost all resorts, but the conditions vary significantly. On some islands, scuba diving is not high on the list of sports offered. This means that both the diving sites and scuba training courses will be quite limited, which is more suitable for beginners or casual scuba diving enthusiasts.

However, true fans of diving in the Maldives can claim something more. The resorts, which are the most popular among the scuba diving fraternity, offer a wide range of courses such as VIT, CMAS, SSI, PADI, NAUI, ANDI and RAB where one can improve their skills. They also provide additional equipment that guarantees safety, such as underwater video cameras. The choice may also be influenced by the availability of nitrox and a decompression chamber, as well as the proximity of suitable diving sites to the resort.

Most local diving centers are located at hotels (Sun Diving School PADI Golden Palm 5, Ocean Dive Center, TGI Maldives, Euro Divers, etc.). Well, for the most restless, there is the possibility of a diving safari, for which a group of divers with the same experience is recruited. The advantages of such a cruise are obvious: you can get acquainted with almost all the atolls and look at uninhabited islands, it is much cheaper than diving with hotel accommodation and, finally, traveling on a yacht is an almost guaranteed opportunity to meet local sharks, which are precisely what those who come to the island are chasing Maldives scuba divers.

Video: Diving in the Maldives

Rating of the best diving spots in the Maldives

Male Atoll

• Banana Reef;
• Lions Head;
• Manta Point;
• Old Shark Point;
• wreck of the ship "Victoria";
• Poodle Place;
• Rainbow Reef;
• Hans Place.

South Male Atoll

• Vadu Cave;
• Guraidhoo Strait.

• the sunken ship "Fesdu";
• Maaafushi-Tila;
• Fish head reef.

Northern atolls

The Northern Atolls are one of the main areas of the Maldives for tourism. Now the number of resorts has barely exceeded double digits, but this figure will steadily increase. There are plans to develop pristine atolls that will provide visitors with even more peace and solitude. Since there are much fewer ships cruising here than on the more populated atolls close to the capital, the air in the northern resorts is cleaner and the water is clearer than anywhere else in the archipelago.

New tour operators are forced to compete with hundreds of competitors, so they try to stand out by offering better conditions and interesting entertainment. One such idea is embodied on an island called Hideaway. It's relative new resort, which boasts the first marina in the Maldives. It is designed to attract as many customers as possible. People accustomed to vacationing on yachts, such as Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, already regularly spend time on the Northern Atolls. They may be trying to avoid the busier islands near the capital. In high-class hotels, guests will receive appropriate service: butler assistance and massage.

Guests who do not have their own yachts can be transported to hotels located on northern islands, on high-speed boats. The journey will take just over two hours. A seaplane flight is much more likely, and the more remote resorts sometimes operate their own commercial flights.

Beaches

In this part of the country you can see the same fantastic beaches covered with white sand, illuminated by golden rays of the sun and washed by azure waves, as on other Maldivian atolls. But their privacy guarantees you even greater purity and pristineness than in central regions archipelago.

Diving

The relatively recent development of tourism in the Maldives, which began in the 1990s, is also not a large number of boats and ships plying around the atolls help maintain the pristine purity of these places and thereby create excellent conditions for diving. Both kailu (straits, channels between reefs) and thila (seamount, reef bank, the top of which is not visible from the surface) offer many opportunities for snorkeling. Diving at Raa and Baa atolls, west of the group southern islands, includes the protected water area of ​​Horubadu Thila, inhabited by oceanic fish, gray reef sharks and eagle rays can sometimes swim there. Other thilas in the area include the busiest Daravandu, as well as Beriyan Faru, Kottefaru Kuda and Vaadu, each of which promises a lot for true scuba diving enthusiasts. The southwest monsoon, which blows from May to June, brings manta rays and whale sharks to the shores. The strong currents in these areas mean that they are more suitable for experienced divers, with few areas suitable for beginners.

To the east of Raa and Baa, near Lhaviani Atoll, divers will encounter the remains of the fishing boats Skipjack II and Gaafaru, which after two decades spent on the ocean floor became part of underwater life. Their sinking location is easy to find: the Skipjack II's bow rises above the surface of the water. There are also two excellent giri (coral clusters a few meters below the ocean's surface) diving sites: Narkola, south of Hurawali, rich in ledges and faults, and Maa, southwest of Kanuhuraa, where underwater currents create fantastic marine diversity flora and fauna. Another protected ocean area called Kuredu Express offers enjoyable scuba diving, while Fushifaru Thila is 250m long with strong currents- a great place for “advanced” divers.

Southern atolls

Given its proximity to Male, parts of the Southern Atolls remain relatively undeveloped in terms of resorts, perhaps because the atolls here are not as close to each other as in the north of the Maldives. The slow pace of development has made the area popular for liveaboard boats, which ply the archipelago in search of privacy and tranquility for their passengers.

If it were not for tourism, this zone could not be called active at all, especially on the islands where fishing and agriculture are practiced. As in the Northern Atolls, the number of resorts here has barely exceeded double digits, including those that developers are still working on. You can fly from Male to your resort by seaplane in 35 or 45 minutes.

Beaches

The lack of busy boat traffic guarantees crystal clear waters, and some even claim that local beaches- some of the best in the Maldives. And although to rank countless coastlines almost impossible, walking along the sands of Filitheyo or Vilu Reef Resort, I really want to agree with them.

Diving

Just below South Male Atoll, at Vaavu, lies the country's longest ridge of pristine reefs, stretching 55 km. It stretches from Hurahu Kandu to the southernmost point of the atoll. The main form of scuba diving in this area is drift diving in the kaila, for which there are many excellent sites, including Wattara Kanda, a protected area and a reef. Also popular are thila (underwater coral reefs), in particular Fotteyo, which many include among best places for diving in the Maldives. An amazing life of various underwater inhabitants takes place here, and some of the corals are simply dazzling.

Water sports

All common species available in the Southern Atolls water sports, and among the centers that focus on this type of recreation are Alimatha Aquatic, Medhufushi and Vilu Reef.

Far southern atolls

The Maldives' southern atolls, some of which are located on the other side of the equator, are rare islands where tourists mingle freely with the local population. The equatorial village is located on the island of Gan, which belongs to the southernmost Sin Atoll, where traces of the British presence remain. There used to be two Royal Air Force bases here, which were dissolved in 1976, but the English lawns and reconstructed barracks still remind of them.

Another unique feature of this part of the country is that you can walk 17 km in a straight line without ever reaching water. This was made possible thanks to a causeway that the British built, connecting Gan with three islands - Feydhoo, Maradu and the main atoll of Hithadhoo - to the northeast of it. No special permit is required to visit these islands inhabited by locals, so independent tourists who are curious to see the real life of the Maldivians love to come here. A relatively inexpensive (by Maldivian standards, of course) stay at the resort attracts a whole crowd of backpackers.

Until recently, Gan was a rather sleepy little island, but that's all set to change in the near future. The fact is that the local airport has been brought into line with international standards, and now it can accommodate more tourists seeking to visit resorts, the number of which is steadily increasing. Ghana's geographic isolation means its culture and language, as well as flora and fauna, are different, so travelers may have a very different experience on the island than the rest of the Maldives. For many years Gan remained the only island in the group of far southern atolls on which the resort was built, but is now beginning to experience competition from its neighbors.

Beaches

If you prefer immaculately maintained beaches, then it is better to stay somewhere else in the archipelago. The beauty of Gan Island is that you can wander freely along its beaches, which are not monitored by strict resort management, and mingle with the locals. You can swim at Koattey Beach, at the northern tip of Hithadhoo.

Diving

Thanks to the almost complete absence tourism infrastructures, ocean life flourishes in these places. Sinu Atoll is especially attractive in this sense, where divers will not find a crowd of like-minded people. This atoll has escaped the coral bleaching that has plagued much of the archipelago, making it particularly attractive. Perhaps the most famous diving site is the multi-ton tanker British Loyalty, which was torpedoed by the Japanese during World War II. Experienced divers are allowed to swim into the remains of the hull itself, where a dazzling variety of underwater life awaits them. Another attraction for the scuba diving community is Shark Point, or Shark Point, located northeast of Hulumidhoo, so named because of the abundance of white and gray reef sharks.

Getting to know local life

This rare chance to experience a real Maldivian village is not to be missed. Explore the islands by motorbike, bicycle or on foot (there are tours to the Equatorial Village). There you will see mosques, schools and remnants of the British stay. At the far end of the causeway is the most beautiful part of the atoll, the capital city of Hithadhoo. In the center there are many tea houses and a stadium where you can even watch competitions. And on the fresh water lake Eidigali-Kili you can admire the birds.

A wedding in the Maldives is no longer a fashion trend, but rather a pathetic tradition that stubbornly does not give up its position, demonstrating the level of wealth of the couple. You can book a ceremony in the best traditions of soap operas, including a visit to the spa, a romantic walk, a wedding ceremony and a wedding picnic, smoothly turning into a wedding night in a secluded bungalow, right at the hotel. For a spectacular theatrical performance and a wedding certificate, you will have to pay 2,833 rufiyaa (11,000 rubles). Fans of extreme sports and non-trivial experiences in the Maldives are offered an underwater version of the special event. Prices for a wedding at the bottom of the sea in the company of experienced dive instructors are already more serious - around 3,993 rufiyaa (15,500 rubles).

The other side of Maldivian paradise

There are practically no natural springs at the most fashionable resort in the world fresh water. Life-giving moisture is either collected here during the rainy season or pumped from wells. The water extracted from the atoll depths contains a large amount of salts, so it is subjected to demineralization. However, it is still of little use for drinking, as it has a short shelf life, which is why most tourists, and even indigenous residents, prefer to buy bottled water.

Own power plants in the Maldives are a luxury item, so on a number of islands they are replaced by fuel generators. And if on relatively populated atolls electricity is supplied around the clock, then where there are fewer people, light is supplied only in the evenings and then for a couple of hours.

Garbage problem island state They decided ingeniously and simply - they set aside a separate island for household waste. But since official landfills cannot accommodate the volume of waste that accumulates, some parts of the Maldives are approaching this issue with a great deal of creativity. For example, on some atolls they use sewage water to fertilize green spaces and enrich the soil with fertilizer from fish offal; in other parts of the resort, tourists are provided with special bags for waste, which the guest must take with them after their vacation. However, despite all efforts, it has not yet been possible to completely get rid of garbage, so plastic thrown out by passengers of yachts and boats washes up on the shores of the Maldives from time to time.

Food and drink

In search of national Maldivian dishes, it is better to go to Male, since the hotel kitchens are staffed mainly by Sri Lankan staff, who adapt the food to their own culinary traditions. In the capital's eateries, mostly islanders work, so the food there is the most authentic.

Oddly enough, in a tropical paradise, culinary preferences cannot be more modest. True, such unpretentiousness is a necessary measure: little grows in the Maldives except bananas and coconuts. The products here are imported and, therefore, expensive, so local chefs always have 1,000 and one ways to prepare rice with fish.

A regular on the Maldivian table is tuna: fried, boiled, dried, smoked, boiled into a soufflé (mas huni), canned... They also love curry on the islands, which is much less spicy here than in neighboring India. Maldivians prepare fish broth (garudiya) as their first course. This tropical soup is cooked for several hours, flavored with lime and chili and served with the same rice. Meat is a rare guest on local tables, since pork is prohibited in an Islamic country, and there is simply nothing to feed cattle on the atolls.

The average Maldivian can season his “daily rice” with coconut or lime juice, onion and chili pepper. The islanders' bread is replaced by unleavened flatbread Roshi (a local variation on the theme of Armenian lavash), and the main drink here is green tea with milk (masala). Maldivians do not drink alcohol, but they get their portion of alcoholic euphoria from raa - fermented palm sap. As for desserts, almost all of them are coconut-based. The most prominent representative of sweet dishes is considered to be a bondi stick - a compressed and somewhat sugary delicacy made from coconut flakes, wrapped like a Havana cigar.

In the majority all hotels inclusive international cuisine. Of course, they also host weeks of local delicacies, but on other days there are French croissants and every Maldivian's nightmare - juicy pork steaks.

Money

Official currency unit countries – Maldivian rufiyaa ($0.06). The rufiyaa exchange rate is artificially maintained against the dollar, and its exchange rate with other currencies is based on this, so there is no point in looking for a place where you can make a more profitable exchange. Banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rufiyaa and coins of 1 and 2 rufiyaa are in circulation. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport or at any of the banks, just keep in mind that the latter are closed on Friday and Saturday. In all places where tourists visit, American dollars and euros are accepted, and they are in circulation at all resorts. If you wish, you can avoid handling cash at all and ask for all expenses to be included in your hotel bill and pay at the end of your stay with a credit card.

Fun fact: The Maldives prints its rufiyaa on the same paper that America prints its dollars.

Tips

Tipping, while quite common in nearby territories such as India, does not have such a strong tradition in the Maldives. But low wages and foreign guests with a habit of tipping began to change the situation. At most resorts, the guest is immediately assigned a specific table, so that he will be served by the same waiter throughout the entire vacation. If you don't want to deal with cash, then you can thank the service staff on the last day. Some tour operators set the amount at $10 per week. There is no need to tip taxi drivers or cafes. If you want to thank a local resident for taking a photo with you, he may be offended.

Shopping

Shopping in a country where practically nothing is produced is like a kind of quest. Although for the unpretentious tourist in the Maldives, of course, there is something authentic or skillfully imitating this very authenticity. It is worth noting that most of the trinkets with supposedly Maldivian flavor that are sold in the capital’s shops are not actually such. All these, as a rule, are Sri Lankan variations on the theme of “a truly Maldivian souvenir.”

For authentic creations of Maldivian artisans, it is better to go to the islands of Mahibadhoo, Maafushi, Khuura, Rasdhu, where for a not very modest sum, local craftsmen will happily provide you with wooden boxes, miniature “dhoni”, palm fiber rugs, colorful shells and funny coconut monkeys. Those who are looking for “something like that” will definitely be persuaded to buy a Maldivian hookah, Gudu-Guda, which local grandmothers love to blow before bedtime. If the hookah doesn’t work out, magnets and T-shirts won’t surprise you, but you still want to bring a material reminder of your vacation with you, take a closer look at the badu-beru ritual drums.

By the way, about T-shirts and magnets - you don’t have to go far to buy them: all the souvenir shops in Male are filled with this stuff. In them you can also get the notorious shark teeth, which have long become the main resort trophy.

Opening hours

Business life in the Maldives comes to a standstill on Friday, as well as five times a day for 15 minutes during prayer. Shops may open at 6:00, but most often open at 8:00 or 9:00. They usually close at 20.00, but some can be open until 23.00. Government offices and banks open at 7.30 or 8.00 and are open until 13.30 from Sunday to Thursday.

Difference in time

The time difference with Moscow in the Maldives is +1 hour in the summer (when in Moscow it is 11.00, in the Maldives it is already 12.00) and +2 hours in the winter.

• Birthdays are not celebrated in the Maldives. Moreover, they don’t even try to remember this date.
• Only a Muslim who has lived in the country for several years can obtain citizenship of a country.
• The Maldives is among the top 10 countries for divorce rates (about 50%). At the same time, citizens bear responsibility for adultery criminal liability. Those who walk to the left are publicly treated to a whip here.
• The working week in the country begins on Sunday and ends on Thursday.
• Entering the Maldives with a dog is strictly prohibited: according to the Koran, this animal is considered unclean.
• The resort's motto is No news, no shoes! (No news, no shoes!).
• The Maldives does not have a tax free system.
• Male International Airport is located on an artificially created island.
• In the Maldives, not only the celebration of Halloween, but also the mention of it out loud is officially prohibited.
• The largest fish in the world, the whale shark, is found in the Maldives. Its size varies from 5.5 to 10 meters, and people can admire how this hulk cuts through the crystal clear waters of the Maldives.

Where to stay

The Maldives is not a place where you can go with a hundred dollars clutched in your fist, party all weekend and still bring “change.” On the one hand, the country has several hostels and guest houses, but even in such places the tourist will be asked to pay far from a modest amount. You can, of course, try to negotiate with the locals and stay with them, but this is rather an extreme option for backpackers and experienced adventurers. On the other hand, in tropical paradise They don’t come to count every bill and cut themselves off in everything, so why not relax on a grand scale.

A classic of local housing is water bungalows (wooden houses on stilts standing directly in the sea). For the waves splashing right under your feet and the exclusive opportunity to snorkel on your own porch, you will have to pay an average of 5,153 to 20,6611 rufiyaa (20,000-80,000 rubles). An excellent chance to combine comfortable living conditions and acquaintance with the most picturesque Maldivian atolls - yachts, the rental of a cabin on which is equivalent in price to an excellent hotel room.

There are relatively few budget three-room hotels in the Maldives, and even those are mostly occupied by divers. Booking.com recommends Gunbaru Inn, Rihiveli by Castaway and Sun Tan Beach most often. There is a wide range of prices here: you can find a room for 902 rufiyaa (about 3,500 rubles), or for 3,865 (15,000 rubles).

Safety

In the Maldives, they are incredibly afraid of yellow fever, so they scrupulously check that all travelers arriving from South America and Africa. For some reason, all other infectious agents are of no interest to local doctors, but, just in case, it is better to first get vaccinated against rubella, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever. If you are not coming from an infected area, then vaccinations are not necessary.

You shouldn’t leave without a strategic supply of essential medications - normal pharmacies at the resort can only be found in Male, while on most other islands the choice of medicines is extremely poor, and hospitalization in this country costs a lot of money. Without good sunscreen, repellent and a bottle of water, it’s also better not to show up on Maldivian beaches. Because of high concentration From solar radiation, you can get a sunburn at the equator not just by lying under a palm tree, but also by sitting up to your neck in water.

Despite the fact that local beaches give the impression of calm and “lazy” places, do not rush to demonstrate your prowess and swim beyond the line of red flags that mark safe swimming areas. Of course, in most hotels on the shore there is security on duty, but underwater ocean currents, which are impossible to cope with, have not yet been canceled.

Crime in the republic is kept to a minimum, so the Maldives can safely be called one of the most safe resorts. In force majeure situations, when you cannot do without the help of law enforcement agencies, it is better to contact the hotel security, who will themselves establish contact with the police station.

Connection

Services cellular communications at the resort are provided by the operators Dhiraagu and Ooredoo, whose SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or in specialized stores in Male. The connection quality is quite good, unless you go too far out to sea. It is customary to top up your phone balance using special cards, which are usually sold in hotels. A call to Russia from a Dhiraagu operator SIM card will cost around 4.9 rufiyaa/minute (about 19 rubles). For calls within the country, it is better to use local payphones, the services of which are also paid for by card (easy to find in hotels and from street vendors). For wealthy tourists, there is such an exclusive option as calling a landline phone from a hotel room. So, if you are the happy owner of a couple of oil wells, you can calmly solve business issues without leaving your bed.

Free Wi-Fi in the Maldives is a rare “beast” and lives exclusively in hotels. Those who are unlucky with a hotel can go to an Internet cafe in the capital, spending from 45 to 150 rufiyaa (175-582 rubles) for an hour of online surfing, or connect the necessary service from one of the local mobile operators, thereby robbing himself of at least 290 rufiyaa (1,125 rubles).

How to call the Maldives

To call from Russia to the Maldives, dial:

• from a landline phone: 8-10-960 (Maldives code) - code of the desired city - subscriber number;
• With mobile phone: 8-10-960 - mobile operator code - subscriber's mobile phone number.

There are no area codes in the Maldives. All numbers are now seven digits.

How to call abroad

To call from the Maldives to Russia, dial:

• from a landline phone: 00 - 7 - desired city code - subscriber number in Russia (00 - international line access code; 7 - Russian telephone code);
• from a mobile phone: +7 - subscriber number. International operator - 190; information desk - 11.

Transport

There is no ground transportation as such in the Maldives; fortunately, the vast majority of the islands here can be explored on foot. And only in Male can a tourist afford the luxury of a ride for 27 rufiyaa (97 rubles) by taxi or for 4.70 (18 rubles) by bus.

For those planning to travel from island to island, there are three main modes of transport:

• hydroplane;
• boat/boat;
• ferry.

The first option is ideal for travelers with an unlimited budget - the pleasure costs from 2,400 to 3,000 rufiyaa (9,316-11,645 rubles), but it provides a unique opportunity to look at the atoll chain from a bird's eye view. A trip on a speedboat or national boat “doni”, depending on the remoteness of the destination, will cost 470-860 rufiyaa (1824-3380 rubles). Well, a ferry ride will be affordable even for a budget tourist, since the final cost of the crossing will be from 31 to 46 rufiyaa (approximately 120-179 rubles). The main airport of the Maldives is located next to the capital, on the small island of Hulhule. This is where all international flights arrive.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out insurance, especially if you plan to spend time on the island; transport to hospital in case of emergency can cost a pretty penny. Purchasing insurance will in no case ruin you: a two-week trip will cost about one euro per day. If you travel frequently, it is more profitable to buy an annual policy. The package of services may not include risk during classes active species recreation, such as scuba diving. When choosing a policy, be sure to take this into account.

Visa information

When entering the Maldives, Russian citizens are issued a tourist visa in their passport free of charge, valid for 30 days. A foreign guest will be required to have a passport with a validity of at least six months, return tickets, a receipt confirming tourist services, and the availability of cash at a rate of at least $30 for each day of stay.

customs control

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency in the Maldives. In addition, you can bring duty-free cigarettes (no more than 200 pieces) and perfumes in quantities not exceeding 125 ml. But goods worth more than $200 (about 12,000 rubles) will have to be declared.

Save money and nerves by once and for all giving up trying to bring alcohol to the Maldives (even purchased in stores Duty free). Your alcohol will still be taken away and disposed of. Pork delicacies and pornographic magazines will suffer the same fate. You should also be more careful with local souvenirs: pearl oysters, corals and turtle shell products (unless they are certified products) will not let anyone out of the equatorial paradise. It is allowed to transport a certain amount of gifts and tobacco. The most serious offense is the transportation of weapons or drugs. The punishment could be life imprisonment.

Airports

For those who travel a lot in the countries of the Indian subcontinent, international Airport in Male will seem like a breath of fresh air. Here, unlike other airports in the region, civilized calm reigns; passengers are not overwhelmed by crowds of barkers, porters and taxi drivers. The airport is located on a separate island called Hulhule, which is not far from the capital. As soon as you reach the terminal, you will immediately see two rows of counters that belong to various resorts and tour operators. Find the one you need and a representative will tell you about the transfer in every detail. If your resort is nearby, a high-speed boat will be enough; if it’s far away, then you may have to get there by seaplane. In any case, you will receive precise instructions and leave the airport unhindered and as planned. When you return to the hotel reception, all the details will be explained to you in detail.

If you're one of those rare breeds of independent travellers, you should probably head to Male. Ferries operate 24 hours a day between the capital and the island on which the airport is located. They depart from the main pier in Hulhule and moor at breakwaters 9 and 10 in Male. Boats leave every 15 minutes or when they are full of people, the trip costs 10 rufiyaa or 1 dollar. For about $10 you can rent a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat, which is now equipped with a motor.

For flight information, call Male International Airport: 333-8800.

In the Maldives you have the opportunity to visit other, very unusual airport. Seaplanes that transport passengers from Male to resorts land on the water and only then taxi onto a small floating platform just a few meters long and about the same width. From here you will be taken by boat to the desired island. The miniature size of these “airports” is the butt of jokes among resort companies. On one of the floating platforms there is a sign that reads: “Welcome to Soneva Fushi International Airport.”

How to get there

The following airlines operate regular flights to the Maldives from Moscow:

• Aeroflot – direct flights from Sheremetyevo twice a week.
• Turkish Airlines – flights from Vnukovo with a transfer in Istanbul.
• Qatar Airways – flights from Domodedovo with a connection in Doha.
• Emirates - with a connection in Dubai.

You can go to the most expensive resort on the planet from St. Petersburg with “ Turkish Airlines", "Aeroflot", "Russia" and "Emirates". All flights are connecting. Another option is charters that fly in the direction of the Maldives both from St. Petersburg and from other Russian cities. Delivery to the hotel usually falls on the shoulders of tour operators, whose representatives meet their clients as they exit the plane.

The official name of the chain of atolls and coral islands located south of India in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean is the Republic of Maldives. The population of this South Asian state is approximately 393 thousand people. The total area of ​​the country is 90 thousand sq. km. The climate is subequatorial monsoon.

The Maldives amazes with its endless ocean, amazing underwater caves and reefs. The tropical virgin nature surrounding you evokes peace and comfort on the island. The culture has remained at a primitive level, and local residents still respect their traditions.

The largest coral island in the Maldives is Kafu, on which stands the city of Male, which is considered the smallest capital and the most populated city. Male is so small in size that you can walk around it in a couple of hours.

Sights of the Maldives

Famous places in the Maldives are the National Museum and the Muliage Palace, designed in a colonial style. It is also worth visiting beautiful park Jumuri Maidan or visit one of the most revered shrines in the Maldives - the Medu Ziyarat Chapel.

The city of Male is home to the Good Friday Mosque, famous for its golden dome. Next to it are the graves of both national heroes and members of ruling families. It is worth paying attention to the Islamic Center, which is located nearby. It is considered the largest in the Maldives, because it can accommodate about 5,000 people at the same time.

Local markets are also not far behind in popularity; there are several types of them - vegetable, fruit and craft markets, where island residents sell handmade crafts.

Many tourists are attracted to the Maldives for its unsurpassed diving. The underwater world of the peninsula amazes with the diversity of its inhabitants, at the same time, the coral reefs scare away predators and swimming underwater is not at all dangerous.

Paradise for newlyweds

For most tourists, the Maldives is one of the most romantic places on the planet. That’s why newlyweds and lovers are the first to go to the islands. The wedding ceremony on the white sand at sunset and surrounded by palm leaves is worth it. If you discuss your wedding with the hotel in advance, you can get a discount and stay in the best bungalow. The Maldives is suitable not only for the wedding ceremony, but also for the honeymoon. After all, holidays here are unique and unusual. On the beach you can see both young people and families with children or even older people.

This perfect place for a beach holiday, where the most beautiful snow-white beaches with fine coral sand. The Maldives is the dream of many people who dream of quiet blue lagoons and beautiful green palm trees that can transport travelers to a fabulous, blissful paradise even for a few days.

There are practically no cars here, and it is always quiet and peaceful. Partly because of this, the Maldives are considered one of the best holiday destinations.

Where are the Maldives located on the world map?

Maldives coordinates: 3°28´36´´N,72°50´12´´E.
The Maldives are located almost on the equator, and therefore it is always warm here, and the temperature ranges between +28-30ºС.
The archipelago stretches from north to south for 820 km and from west to east for 120 km. And due to the fact that these are just coral formations without mountains and volcanoes, the Maldives rise above the sea by no more than 3 meters. In the future, this threatens to completely destroy the islands where the most luxurious hotels in the world are located due to the constant rise in sea levels. It is possible that the Maldives could disappear within 30 years.

Maldives on the world map

Finding the place where the islands are located is not so easy. The Maldives is a very small archipelago, lost in the Indian Ocean southwest of India and Sri Lanka for 700 km. The Maldives archipelago is located on 19 coral atolls, consisting of more than 1000 islands. But not all of them are inhabited; only 88 of them are considered resorts. There are islands for the indigenous people of the Maldives, but this is not the most tourist place, where visitors never look. And there are small uninhabited islands that you can get to by renting a yacht.

The islands are located far from other states, without land borders with no country. The Maldives, washed by the Indian Ocean, has only sea ​​border:

• with Sri Lanka;
• and India.

Popular resort islands of the Maldives

The most best beaches located on atolls that are the most visited resort islands:

• Daalu- Dhaalu Island is a favorite among diving fans;


• Ari- the island attracts with its gorgeous diversity of flora and fauna, where there are turtle bays. Here, wealthy tourists who come to the Maldives can go water skiing, go sea fishing, or simply relax in an expensive hotel on a secluded shore;


• Faafu- a paradise for those who strive for comfortable living. There are a lot of restaurants and spa centers here;


• Male is the capital of the Maldives. The area of ​​the city, which occupies the entire island, is only 2 km², but even in this tiny area there is something to see. For example, the ancient “Good Friday” mosque, the Presidential Palace, National Museum and various colorful markets. True, there is no entertainment here other than walking along the embankment and streets.

The islands are also different in that there are not many accommodation options. Hotels in the Maldives have the following feature: on one island there is usually only one villa, where the best and most comfortable rooms are located. But we must remember that the Maldives is an expensive paradise. And you can stay not only in hotel rooms, but in various coastal bungalows with thatched roofs and glass bottoms.

The islands are located far from other states, having no land borders with any country. The Maldives, bordering the Indian Ocean, has only maritime borders with Sri Lanka and India. Getting to these paradise islands is not so easy, and therefore a holiday in the Maldives remains a very expensive and unrealistic dream for many people.

Many people dream of snow-white sand, closed lagoons and wonderful hotels. Thanks to its secluded location, this paradise is simply made for a romantic trip, where the most secluded corners of the planet are located. Lovers dream of spending a few unforgettable moments here, escaping from the bustle of big cities for a quiet, serene holiday. And a wedding in the Maldives is the ultimate dream of many brides.