Maldives

Located just south of the Indian subcontinent, the Maldives are a gorgeous chain of islands in the Indian Ocean-Arabian Sea area consisting of 26 atolls. The Maldives are well-known as a world-class diving destination with crystal blue waters teeming with a diverse array of ocean life.

The Maldives is ideal for an adventure, honeymoon or leisure holiday. With its sun-kissed beaches, palm-fringed islands, crystalline lagoons and pristine waters, Maldives enthrals and draws visitors all year round.

Male, the capital city of Maldives, is undoubted, the hub of trade and bureaucracy. Covering an area of 5.8 sq. km, this paradise for art and history lovers is set in a picturesque surrounding amidst the emerald waters. Its pristine white sandy beaches bathed in sunny azure has made it a hit destination for travel enthusiasts. There is an extensive list of attractions in Male, including the Republic Square, Sultan Park, The National Museum and a Tsunami Memorial. Apart from its touristy spots, the city is the center of economic activity in the country. Renowned for its vibrant sky scrapers and historic mosques, the city is home to the famous mosque built with coral stones. The local architecture also has its distinct indigenous style. The Islamic Center is the largest mosque in the Maldives and the Friday Mosque, which was built in 1656. These two architectural marvels are one of the most sought after tourist spots.

Weather

Year-round temperature hot tropical climate. The average high temperature is 31.5 degree Celsius and the average low temperature is 26.4 degree Celsius. The Southwest monsoon from May to October brings rain and the Northeast monsoon from November to April is generally sunny.

Places to visit in Maldives

The archipelago of 1000 islands, Maldives is one of the most sought after beach destinations in the world that never sees a dull day. This island country is to be experienced and explored calmly as it has many hidden treasures under its umbrella. While you can set out on a soulful journey of your own, there are certain places to visit in Maldives you simply can’t miss.

Go island hopping and visit the dreamlike beaches of Maldives and explore Baa Atoll—UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It would provide you an experience like never before. Witness the beauty of setting sun on a sunset cruise or go on a shark safari.

Spinner dolphins are the prime attraction of Maldives and there are many resorts that provide specific tours for the same. You can also go to the open air theatre or relax at the spas.

Activities and Things to Do in Maldives

If you’re keen to explore beyond your chosen beach retreat, there are plenty of things to do in the Maldives. We’ve listed some of favourite pre-bookable excursions below – including the chance to stay the night on a private island – but this is just a taster. From sunset cruises to local island visits, there’s a whole host of activities that you can arrange once you’ve arrived at your chosen island.

• Go scuba diving or snorkelling and explore the islands’ gorgeous coral reefs or view them from within the popular Whale Submarine
 • Take part in water sports like windsurfing and water-skiing
 • Charter a boat and go on a fishing expedition
 • Explore Addu City, the southernmost city in the Maldives and its second largest town
 • Plane hop from atoll to atoll by chartering an air taxi
 • Spend the day touring the National Museum
 • Take a picnic to the Sultan’s Park, located on the grounds of a former palace
 • Eat traditional Maldivian food at the islands’ many hotaa’s, or cafés
 • Surf great waves just offshore

What to Eat In Maldives

The traditional Maldivian food revolves around rice, fish, and starchy items. The most popular curry is the Mas riha.

The general standard of food and drink on a Maldives holiday is excellent, with many islands offering a choice of buffet and à la carte restaurants and well-stocked wine cellars. Seafood dishes top the menus, but you’ll find flavours from all around the globe. Private dining experiences are incredibly popular, with options ranging from lobster dinners by candlelight to desert island picnics. Dining at Ithaa on Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is an experience in itself; this is the iconic underwater restaurant located 16 feet below the ocean’s surface. At Niyama Private Islands you can venture six metres below the ocean’s surface to Subsix as well as six metres high up in the treetops at Nest. Try at least one local delicacy before you conclude your visit.

Shopping in Maldives

There are shops galore selling handicrafts, locally made accessories and apparels. Most of the tourists visiting Maldives take back beautiful miniature boats, decorative pieces made of sea shells, flower vases, cute footwear, as souvenirs. Some of the shops like Dive World and Water World sell really good diving equipment. Do carry local currency while you go out for shopping here.

Best time to visit Maldives

Temperatures in the Maldives stay at a wonderfully warm 25-30°C year-round and only drop a few degrees at night. There’s an average of 8 hours of sunshine every day and the water temperature barely falls below 25°C. There are distinct wet and dry seasons; peak season is between December and April when it’s drier, hotter and less windy. Most travellers see this as the best time to go, but there are other factors to consider when choosing the time of year to travel here – like when to see specific marine life and when you’ll find the best value offers. May to July and September to November tend to have higher rainfall and some cloud, but still see plenty of sunshine amid short downpours.

How to Reach Maldives from India

Flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Cochin fly to Male airport. Spicejet, Jet airways, Air India are few of the popular carriers. Apart from Male airport, International flights to India are also operational from Hanimaadhoo International Airport located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Hanimaadhoo island.

How to reach Maldives by flight

Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, popularly known as Male International Airport (MLE) is the only airport, which connects Maldives to all major countries in South-East Asia including India, China and Sri Lanka. There are also direct flights from Dubai, and chartered flights operating from Europe, China and Singapore. Located in Hulhule this airport is a 10 minute ferry ride away from the capital city of Male. Over 30 international airlines including Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Spice Jet, Qatar Airways etc. operate flights daily.