The state of the Maldives is 19 unique coral atolls in the Indian Ocean archipelago. These islands are located about 600 km southwest of the Hindustan Peninsula. It is noteworthy that the Maldives is considered the flattest country in the world. The highest point of the state is located on the island of Vilingili (only 2.4 meters above sea level). Atolls are protected from storms and tsunamis by barrier reefs and constructed artificial breakwaters.
Maldives, capital of Male
About 100,000 thousand people live in the main city. This is approximately 25% of the total population of the state. The capital of this country is unique in its way. Its feature is not only that the city is located on a small island in the middle of the ocean. This place is completely unlike the other islands of the state. Male, the capital of the Maldives, is a modern metropolis, built up with skyscrapers that seem to grow out of the ocean. This city is considered the smallest capital in the world, its area is 2 sq. Km.
In such a limited territory, it is simply impossible to place all the necessary facilities to ensure the life of citizens. In this regard, some of them were built on neighboring islands. For example, there is an island-airport, an island-poultry farm and even the island where the Coca-Cola factory is located.
The capital of the Maldives was previously called the island of the Sultan, which is associated with the adoption of Islam in the country. In Male you can see the Sultans' Palaces, eastern markets and mosques. The fish market is very popular , where hundreds of fishing boats with fresh seafood gather in the afternoon.
It is unrealistic to get lost in the capital, since all its streets face three roads. The main transport in Male is bicycles. There are many hotels in the city.
The climate of the region
The climate in the Maldives is equatorial, humid, monsoon. About 1800-2500 mm of precipitation falls during the year, less often this level can reach 5000 mm. Hot weather is kept on the island all year round. The temperature ranges from 25 C to 31 C. The weather in the Maldives in March is warm and sunny. The rainy season on the islands is the period from June to August. There is a shortage of fresh water on the islands. Despite heavy rains, the water quickly leaves in sandy and loose soil, and in the wells it is mineralized.
Language and religion
The official language of the state is Dhwayic, but most of the local residents speak English fluently. Until the 7th century A.D. the islanders professed Buddhism, but later the population converted to Islam. Unlike many other countries, in the Maldives this event occurred without bloodshed.
Currency unit
National Money in the Maldives - Maldivian Rufia. In major stores in the capital, many hotels accept plastic cards.
Holidays in the Maldives
There are no minerals in the Maldives, so tourism is the main source of replenishment of the treasury. The favorable location of the country, combined with beautiful nature and luxurious beaches made the country a fairly popular resort. The weather in the Maldives in March and until the rainy season contributes to an excellent vacation. Atolls, thanks to their unique underwater world, attract hundreds of divers. The water in this region is so clear and clean that the bottom is visible even at a depth of more than 80 meters. Here you can contemplate amazing coral reefs, colorful fish, large sea turtles, moray eels, stingrays and other marine animals.
Holidays on the islands of the Maldives will also appeal to lovers of amorphous seal pastime. You can rent a bungalow on the water, swim, wallow in a hammock and just enjoy the view of the vast ocean. For especially curious tourists, many excursions are offered. It is possible to visit the uninhabited islands of the archipelago.
Paradise for couples in love
We can say that the Maldives is one of the most romantic places on the planet. Many newlyweds choose the Maldives for their honeymoon. They are of little interest to the capital, lovers prefer to bask in the hot snow-white sand, admire the endless blue horizon and take a walk on a cruise yacht during sunset. Many honeymoon hotels provide a large number of additional services. Perhaps the most enjoyable of them is a romantic open-air dinner.
Should I go to the Maldives with children?
If we talk about security, then with full confidence we can say that there are no threats to children in the country. The air and sea here are quite clean, there are very few cars, and dangerous predators and poisonous snakes are not found here either. In addition, attendants treat children very carefully.
But with all these advantages, the Maldives has only one drawback - a child can simply get bored here. This resort is designed for a quiet measured rest, where there are practically no entertainment centers, noisy holidays and carnivals are not held. Therefore, before you go with your child to the Maldives, first weigh everything carefully.
sights
There are not many attractions in the resort. If you want to admire architectural masterpieces, you definitely do not need to go to the Maldives. The capital can only boast of attractions such as the National Museum, which is located in a small three-story building, a small National Art Gallery and Sultan's Park.
Separately, it is worth noting the ancient mosque Huruku Misky. This building dates from 1656. The mosque was built using coral stone, has a complex decoration, and its walls are decorated with various scenes from the Koran. So that tourists can get to the mosque, first they need to get permission from an official from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. True, if visitors are dressed decently, then workers in the mosque, as a rule, let them in without prior approval.
The capital of the Maldives Male also has its own national stadium. Here are football matches and sometimes cricket games. Unofficial games can be watched every evening at sports venues near New Harbor (eastern part of the island).
Nature reserves
Of great interest to tourists is the Banana Reef. In this marine region, which is carefully guarded, there is only a little bit: ledges, caves, rocks, corals. Among the fish there are sharks, reef fish, moray eels, pikes, snappers. This place is great for diving.
In the Maldives, there is another reserve called Fish Head, which is also called Mushimansmingali Thalia. Fish Head is considered the most famous place for diving. In its underwater part there are ledges, caves, black corals and multi-level slopes. Of the fish in the area, Fusiliers, barracudas, and large Napoleons live. However, the main attraction of the reserve are reef sharks.
Visa to the country
Russian tourists who plan to stay in the country for no more than 30 days do not need a visa. Guests will need to fill out a migration card, which will be issued directly on the plane. The spine of this document should remain in the hands of the traveler until leaving the country.
In addition, there is a certain list of documents that everyone who is going to fly to the Maldives should prepare. The capital of Male and the surrounding islands will be accessible only under the following conditions:
- the guest of the country must have a passport, the validity of which expires no later than three months after the day the trip ends;
- a tourist must be booked a place in a hotel;
- the presence of a return ticket and a minimum amount of at least 50-70 dollars per day per person.
There is probably no place in the world more colorful and unique than the Maldives. The capital and islands of the state, which scattered across the ocean like pearls, attract a huge number of tourists. Despite the fact that the resort cannot offer a vibrant nightlife or noisy holidays, there is something more important here - only in the Maldives every tourist can feel complete relaxation and unity with nature.