Where are the Maldives on the map? Republic of Maldives. Maldives on the world map. Maldives - sea. National Maldivian cuisine

The Maldives are probably the most remote corner of Asia, but despite this, hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world fly there every year to enjoy a holiday in this exotic paradise. Be prepared that in the Maldives you will be greeted by the warm Indian Ocean with clear water (in which you will see amazingly beautiful corals), as well as snow-white sandy beaches, surrounded by groves of coconut palms and fruit trees.

Geography of the Maldives

The island nation of Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean about 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka and 400 km from India. The Maldives covers an area of ​​26 atolls. total area of this country, including all the islands (and there are more than a hundred of them) - 298 km.

On Maldives no mountains In general, the highest point of the Maldives does not exceed 2.4 meters. Also, there are no rivers or lakes in the Maldives.

Capital

The capital of the Maldives is Male, which is now home to more than 100 thousand people. Male was built in the Middle Ages as the residence of the Maldivian Sultan.

Official language of the Maldives

The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which belongs to the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European language family.

Religion

The majority of the population of the Maldives is Sunni Muslim.

Government of the Maldives

According to the current Constitution, the Maldives is a parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, who has been elected for a 5-year term since 2008. The President appoints the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The parliament in the Maldives is unicameral - the People's Majlis. Mejlis deputies are also elected for a 5-year term (their number may vary).

Climate and weather

The climate in the Maldives is subequatorial monsoon. There are two monsoon periods - the northeast monsoon (dry season) from November to March and the southwest monsoon (rainy season) from June to August. In other words, the dry season in the Maldives lasts from November to April (March and April are the hottest months of the year), and the wet season lasts from May to early November.

The air temperature in the Maldives ranges from +23C to +33C, and tends closer to +30C.

Air temperature in the Maldives (average):

January - +27C
- February - +28C
- March - +29C
- April - +29C
- May - +28C
- June - +28C
- July - +28C
- August - +28C
- September - +27С
- October - +27C
- November - +27C
- December - +27C

Ocean

The shores of the Maldives are washed by waters Indian Ocean. The sea temperature near the Maldives ranges from +24C to +33C, so you can swim there all year round.

History of the Maldives

The Maldives were formed 65 million years ago as a result of the eruption of underwater volcanoes. The first people in the Maldives appeared 4 thousand years ago (these were sailors sailing the Indian Ocean). The Maldives were inhabited by people from Sri Lanka and India, and later by Arabs.

Around the middle of the 12th century, Islam began to spread in the Maldives.

Since the mid-16th century, Europeans (Portuguese, Dutch and English) made numerous attempts to colonize the Maldives. Eventually, in 1887, the Maldives came under British protectorate.

It was not until 1965 that the Maldives gained independence.

Culture

On the culture of the people of the Maldives big influence Indian culture, as well as Islam, had an impact. Since Islam is the main religion in the Maldives, it is understandable that local residents celebrate all Muslim holidays (Eid al-Fitr and Kuda-Eid).

In addition, the Maldives also has national holidays - Independence Day (July 26) and Republic Day.

Kitchen

The cuisine of the Maldives was formed under the influence of Indian and Arab culinary traditions. The main foods are fish (mainly tuna), rice, seafood, vegetables, and, of course, spices (due to the proximity of Sri Lanka and India). In addition, it is impossible to imagine Maldivian cuisine without coconut.

Coconut is the main ingredient in most local desserts. Residents of the Maldives often make various sweet puddings.

Basic soft drinks– tea to which milk and sugar are added, as well as coffee, palm juice and sweet milk.

Residents of the Maldives make a low-alcohol drink from fermented palm milk.

If you don't like Maldivian cuisine, the restaurant of any local hotel will offer a variety of international dishes.

Sights of the Maldives

The Maldives is a small island nation located on 26 atolls. The largest of them is Male, whose population exceeds 100 thousand people. It is clear that there are very few attractions in the Maldives. However, there are places in this country that are still worth visiting.

To introduce the history of the Maldives, we recommend that tourists visit National Museum Male. It contains artifacts representing all eras of the history of the Maldives. This museum is part of Royal Palace, built in the 17th century.

Check out the Hukuru Miskiy Mosque in Male. It was built in 1656. The interior of the mosque is famous for its wood carvings. One of its panels was carved in the 13th century to commemorate the introduction of Islam in the country.

Cities and resorts

Most Big city in the Maldives its capital is Male, which is now home to more than 100 thousand people.

Republic of Maldives located on 26 small atolls. Each atoll usually has one hotel. Please note that some hotels specialize in spa services, combining Asian and European spa programs.

The white sandy beaches of the Maldives are considered to be some of the best in the world. The Maldivian Islands are literally “buried” in corals. Therefore, we recommend that tourists in those places where coral reefs come close to the shore swim in special sandals.

You should know that you can only be topless on the beaches of the Maldives on one island - Kuramati. Drinking alcohol on the beaches is also prohibited.

The legislation of the Republic of Maldives prohibits the collection of corals and any marine fauna.

Perhaps the best beach in the Maldives is in South Ari Atoll. We are talking about Nalaguraidhoo beach. Also check out the beaches on Banyan Tree Island, Nika and Cocoa Island.

The Maldives is considered an excellent place for diving. This is quite expected, given the presence in this region of a huge amount of corals and amazingly beautiful underwater world.

Souvenirs/shopping

After a holiday in the Maldives, tourists usually bring home folk art products, bright local fabrics, rugs with original patterns, black coral jewelry, and stamps. Make sure that the souvenirs you buy are actually made in the Maldives, and not in Thailand or Indonesia.

Office hours

WITHOUT A VISA!

Travel packages and tours

about country

The Maldives enjoy the greatest success among newlyweds - such a combination of privacy, comfort, luxury and primitiveness at the same time does not exist, perhaps, anywhere else in the world. This is one of the few places where a miracle is possible: complete detachment from the present, immersion in a space woven from blue skies, snow-colored sand and emerald water of extraordinary transparency.

Nature and geography

The island nation of the Maldives is located in South Asia, southwest of Sri Lanka, in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. The Maldives archipelago has about 2,000 islands, forming 26 atolls, and only 202 of them are inhabited. The closest neighbors - India and Sri Lanka are located at a distance of 600 and 700 km north and south of the archipelago.

The capital of the Maldives - Male - is located on the island of Male. Time is 2 hours ahead of Moscow, and from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October - by 1 hour.

Climate of the Maldives

The Maldives has a warm tropical climate with even temperatures throughout the year (air temperature 25-30 C, water temperature 24-27 C). The optimal season for travel is from October to May.

Average monthly air temperature in the capital:

Sights of the Maldives

Numerous underwater coral caves stretch throughout the Maldives archipelago, lush tropical vegetation creates the pristine and unique beauty of the islands.

The Maldives is a discovery for diving enthusiasts. Numerous coral caves represent most interesting places for underwater research. Coral reefs protect coastal waters from predatory fish, so diving enthusiasts do not have to fear for their lives.

Among the attractions of the Maldives are the National Museum, Sultan Park, Singapore Bazaar, the Islamic Center and 20 picturesque mosques of the capital.

Cuisine of the Maldives and its features

Local cuisine usually includes rice, fish curry cooked with coconut milk, and flavored with lime, chili and small onions. Roshi - a local bread - is usually eaten along with mas huni - a fish cocktail flavored with coconut, onion, chilli and lime.

Among the local snacks, fihunu mas - fish baked with chili paste, keemia - fried fish rolls, and kulhi borkihaa - the most delicate fish pie are very popular. Among sweets, bondi - white coconut sticks - are very tasty.

Population, language, religion

The population of the Maldives is mainly Maldivians and Indians.

The official language is Dhivehi and belongs to the Indo-Iranian group. English is widely spoken in the capital Male and in the resorts.

The population professes Sunni Islam.

Customs regulations, visa, currency, embassies

Stay mode. There are no restrictions on movement. To visit one of the islands where the indigenous people, you must obtain special permission.

On Maldives There is no Russian embassy. You can contact the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka, Colombo. Tel. (94-1) 57-35-55, 57-49-59 (24 hours a day).

Currency. Official currency- Maldivian rufiyaa. One rufiyaa contains 100 lari. There are banknotes in circulation 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.

Customs regulations. When passing through customs control at the Male airport, you must present all items for inspection, including hand luggage. The import of alcoholic beverages, drugs, any pornographic materials, recorded videotapes, and spearfishing weapons is prohibited.

When departing from Male, upon presentation of the appropriate receipt, you can receive back the alcoholic beverages selected at customs upon entry.

Tips for tourists

Souvenirs. Shark jaws, handicrafts, light summer clothes, coconut oil, shells, etc. are brought as souvenirs from the Maldives.

Transport. Any Maldives island can be crossed in 1.5 - 2 hours. The Maldives is dominated by aquatic species transport: local taxi - wooden boat "dhoni" with a flat roof.

Bicycles and motorcycles are the most popular types ground transport. Taxis are available to get around Male. The cost of one trip in any direction is 10 rufiyaa. In Male and others large islands You can rent a car.

Cloth. Any light clothing of your choice is acceptable. Even in deluxe hotels, most restaurants do not require you to wear evening gowns. For the beach, regular beachwear is recommended. It should be remembered that nudism and topless are prohibited in the Maldives (the exception is Kuramati Island, where topless is allowed). When visiting fishing villages and the capital Male, tourists should wear modest clothing, respecting Muslim traditions.

Behavior rules. Although the Islam practiced in the Maldives is milder than in most Arab countries, the following should not be forgotten:

• Spearfishing and unauthorized fishing are prohibited
• It is prohibited to remove corals, shells, starfish, etc. from the sea.
• Nude swimming is prohibited on all islands of the archipelago.

Where, in what country are these amazingly beautiful islands, the Maldives? How to find them on the world map, what country do they belong to? What form of government? What part of the world do they belong to? How many of these islands are there? On what ocean are the islands located? Maldives, giving unforgettable moments of paradise - these and other questions arise in many people who are planning their vacation.

This is where the beaches, enchanting landscapes and eternal summer are located. White, soft sand and tall palm trees, gentle surf - all this will make your vacation complete, your impressions bright and positive.

For vacationers, there is everything they need - magnificent nature, secluded bays where you can spend the evenings, warm weather and bright sun overhead. The picturesque picture is complemented by bright coral shallows and lagoons with clear, clean water.

In contact with

Geographical location

Situated on a picturesque site. On the world map, look for the Indian Ocean, and among its waters there are islands stretching thousands of kilometers north of the equator.

They occupy the territory between the continents of Asia and Africa, 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka and the Hindustan Peninsula. The exact coordinates are 3°28′36″ N. w. and 72°50′12″ E. etc., so it’s not difficult to find them with a regular paper map. The width of the archipelago is more than 120 km.

Includes:

• 19 coral reefs;
• 88 resort islands;
• 1000 small islands (most of them are not inhabited by people).

You can visit “wild” places on your own using a boat. The most famous atolls among tourists are:

• Kaafu, or, as it is also called, North Male, includes 27 resorts and 8 islands specializing in fishing;
• South Male, consisting of 19 islands with excellent conditions. Only three of them are inhabited;
• Vaavu;
• Meemu;
• Seenu;
• Faafu.

This is interesting: The Maldives are considered the lowest in the world. In the most high point state, which is Addu Atoll, a person will be only 2.4 meters above sea level. Scientists predict that within the next 50 years there may be a flood that will destroy most of the land.

Everywhere travelers will find magnificent nature with picturesque views.

Brief information about the country

It would be useful for any educated person to know that:

• this modern state is a presidential republic in form of government;
• The area is 298 km2;
• The Maldives is washed by the Indian Ocean;
• The capital is Male. The city's area is small, only 5.8 km2, but the total population exceeds 133,000 people, making it one of the most densely populated not only in the country, but also in the world. The total population is 338.5 thousand;
• The official language is Maldivian;
• The main type of transport is boats, both sailing and motor. You can also see seaplanes and boats. Taxis and regular buses are developed only in the capital and on the island. Hulhumale. Local transport - dhoni - a small boat equipped with a diesel engine;
• The main religion is Islam (Sunni);
• The currency is called the rupee;
• The time difference with Moscow is +2 hours;
• Visas are not required for a tourist trip, but if the purpose of the visit is business or private, then execution of the document is mandatory for everyone, as well as an invitation. The visa is valid for 90 days;
• It is prohibited to import into the territory of the state:
• Weapons (including explosives);
• Narcotic drugs;
• Magazines and items for specific purposes (category 18+);
• Animals;
• Alcohol;
• Devices for spearfishing;
• Things and objects of an anti-Islamic nature (including pork and products containing it);
• Even military uniforms and paraphernalia are prohibited.

You can't take it home:

• Black corals and jewelry made from them;
• Turtle shells;
• Local currency (remaining cash must be exchanged);
• Items found at the bottom of the ocean/sea.

It is important to know: Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering here.

Permitted for export from the territory are:

• Souvenir products;
• Postcards with views and landscapes;
• Coconut oil;
• Interior items.

Climate

The best season is considered to be from November to April. It is at this time that the weather is dry and sunny, and the likelihood of rain is minimal.

Weather and climate in general are fundamental factors in determining where to go on holiday. Travelers can expect eternal summer, as the air temperature here is always above +20 degrees at night and about +30 during the day.

Air humidity is on average 81%. The main amount of precipitation falls between May and January. Hurricanes and storms are rare, but heavy rains come from the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal.

In general, the climate of the resort state is hot and tropical. Separately, I would like to note that a trip here is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, since high temperatures are a constant occurrence.

Popular resorts

A map of the Maldives with all resorts will be offered to guests in any tourist center. Tour operators also have detailed maps with hotels. The following resorts are widely known among travelers around the world:

• Male, the capital, is ready to offer various excursion programs and entertainment. There are numerous markets, a mosque, a museum and a presidential palace;
• Faafu is a resort ideal for gourmets, offering a variety of restaurants and spa centers;
• Dhaalu is a resort area that offers everything for extreme sports. It is chosen by divers and scuba divers;
• Ari - created for nature lovers. You can enjoy a variety of flora and fauna, and the famous turtle bays are located here. Entertainment - water skiing, sea fishing.

Note: Despite the diversity of the animal world, there are no dangerous predators or poisonous snakes in the Maldives. In the immediate vicinity you can see dolphins, white sharks or foxes. Bats appear in the evening.

An interesting feature is the absolute absence of dogs.

The best beaches

Beaches are the main attraction of the state. Travelers come precisely to enjoy the sand and warm waves. That is why it is very important to know the main ones:

• O. Fulhadhu - the settlement of residents occupies a small territory, everything else is a paradise for tourists;
• Finolhu Kanifushi is a beach located on Baa Atoll;

Keep in mind: feature - the presence of a sand spit, allowing you to make hiking to several small islands in the ocean. There is a picturesque lagoon and palm trees.

• Amilla Fushi has sloping beaches of varied beauty. Here you can find expensive and modern ones, as well as classic ones with dense vegetation. Feature: coral bottom;
• Dhigurah - designed for those who love solitude and the beauty of nature. The feature is an excellent opportunity to observe whale sharks. Swimming in a bikini is allowed.

Each resort land has its own hotel. Also, some resorts cannot bring children under 12 years of age.

Glowing beach Mudhdhoo Island

A real landmark and natural wonder worth seeing with your own eyes is the glowing beach located on Baa Atoll - Mudhdhoo Island.

In the evening and at night, hundreds of neon lights flash along the shore, creating a picturesque picture.

Advice: the glow effect is most noticeable from June to February, so you need to choose this particular time period to observe it.

The secret of the phenomenon lies in the fact that bioluminescent phytoplankton lives here, capable of glowing during the surf. By visiting this place, you can admire the beauty of nature for a long period, as the lights glow throughout the dark.

What to do for vacationers

You need to know that there are some restrictions for guests and residents - you cannot drink alcoholic beverages or sunbathe topless or even in a bikini (except in specially designated areas).

Despite all this, the holiday will not be overshadowed. Tourists are offered a variety of water attractions, water sports, including parasailing, snorkeling, kayaking.

Catamaran rides are perfect for a romantic pastime, and sailing is ideal for extreme sports enthusiasts.

Swimming and fishing (the fish must be released into the ocean) are activities that are in demand among most tourists. There are special excursions that allow you to observe the life of marine life up close. There are special entertainment programs for children.

Map in Russian

In order to make it convenient for tourists to navigate among the various atolls and vacation spots, a map of the islands with symbols in Russian has been created. Here are the most popular destinations And, which should be chosen for a good rest. The largest areas intended for recreation are indicated, where there is everything that a tourist might need during a trip. There is also a general view of the archipelago in the area.

Taking advantage of this simple but detailed map, you can comfortably move around the Maldives without knowing in English or local dialects. “Uninhabited” territories are not indicated on the map.

How to get there

The most convenient way to get to your chosen resort is by plane. There are direct flights from Moscow - their duration is from 10 hours. IN major cities Charters are also available. There are flights from Kyiv or Astana that include transfers or refueling to or.

There are also flights with refueling in Sri Lanka or. Flights to the Maldives operate from the city of Trivandrum, so it is convenient to get to the holiday destination for those who decide to combine a trip with a visit to India. Ticket prices range from $500 to $1,000 on average.

Take note: In order to fly from the capital of the Maldives, you will need to pay an exit fee, which is 10–15 dollars; in most cases, it is not included in the price of tickets.

For those departing from Far East, there are flights with transfers in Seoul, Tianjin or. There are no direct flights from Belarus - you must fly through Moscow.

Exotic flora and fauna

The nature of the archipelago is unusual and amazing. The national symbol and plant that is found throughout the state is the coconut palm.

You can also see bamboo and eucalyptus brought here. Among the crops that can be classified as exotic are bananas, papaya, mangoes, pineapples and sweet potatoes.

The flora is also represented by flowers - roses, plumerias, hibiscus, orchids. You can also see the Alexandrian laurel.

Animals that will seem amazing to tourists:

• • The bats;
  • Flying foxes;
  • Geckos;

• Seagulls;
• Herons;
• Brahmin's blinders;
• Wolftooth brownie.

Marine inhabitants are presented in a wide variety:

• Sea stars;
• Echinoderms;
• Dolphins;
• Whale sharks;
• Stingrays;
• Variety of fish species.

Interesting fact: Citrus fruits do not grow on the territory - they disappeared after the fungus epidemic.

There are also turtles. The main attraction is the coral reefs.

Local kitchen

Peculiarity national cuisine– an abundance of dishes based on fish and seafood. It was formed under the influence of Indian and Arab culinary traditions. Recipes with tuna are presented in every restaurant or cafe.

Rice is also served as a side dish with all dishes. A popular Maldivian drink is green tea. National snacks - hedikaa - are baked goods with various fillings.

Desserts - various fresh fruits, juices, nuts and dishes with these ingredients. One of the popular desserts among tourists is fresh coconut, as well as coconut milk and Raa palm juice.

What you need to know before purchasing a tour

Before you buy a tour to the Maldives, you should consider that.

This small country is located on 20 atolls in the equatorial Indian Ocean. The Islamic Republic is separated from India by more than 2,000 km. The distance to Sri Lanka is significantly less: if you look at the Maldives on the world map, you can see that the states are approximately 700 km apart from each other.

Information about the islands

The state of the Maldives is formed by almost 2000 coral islets. About 400 thousand people live here, and the dominant religion is Islam. The total area of ​​the Republic of Maldives is 90 thousand km 2, but the land share of it accounts for no more than 300 km 2.

I wonder what the only city and the port of the country is its capital Male, located on the atoll of the same name. The remaining islands are almost uninhabited and only occasionally there are hotels on them.

The time in the Maldives is UTC +5, so when flying you should prepare in advance for a change in time zones.

Weather by month in the Maldives

The climate is determined by where exactly the Maldives is located. It belongs to the subequatorial monsoon type, so the weather is radically different in the dry and rainy seasons. Depending on the month of your trip, you will have to prepare for the following:

January. A trip to the islands this month will definitely be successful thanks to the warm, sunny and windless weather and the calm that reigns in the ocean. Although January is technically the rainy season, there is minimal precipitation, which guarantees a wonderful beach holiday and the opportunity to go diving. During the daytime, the thermometer rises to at least +24 °C, and the water temperature averages +27 °C.

February. Crowds of vacationers usually flock here at this time. The ocean continues to delight with a comfortable water temperature of +25 °C, and daytime air temperatures rarely fall below +28 °C. There are practically no waves, and the sky is perfectly blue and cloudless. Therefore, even inexperienced divers can begin to learn the intricacies of diving, and the almost complete absence of precipitation allows you to have fun on a yacht or catamaran.

March. This month is also considered quite hot and dry, and the average air and water temperatures differ little from February. The sand remains very warm, and there are practically no tropical showers. March sees plenty of native flora bloom, but be prepared for the occasional sandstorm.

April. At this time, the southwest monsoon arrives in the Maldives, bringing with it a change in weather. Storms in the ocean are rare, the heat is increasing, but rain is still an infrequent visitor here. If you cannot stand the stuffiness, you should postpone your trip: the air temperature is generally +30 °C, and the water temperature reaches +28 °C.

May. Very strong winds begin to blow, sometimes turning into hurricanes. There is significantly more precipitation: approximately half of the days in May are rainy. At the same time, the weather constantly brings surprises. The sun gives way to heavy rain and vice versa.

June. This month continues the May trend as the southwest monsoon takes over. There are very strong gusts of warm wind. In June, the Maldives receives the maximum precipitation typical for this region, but its amount rarely exceeds 200 mm. Ocean waves sometimes reach gigantic sizes. The thermometer stays at an average of +30 °C, and the water temperature in the ocean is +27 °C.

July. At this time, the islands are not very comfortable due to frequent rains. However, they quickly end, and soon the sky partially clears and the sun peeks through the clouds. In July, approximately 160 mm of precipitation falls, and the air temperature is +31 °C. In water, the thermometer usually shows +27 °C. Thunderstorms are possible, during which it feels cool.

August. This month is considered the most changeable on the islands. In early August, the sea is quite warm and calm, winds and hurricanes practically stop. It rains relatively rarely, and the atolls are still hot. But already at the end of the month the sky becomes increasingly cloudy, it rains often, and the wind gets stronger.

September. Both day and night, the weather remains mostly warm, and the sweltering heat recedes. Humidity remains quite high, and precipitation falls up to 200 mm. Average number rainy days in September - 15-16. The rains are often accompanied by strong thunderstorms, but the ocean remains quite warm with water temperatures of approximately +27 °C.

October. The air temperature drops slightly to +27-29 °C, and the water temperature drops to +26 °C, which does not interfere with swimming at all. It rains much less often: usually no more than 100 mm of precipitation falls.

November. This month the northeast monsoon arrives in the Maldives, bringing with it warm and dry weather. Winds and rains rarely bother tourists, and the average thermometer shows +28 °C. The water warms up to +25 °C.

December. At this time of year, everything blooms on the islands, so they turn into a real tropical paradise. Daytime temperatures rise to +30-32 °C, and the water temperature in the ocean rarely drops below +25 °C.

How to get to the Maldives

Any guidebook where you will find everything you wanted to know about the Maldives will indicate that the connection island state with the mainland is carried out exclusively by air. The country's only airport is located in the capital Male. You can get to it in the following ways:

Direct flight from Aeroflot from Moscow. New Airbus A-330-200 aircraft fly from the Russian capital twice a week: on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If it is important for you to know how long it takes to fly from Moscow on such a direct flight, you will have to be patient: the flight duration is approximately 9 hours.

Please note that when returning from the Maldives you will have to pay an airport tax of 10 USD - 15 USD, which is not always included in the air ticket price.

Connecting flight with Qatar Airways (connection point - Doha), Singapore Airlines (connection point - Singapore) or Emirates Airlines (connection point - Dubai). The cost of tickets for airliners of these air carriers already includes an airport tax.

Connecting flight with Srilankan Airlines. To do this, you will first have to fly to Dubai or Colombo and purchase a ticket to Male at the local airport for 180 USD - 250 USD. This is the most a budget option flight for those who want to save money.

The average cost of a flight between the capitals of Russia and the Maldives ranges from 570 USD to 720 USD one way.

Maldives visa and customs clearance

Residents of Russia and the CIS countries do not need to obtain a visa to travel to the Maldives, since there is a visa-free agreement between the countries. However, given the sudden change in climate and the exotic nature of the region, it would not hurt to purchase a health insurance policy. Weekly insurance will cost approximately 25 USD - 45 USD.

It is very important to comply with the rules of customs legislation of the Republic of Maldives. They talk about the following:

• You can import and export foreign currency in unlimited quantities.
• Without paying a duty, 125 ml of perfume or cologne and 200 cigarettes are allowed to be imported, as well as no more than one item related to goods for personal use per passenger.
• It is strictly forbidden to transport pork and meat products made from it, salami sausages, pornographic goods, narcotic substances, souvenirs made from a sea turtle shell or dark coral, as well as antiques found at the bottom of the ocean.

Be sure to note that the import and export of any alcoholic beverages in the Maldives is prohibited. Violation of this rule may result in arrest.

Cost of a holiday in the Maldives

Many Russian celebrities like Volochkova love to vacation in the Maldives. This is due to the very comfortable climate and reasonable prices for accommodation. If you are wondering how much a standard trip to the Maldives costs, please note that it depends on the following factors:

• duration of the trip;
• hotel category;
• the island on which the hotel is located;
• food and entertainment included in the price;
• season.

The more services a hotel offers for vacationers (SPA, swimming pools, animation, sauna and much more), the more expensive the vacation will cost. If you are planning a trip for 7-8 days, booking a single or double room with half board and a minimum of entertainment, you will have to spend from 2600 USD to 5500 USD.

The wedding tour involves a romantic weekend for the newlyweds and will cost from 1750 USD to 2500 USD. The price includes room decoration, services of photographers and musicians, fruits, wine or champagne and an informal wedding ceremony. The all-inclusive tour is suitable for those who want to completely relax during their trip. Its price - from 3,500 USD to 7,000 USD for a week's stay in a 4 or 5 star hotel - includes three meals a day and free drinks throughout the entire stay.

Those looking to save money should pay attention to last-minute tours: they are usually 30% cheaper. Also at the most budget holiday in the Maldives for 8 days you will have to spend approximately 2000 USD if you book a room in an inexpensive three-star hotel without special amenities. The price includes airfare and medical insurance.

Maldives - real sunny paradise on earth where you can easily recuperate after a long-awaited vacation.

Detailed information about the Maldives, the location of the islands on the world map, how to get to them, whether a visa is needed, what prices, which hotels to choose and how to book. And also everything about types of recreation for complete Maldivian relaxation, information about national dishes, climate, weather, currency and Maldivians

The coast of the Indian Ocean with its picturesque atolls - Maldives. Beautiful nature, hotels upper class, beaches that are impossible to see. The Maldives is the best exotic holiday for tourists who want to swim in the Indian Ocean. Lagoons with blue shimmering atolls, golden sandy beaches, exotics, beautiful flora and fauna, and most importantly, high-class hotels with excellent service.

Not everyone can afford to go to the Maldives, as the prices here are not low. The tours are not cheap. But having paid so much money, tourists are usually completely satisfied.

Maldives- this is a paradise for maniac divers who do not get out of the water for days on end. They don’t care where or how to live, just to dive. This is also a great place to hold honeymoon . The memories will remain for the rest of your life. This is a place for those who want to completely relax and forget that there is another life somewhere with problems and troubles.

General information about the islands

Where are the Maldives on the world map

The Maldives, located south of the Indian subcontinent, is a magnificent island chain in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, consisting of 26 atolls. The Maldives was once a British colony. Gained independence in 1965.

State capital: Male city
Form of government: The President rules the country. Higher Legislature- Majlis.
Religion: Islam
National currency: Rufia
Population: The Maldives has a population of 436,330 in 2017, ranking 175th in the world. The Maldives has a high population density of 1,102 people per square kilometer, making it the 11th most populous country on earth.
Maldives dialing code: +960
Official website of the country: http://www.visitmaldives.com/en

Excellent episode of Heads and Tails about the Maldives

Climate in the Maldives, or when is the best time to go

The Maldives has a subequatorial monsoon climate. All year round the temperature ranges from + 24 to + 30 degrees. The rainy season starts from June and ends in August.

The best time of year to visit the Maldives is during the dry season, which lasts from January to April

Visa and customs regulations

Citizens of the Russian Federation and the CIS are exempt from receiving visas. You just need to apply for medical insurance. Currency import and export without restrictions. The import of alcoholic beverages into the country is prohibited. This also applies to goods purchased at airport stores. There are some restrictions forimport of products: salami sausage and pork. If the cost of the goods is above $200, it must be declared. You cannot carry items for underwater fishing. You cannot export individuals from the country's underwater world. The ban has been lifted only from souvenirs sold legally.

There is no Tax free system in the Maldives

How to get to the islands

The Maldives has one airport at its disposal. It is located at a distance of 2 km. from Male on Hulwle Island.

There are flights from Moscow to the Maldives from airports : Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo. There are direct and connecting flights. Ticket prices one way: from 240 to 525 US dollars. Travel time without transfers is 8 hours 45 minutes. With transfers up to 13 hours. When departing from the islands, you must pay a fee of 25 USD. Only children under 2 years of age are exempt from the fee.

From Maldives Airport to Male ferries operate, the ticket will cost 15 MVR. For 20 MVR you can by boate get to other Maldives. They fly to very remote islands on seaplanes. Usually all Maldivian tour operators have their representatives at the airport. They meet and dispatch tourists.

Resorts of the Maldives

Capital of the Maldives Male occupies an area of ​​5.8 square meters. km. Can be considered one of the smallest capitals in the world. Located on the island of the same name, it accommodates a third of the population of the entire country. Arriving travelers are amazed by the views of skyscrapers and highways. The main embankment is also the central street of the capital. Here government buildings, banks and offices various companies. The city is divided by a park with piers. On one side is the presidential pier. On the other hand, ferries depart to the airport. But it reigns all around real paradise from exotic islands, to which tourists go. All other islands are for rent.

Islands, their features and what makes them remarkable

The most best entertainment on the islands - diving. The beauty of the seabed and clear water attracts a huge number of fans of this sport. The main areas of the islands have not yet been developed. Only 28 of them were turned into expensive resorts.

Ari Atoll

They treat tourists very carefully here. There is plenty to do: windsurfing, snorkeling, water skiing, canoeing, catamarans, boat diving, scooter riding and diving.

Vaavu

There are a huge number of small islands, but only 5 of them are accessible for tourism. Population - 2000 people. The archipelago is untouched nature and an amazing underwater world. Here you can watch stingrays, see reef sharks, hammerhead fish and many other representatives of the underwater world. All these pristine delights attract a large influx of tourists.

Laviani

An amazingly beautiful atoll. A great place for scuba diving. Reef protrusions from the water are overgrown with coral formations. Ocean water abounds with tropical fish. You can see moray eels and large sharks. These are 63 small islands. Its length is 30 km. There are 2 hotels here, a small hotel and a luxury hut. Wealthy tourists like to spend their holidays here.

Miimu

Miimu - size in length - 47 km. Fabulously beautiful and almost uninhabited. The surface of the ocean, the silvery surface of the ocean, the green islands, amazing customs, very tasty food. Miimu is shaped like a shark's jaws when they are open. There are a huge number of places on it where no human has ever set foot. This naturally attracts lovers of active tourism. Despite some wild nature, it is fully equipped to receive tourists. There is everything here, including a diving center.

Shiinu Atoll

Siinu Atoll is almost the equator. Includes a large number of islands made of corals. Six islands are inhabited. They are connected to the ocean by straits. There was once a naval base here.

Gan Island

Gan Island is famous for its airport with daily flights to the capital.

Hithadhoo Island

Hithadhoo Island, which is the second largest city, has a highway. This is an unprecedented rarity for the island.

Matirah

Matheerah is a skeleton with an ancient mausoleum containing a sacred tomb. Sufi Muslim pilgrims come here. “Noble” - that’s what they call it in the Maldives.

Oh well

The hotels located here can be reached by seaplane. This will take about 45 minutes. There is clean water, amazing flora and fauna. There are a lot of reef rocks, it is better to dive with an instructor.

Male

Locations of 3 luxury hotels. The island is not big, there are not many places to visit with excursions. This is understandable, since people come here on vacation. But there is something and it needs to be seen. Click on the name Male, where we tell you a lot more about the capital!

Good Friday Mosque- main attraction. The golden domed mosque is visible when the plane lands. Orthodox Christians are allowed entry. Women need special clothing. If you go up to the second floor you need to take off your shoes. Historical National Museum located in a beautiful building. The exhibits in the museum include personal belongings of the sultans, outfits, jewelry, coral sculptures, and weapons.

Closed-code monument to tsunami victims. Erected in memory of the victims of the prices in 2004. It is a spiral wrapping around a stele. Very reminiscent of DNA molecules, which are characterized as something eternal and living. So the sculptor wanted to show that people remember the dead and they are always alive in their hearts. They mourn for them. Friday old mosque erected on the remains of the foundation of the pagan temple. Her architectural design- This is the intertwining of Hinduism and Islamism. At the entrance there is a minaret shaped like a lighthouse. The sultans and their entourage are buried nearby. Everyone is allowed in, just not during prayer. The mosque blocks are made of corals that fit perfectly together. No type of mortar was used during construction. This causes genuine amazement!

Timu Palace. The place where the country's first sultan was born. In 1986 it was restored and opened to the public. It is a place of pilgrimage for local nationalists.

National Maldivian cuisine

Tourists coming to the Maldives eat fish with rice and sauce. Rarely do people decide to try traditional Maldivian cuisine. Such an experience could be an excursion to the capital of the country, where you can try National dishes local cuisine in restaurants. Fish is the main dish in the Maldives. This is not surprising when you consider that the entire island is an ocean.

Most of all, the islanders love tuna. This is their main dish. It can be fresh, boiled, dried, dried, smoked or canned. There is no gas in the houses here. Cooked on wood-fired stoves. To prevent smoke from entering the house, the kitchen is located separately from the main living space.

It is hardly worth listing the names of local dishes. You won't remember them anyway. Let's focus on the main products from which these dishes are prepared. This is coconut, onion, chili, lime juice, maize, salt, flour. Various types of flatbreads and fillings are very popular here. The products we listed above are placed inside, the dough is pinched and baked, just as we bake pies in a frying pan.

They love tuna broth here. Tourists enjoy eating it as a first course. The islanders use this broth when stewing rice, to which they also add coconut milk, lime, chili and onions. The diet of local residents here also includes concentrated tuna paste. It is used to prepare dishes from already cooked rice. This dish is called here - rihaakuru. You can buy it ready-made in the store and try it by spreading it on bread. That is, make yourself a sandwich.

There is a dish here that is prepared from dried fish and curry sauce. It's terribly spicy. Rice is also a staple food. Breadfruit is also used. Breadfruit is sliced, fried and considered a snack. Taro and sweet potato are local vegetables. They are also widely used in the local diet. Chicken - this should already be some kind of big celebration: a wedding, a religious holiday.

Meals in the Maldives are traditional - thinly sliced ​​nuts, betel leaves, and paste are served. You just need to chew all this. Locals It is believed that this chewing aids digestion. This is such a simple food. For us, this is just the ideal diet. Anyone who wants to lose weight, go to the Maldives. This diet, plus swimming, lying in the sun, traveling around the country, snorkeling and the kilograms disappeared.

Local drinking water, by our standards, is not suitable for drinking, so buy purified drinking water.

Some drinks in the Maldives are locally made. Coca-Cola is produced here by purifying sea ​​water on special equipment. They also produce their own mineral water. If you want something stronger, you can only afford it in bars at resorts. Alcohol is not sold in stores. You will also be pleased here with the food that we are all accustomed to.

Based on all of the above, the Maldives can be safely classified as a paradise for relaxation; any person who loves beach holidays and solitude with nature absolutely needs to go there.

Video review from tourists about their trip to the Maldives