Maldives island where is located. Where are the Maldives located on the world map. Brief information about the country

Basic moments

The Maldives offers generous sunshine, glamorous sifted sand beaches, turquoise bounty lagoons and fantastic diving 365 days a year. And it is also a delightful atmosphere of complete relaxation, respectable laziness and detachment from everyday problems. Whatever economic cataclysms shake the planet, this Asian resort continues to live in its relaxed rhythm, independent of the mainland. The classical Islamic state with its traditional taboo on everything that contradicts religious canons has managed to adapt to the free customs of the tourist elite, while absolutely not compromising its own traditions. The Maldives is the very place where the roads of visitors and indigenous people (unless they are hotel employees) almost do not intersect, and the bank account, no matter how solid they are, can be reset in a matter of days. It is in the Maldives that you can arrange 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 ocean views.

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 settled by immigrants from neighboring India and Sri Lanka. It was the first settlers who brought Buddhism to the islands, which in the 12th century supplanted Islam, actively implanted by the Arabs who arrived here.

Beginning with mid XVI centuries the Portuguese and Dutch began to claim the territory of the Maldives. But the local inhabitants were in no hurry to turn their country into a raw material appendage of an 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 full independence from Britain, which was granted 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, and the average air temperature often fluctuates between + 24 ... + 33 ° C. The main climatic differences depend on the two monsoon seasons. The winter northeastern monsoon, which blows from January to March, occurs during the peak season, brings dry weather and coincides 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, and the sunniest months are March, as well as before and after.

Geography

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

For the most part, the Maldives are small, and the area of the individual islands is even tiny. Almost each of these pieces of land has its own coral "shield", so the main feature of local beaches is that they almost never storm, and the water near the coast retains amazing transparency.

The main resort area of the country is formed by the northern atolls, which guarantee their guests the highest level of service and complete privacy. The South Atolls are lagging behind in terms of tourism development, but it is easy to predict that they will also "catch up" in the foreseeable future, given that their lagoons are full of suitable diving spots.

But tour operators reached the far southern atolls relatively recently, so while these islands continue to be inhabited by the Maldivians themselves. This, of course, does not mean that the ubiquitous backpacker's foot has not stepped here - quite the opposite, given the fact that distant atolls are perhaps the only place in the country where a tourist thirsty for national flavor can freely contact the local inhabitants. In other parts of the resort, you will not 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 vegetation in the Maldives is even worse. Mostly the tourist will have to admire the coconut palms and bananas, which are cultivated in huge quantities on the islands. True, one has only to leave the coast and plunge into the azure ocean waves, and completely different Maldives will appear before you - bizarre, full of life and the most incredible colors. The reefs surrounding the resort are home to over 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 tight populated city on the southern coast of the 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 the same India. Close streets, high-rise buildings close to each other, a littered port and a permanent symbol of any Islamic country - a mosque. There are almost no significant attractions in the city, so tourists arriving in the Maldives do not stay in Male. Unless they go to the local market to gaze at the abundance of fish rows, or, if urgently needed, walk to the hospital.

Locals and national traditions

As in any Islamic state, the Maldives has a strong religious tradition. The indigenous people do not drink alcohol and never sell it, or rather, they try to pretend that they are sick of it, and they also hide their women under shapeless robes. Such a 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 will never taste for themselves.

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

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

Code of etiquette and rules of conduct at the resort

In the Maldives, there are a lot of restrictions, non-compliance with which entails serious problems. For example, on the most beautiful beaches on the planet, it is forbidden to sunbathe topless, let alone completely naked. Walking around cities and towns in ultra-short tops and shorts is also not recommended, as well as chipping off branches of local corals in memory of the trip. Lovers of fishing near the coast and spearfishing it is better not to talk about your addiction at all: such types of fishing in the Maldives are equated with poaching. And for throwing garbage and drinking alcohol outside the hotel, hefty fines are imposed.

Video: Maldives from above

Maldives beaches

It is a thankless task to list the beaches of the resort, which consists of almost 2,000 islands, so it is easier to name the most popular and well-groomed ones. In North Male Atoll, these are Banyan Tree and Naladu. Do not suffer from a shortage of swimmers, Nothing and San, belonging to the Ari Atoll. 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 dolphin behavior. The islands of Kunfadu and Hadahaa were occupied by the owners of fat wallets, while incorrigible romantics flock to the Vaadu coast, dreaming of meeting the dawn on a luminescent beach. Surfers and other wave catchers hang out at Kunuhura Island, where their unofficial headquarters are located - Pasta Point Resort.

Attractions and entertainment in the Maldives

Once you get to know the amazing beaches of the Maldives and discover all the delights of the all inclusive system, you will hardly want to go anywhere else. Well, if such a desire still appears, then take a ride to 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 Great Friday Mosque, erected 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 to this pretentious institution is endless, and for an exclusive entourage visitors are required to pay an inadequate amount, but if you believe the lucky ones who managed to appreciate the local service, it's worth it.

It is certainly hard to find a more comfortable place than a tropical island with upscale hotels, great food and impeccable, friendly staff. But if you have come to the Maldives for at least a couple of weeks, then, most likely, you will want to see what is hidden outside the border of a cozy hotel. Traveling around the Maldives is not easy, especially if you try to do it yourself, but there is the opportunity to join an organized excursion. It can be as aimless boating in search of a suitable angle for a selfie against the backdrop of sunset, or visiting a Maldivian village and getting to know the life of the islanders. You can relieve the burden of worries (and extra money) by ordering an air trip on a seaplane, or by 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, which places you can visit and which trips to take is entirely determined by the location of the resort you are visiting. True, here you will find little variety, because one island is not much different from another. Perhaps only a trip to Male will give new impressions. Most of the resorts located near the capital can organize a one-day excursion for their guests. And although all the sights of Male are collected in one place and can be viewed in just a couple of hours, it is worth staying here overnight to get a taste of the capital and find out how its inhabitants have fun after the sun goes down below the horizon and the heat subsides. This can be done by taking a day boat trip to the capital, having previously booked a hotel room, and returning the next day with a day trip. You can also take a 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 journeys when you charter a boat or go on a safari (passengers live on their boat in the open ocean). The travel conditions depend entirely on the size of your wallet. On most boats, passengers are not provided with private cabins, but with berths separated by curtains, and it is assumed that the tourists themselves will do the routine daily work.

More comfort is offered by boats such as the Atoll Explorer, which have air-conditioned cabins and a swimming pool on the upper deck. Private yachts are for the very wealthy, famous and influential people as well as oligarchs who avoid resorting to resort rooms.

If these prices are a bit out of your budget, you can charter a speedboat with a team for the day at the resort. It will cost no more than $ 200. Ordering from the pier in Male will be cheaper due to the competition. To further reduce the price, it is possible to charter a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat, but then you will not be able to travel long distances.

If you want to taste sweet life and sailing on a luxury yacht, day cruises on yachts are offered in Kuredu on Lhaviani Atoll, and night trips can be booked privately. The yacht is also available at W Retreat & Spa in Ari Atoll.

Uninhabited islands

Paradoxically, uninhabited islands may be the busiest after Male. Often they are "adopted" by certain resorts, which build various utilities, cafes there and send their guests there on a day trip to have a picnic, snorkelling and just swimming. And since several groups of tourists come ashore at once, it would be somewhat incorrect to call these islands “uninhabited”.

There are tourists who want to visit the uninhabited islands of the Maldives on a smaller scale. Some resorts organize private dining on the sand for two or more guests and even provide overnight stays. Visitors are given a flag that should be raised in case of danger.

If money is not a problem for you, you can rent an entire resort: many small islands can be a safe haven for wealthy people. For example, the boat-only part of Soneva Gili can be rented in its entirety.

Village islands

In the Maldives, excursions to nearby villages are very popular among tourists. Some resorts have a close relationship with the islands on which the villages are located, and regularly bring 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 a visit to a desert island.

The Maldivian villages that you will enter on this guided tour will not provide a complete picture of the life of the local people. There you will see crowds of tourists milling about and a market that has arisen with the special purpose of meeting their needs, and not at all the needs of local residents. But 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 correctness of resorts.

It takes a lot of effort to visit a "real village" in the Maldives somewhere far from the beaten track. Firstly, it is not cheap (you have to rent a separate boat because transport going to the inland atolls does not take foreigners on board). Second, there are many bureaucratic hurdles to overcome, such as obtaining permission to visit the inland atolls from the administration of the ministry located in Male. And in order to get it, you need confirmation from the person living on the island you are going to visit. All this, of course, deprives acquaintance with the real life of the archipelago of spontaneity. If your resolve is unshakable, a travel agent in Male will help you overcome bureaucratic hurdles.

Diving

The masters of scuba gear and action cameras in the Maldives will find perfectly warmed 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 outside the reefs, so beginners are better off dabbling 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 that abundance of plankton, which happens with the arrival of monsoons. Coral slides, sunken ships (wrecks), inter-island straits - all these are the traditional routes of heroes in wetsuits.

One or another type of diving can be done in almost all resorts, but the conditions vary significantly. On some islands, scuba diving is not the top spot on the list of sports on offer. This means that both diving spots and scuba diving courses will be quite limited, which is more suitable for beginners or regular scuba divers.

However, true Maldives scuba diving fans have something more to claim. The resorts most popular with scuba diving fraternities offer a wide range of courses such as VIT, CMAS, SSI, PADI, NAUI, ANDI and RAB where you can upgrade your skills. They also provide additional and safety equipment, such as underwater video cameras. The choice may also be influenced by the presence of nitrox and a decompression chamber, as well as the proximity of the resort to places suitable for diving.

Most of the local diving centers are located on the basis of 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 dive 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 into uninhabited islands, it is much cheaper than diving with accommodation in a hotel, and, finally, a yacht trip is an almost guaranteed opportunity to meet local sharks, which are exactly what those who come to Maldives scuba divers.

Video: Diving in the Maldives

Ranking of the best diving spots in the Maldives

Male Atoll

Banana reef;
Lyons Head;
Manta Point;
Old Shark Point;
wreckage of the ship "Victoria";
Poodle Place;
Rainbow Reef;
Hans Place.

South Male Atoll

Vadu cave;
Guraidhoo Strait.

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

Northern atolls

The North Atolls are one of the main tourist destinations in the Maldives. Now the number of resorts has barely passed the double-digit number, but this figure will steadily increase. It is planned to develop the virgin atolls, which will provide visitors with even more peace and privacy. Since there are much fewer cruising ships 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 have to contend with hundreds of competitors, so they try to differentiate themselves by offering more brilliant deals and interesting entertainment. One of these ideas is embodied on an island called Haydeway. This is a relatively new resort that boasts the first marina in the Maldives. It is designed to attract as many customers as possible. People who are accustomed to vacationing on yachts, such as, for example, the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, already regularly spend time in the North Atolls. They may be trying to avoid the busier islands near the capital. In hotels top class the guests are waiting for the appropriate service: this is the help of a butler, and a massage.

Guests who do not have their own yachts can be transported to hotels located on the northern islands by high-speed boats. The road will take just over two hours. Seaplane flights are much more likely, and more remote resorts sometimes organize their own commercial flights.

The beaches

In this part of the country, you will be able to see the same fantastic white-sand beaches lit by golden rays of the sun and washed by azure waves, as in other Maldivian atolls. But their seclusion guarantees you even more purity and virginity than in the central regions of the archipelago.

Diving

The relatively recent development of tourism in the Maldives, which began in the 1990s and also has not a large number of boats and ships sailing around the atolls keep these areas pristine and thus create excellent diving conditions. Both kailu (straits, channels between reefs) and tila (seamount, reef bank, the top of which is not visible from the surface) offer many opportunities for snorkeling. Diving in the Raa and Baa Atolls, west of the southern island group, includes the Khorubadu Tila Protected Area, inhabited by oceanic fish, occasionally hosted by gray reef sharks and eagle rays. Among the other thilas in the area stand out the liveliest Daravandu, as well as Beriyan Faro, Kottefaru Kuda and Vaadu, each of which promises a lot to true 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 suited to experienced divers and few areas are 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 have become part of underwater life over two decades on the ocean floor. The place where they flood is easy to find: the bow of the Skipjack II rises above the surface of the water. In addition, there are two great places and for kettlebell diving (an accumulation of corals a few meters from the surface of the ocean): Narcola, south of Huravali, rich in ridges and faults, and Maa, southwest of Kanuhuraa, where underwater currents create a fantastic variety of marine life. Another protected ocean area called Kuredu Express offers pleasant scuba diving, while Fushifaru Tila is 250 meters long with strong currents and is a great place for “advanced” divers.

Southern atolls

Given the proximity to Male, some of the South Atolls remain relatively undeveloped in terms of resort, 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 boat safaris that ply the archipelago in search of privacy and peace for their passengers.

If it were not for tourism, this zone could not have been called active at all, especially on the islands where they are engaged in fishing and agriculture... As in the North Atolls, the number of resorts here has barely exceeded the double-digit figure, along with those that developers are still working on. From Male to your resort, you can fly by seaplane in 35 or 45 minutes.

The beaches

The lack of heavy boating ensures crystal clear waters, and some even argue that the local beaches are some of the best in the Maldives. And although it is almost impossible to rank the countless coastlines while walking on the sands of Fileitio or Vilu Rif Resort, I really want to agree with them.

Diving

Directly below South Male Atoll, in Vaavu, is the country's longest pristine reef ridge, 55 km long. It stretches from Hurahu Kandu to the southernmost point of the atoll. The main scuba diving activity in these areas is Kaila drift diving, which has many excellent spots including Wattara Kanda, a protected area and a reef. Thila (underwater coral reefs) are also popular, 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 corals are simply dazzling.

Water sports

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

Far southern atolls

Maldives' southern atolls, some of which are located on the other side of the equator, are rare islands where tourists freely mingle with the local population. The Equatorial Village is located on the island of Gan, which belongs to the southernmost atoll of Sina, where there are traces of the British presence. Previously, there were two Royal Air Force bases, which were dismantled in 1976, but the English lawns and the 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 reaching the water. This became possible thanks to the dam, which was built by the British, connecting Gan with three islands - Feidu, Marada and the main atoll Hitadu - to the northeast of it. No special permission is required to visit these locally inhabited islands, which is why independent tourists love to come here who are curious to see real life Maldivians. A relatively inexpensive (by Maldivian standards, of course) stay at the resort attracts a whole crowd of backpackers here.

Until recently, Gan was a rather sleepy island, but in the near future that should change. The fact is that the local airport has been brought in line with international standards, and now it can receive more tourists who want to visit resorts, the number of which is steadily increasing. Ghana's geographic isolation has caused differences in culture and language, as well as flora and fauna, so travelers can experience very different experiences from this island than from the rest of the Maldives. For many years Gan remained the only island in the group of far southern atolls on which a resort was built, but now it is starting to experience competition from its neighbors.

The beaches

If you prefer immaculate beaches, then it is better to settle somewhere else in the archipelago. The beauty of Gan is that you can freely walk around its beaches, which are not overseen by strict resort management, and mingle with the locals. You can swim at Koattey Beach, which is at the northern tip of Hitadu.

Diving

With an almost complete lack of tourist infrastructure, ocean life is thriving in these areas. In this sense, Sinu Atoll is especially attractive, where divers will not find a crowd of like-minded people. This atoll has escaped the coral efflorescence that has engulfed most of the archipelago, making it particularly attractive. Perhaps the most famous diving spot is the British Loyalty multi-ton tanker, 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 northeast of Hulumidu, named after the abundance of white and gray reef sharks.

Getting to know local life

Not to be missed is the rare chance to experience a real Maldivian village. Travel to the islands by motorcycle, bike, or on foot (there are tours to the equatorial village). There you will see mosques, schools and the remains of a British stay. At the far end of the dam is the most beautiful part of the atoll, the capital of Hitadu. In the center, there are many tea houses and a stadium where you can even watch the competition. And on the lake with fresh water Eidigali-Kili you can admire birds.

A wedding in the Maldives is no longer a fashionable trend, but rather a pretentious tradition that stubbornly does not give up positions, demonstrating the level of consistency of the spouses. You can order a ceremony in the best traditions of soap operas, which includes 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 rufiyaas (11,000 rubles). Fans of extreme and non-trivial experiences in the Maldives are offered an underwater version of the solemn event. Prices for a wedding at the bottom of the sea in the company of experienced dive instructors are already more serious - around 3993 rufiyaa (15,500 rubles).

The other side of the Maldivian paradise

The most fashionable resort in the world has practically no natural sources of 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, therefore it is subjected to demineralization. However, it is still of little use for drinking, since it has a meager shelf life, and therefore most tourists, and even indigenous people, prefer to buy bottled water.

Own power plants in the Maldives are a luxury item, which is why fuel generators are replacing them on a number of islands. And if on relatively inhabited atolls electricity is supplied around the clock, then where there are fewer people, the light is supplied only in the evenings and then for a couple of hours.

The problem of garbage in the island state was solved ingeniously and simply - they took a separate island for household waste. But since official landfills cannot accommodate the entire volume of accumulating waste, in some parts of the Maldives, this issue is approached with a great deal of creativity. For example, in some atolls, sewage water is used to feed green spaces and enrich the soil with fertilizer from fish giblets; in other parts of the resort, tourists are supplied with special bags for waste, which the guest must take with him after rest. However, with all efforts, it has not yet been possible to completely get rid of garbage, therefore, plastic, thrown out by passengers of yachts and boats, is nailed to 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 mainly staffed by staff from Sri Lanka, adapting food to their own culinary traditions. In the capital's eateries, however, mostly islanders work, so the food in them is the most authentic.

Oddly enough, but in a tropical paradise, culinary preferences are nowhere more modest. True, such unpretentiousness is a forced measure: in the Maldives, little grows, except for bananas and coconuts. The products here are imported and, therefore, expensive, so local chefs always have 1000 and one way of cooking rice with fish in stock.

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

The average Maldivian can season his "daily rice" with coconut or lime juice, onions and chili. The islanders' bread is replaced by the unleavened roshi flatbread (a local variation on the theme of Armenian lavash), and the main drink here is considered to be green tea with milk (masala). Maldivians do not drink alcoholic drinks, but they get their portion of alcoholic euphoria at the expense of raa - fermented palm juice. As for the desserts, almost all of them are coconut-based. The most striking representative of sweet dishes is the Bondi stick - a pressed and somewhat sugary treat made from coconut flakes, wrapped like a Havana cigar.

Most all inclusive hotels have 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 supported against the dollar, and its rate against other currencies is based on this, so there is no point in looking for a place where you can make a more profitable exchange. In circulation, there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rufiyaa and coins in 1 and 2 rufiyaa. Foreign currency exchange is carried out 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 go, American dollars and euros are accepted, they are also in circulation at all resorts. If you wish, you do not have to deal with cash at all, but ask to include all costs in the hotel bill and pay at the end of your stay with a credit card.

Fun fact: The Maldives print their rufiyaa on the same paper as America's dollars.

Tips

Tipping, which is very popular in nearby territories such as India, is not as strong in the Maldives. But low wages and tipping foreign visitors began to make a difference. In most resorts, a certain table is immediately assigned to the guest, so that the same waiter will serve him throughout the rest. If you have no desire to deal with small change in cash, then you can thank service staff on the last day. Some tour operators charge $ 10 per week. There is no need to tip taxi drivers or cafes. If you want to thank a local 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 an unassuming tourist in the Maldives, of course, there is something authentic or skillfully imitating this very authenticity. It is worth noting that most of the knick-knacks with supposedly Maldivian flavor, which are sold in shops in the capital, in fact, are not. All of these are, as a rule, 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, Huura, Rasdhoo, where for not the most modest sum, local craftsmen will gladly endow you with wooden boxes, miniature "donis", rugs made of palm fiber, colorful shells and funny coconut monkeys. Hunters "for something like that" will surely be persuaded to buy a Maldivian hookah gudo guda, which local grandmothers love to blow in for the coming sleep. If it didn't work out with a hookah, you won't be surprised with magnets and T-shirts, but you still want to bring a material reminder of your vacation, take a closer look at the ritual drums of Badu Beru.

By the way, about T-shirts and magnets - you don't have to go far for them: all of Male's souvenir shops are filled with this good. 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 freezes on Friday, as well as five times a day for 15 minutes during prayer. Shops can start their work at 6.00, but most often they open at 8.00 or 9.00. They usually close at 20.00, but some may work until 23.00. Government offices and banks open at 7.30 or 8.00 and work 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 it for several years can obtain citizenship of the country.
The Maldives is in the top 10 countries in terms of divorce rate (about 50%). At the same time, citizens are criminally liable for adultery. Walkers to the left are here publicly "treated" with a whip.
The working week in the country starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday.
Entering the Maldives with a dog is strictly prohibited: according to the Quran, this animal is considered unclean.
The resort's motto is No news, no shoes! (No news, no shoes!)
There is no tax free system in the Maldives.
Male International Airport is located on an artificial island.
In the Maldives, not only the celebration of Halloween, but also the mention of it aloud is officially prohibited.
The Maldives has the most big fish in the world - a whale shark. Its size ranges from 5.5 to 10 meters, and people can admire how this whopper 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 clenched in your fist, hang out all weekend and still bring "change". On the one hand, there are several hostels and guest houses in the country, but even in such places a tourist will not be required to pay a modest sum. You can, of course, try to negotiate with the locals and settle with them, but this is rather an extreme option for backpackers and seasoned adventurers. On the other hand, people do not come to tropical paradise to count every bill and cut themselves off in everything, so why not relax in a big way.

Local classics - water bungalows ( wooden houses on piles, standing directly in the sea). For the waves lapping right under your feet and the exclusive opportunity of snorkeling at your own porch, you will have to pay an average of 5,153 to 20,6,611 rufiyaas (20,000 to 80,000 rubles). An excellent chance to combine comfortable living conditions and acquaintance with the most picturesque Maldivian atolls - yachts, renting a cabin on which at the price is equal to an excellent hotel room.

There are relatively few budget three-ruble hotels in the Maldives, and even those are mostly occupied by divers. Booking.com's top picks are Gunbaru Inn, Rihiveli by Castaway and Sun Tan Beach. There is a wide range of prices here: you can find a room for 902 rufiyaa (about 3500 rubles), or you can find it for 3865 (15000 rubles).

Security

In the Maldives, they are madly afraid of yellow fever, so they scrupulously check for the vaccination against this disease in all travelers who arrived from South America and Africa. For some reason, all other causative agents of infections do not cause interest in local doctors, but, just in case, it is better to pre-vaccinate against rubella, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever. If you are not coming from an infected area, then vaccinations are optional.

You shouldn't leave without a strategic stock of essential medicines - normal pharmacies in the resort can be found only in Male, while on most other islands the choice of medicines is extremely scarce, and hospitalization in this country costs decent money. It is also better not to show up on Maldivian beaches without good sunscreen, repellent and a bottle of water. Due to the high concentration of solar radiation, earn sunburn at the equator, you can not just wallow under a palm tree, but also sit up to your throat in the water.

Despite the fact that local beaches give the impression of calm and "lazy" places, do not rush to demonstrate your own prowess and swim behind the line of red flags that mark safe swimming areas. Of course, most of the hotels on the shore are guarded, but the underwater ocean currents, which cannot be dealt with, have not yet been canceled.

Crime in the republic is minimized, so the Maldives can be safely called one of the safest resorts. In force majeure situations, when you cannot do without the help of law enforcement agencies, it is better to contact the hotel security, which will establish contact with the police station itself.

Connection

The resort's cellular services are provided by Dhiraagu and Ooredoo, whose SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or in specialized stores in Male. The call quality is pretty good, unless you've gone too far out to sea. It is customary to top up the phone balance using special cards, which are usually sold in hotels. A call to Russia from a Dhiraagu 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 street vendors). For wealthy tourists, there is such an exclusive option as landline calls from the hotel room. So if you are the lucky owner of a pair oil wells, - you can calmly solve business issues without leaving your bed.

Free Wi-Fi in the Maldives is a rare beast that lives exclusively in hotels. Those who are unlucky with the hotel can go to the Internet cafes of the capital, having lowered in them from 45 to 150 rufiyaas (175-582 rubles) per hour of online surfing, or connect the necessary service from one of the local mobile operators, thereby robbing himself of at least 290 rufiyaa (1125 rubles).

How to call Maldives

To call from Russia to the Maldives, dial:

from a landline phone: 8-10-960 (Maldives code) - desired city code - subscriber number;
from a 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-digit.

How to call abroad

To call Russia from Maldives, dial:

from a landline phone: 00 - 7 - required city code - subscriber's number in Russia (00 - international line prefix; 7 - Russian telephone code);
from a mobile phone: +7 - subscriber's number. International operator - 190; help desk - 11.

Transport

Land transport in the Maldives is absent as such, since the vast majority of the local islands can be bypassed on foot. And only in Male 'a tourist can afford the luxury of taking a ride for 27 rufiyaas (97 rubles) by taxi or 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 rufiyaas (9,316-11,645 rubles), but it gives 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 distance 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 amount of the ferry will be from 31 to 46 rufiyaas (approximately 120-179 rubles). The main airport of the Maldives is located adjacent to the capital, on the small island of Hulhule. This is where all international flights arrive.

Insurance

We highly recommend getting insurance, especially if you are going to spend time on the island; Delivery to the hospital in case of danger can cost a tidy sum. Buying insurance in no way will ruin you: a two-week trip will cost you about one euro per day. If you travel frequently, it is more profitable to buy an annual policy. The package may not include the risk of active recreational activities such as scuba diving. When choosing a policy, be sure to consider this.

Visa information

When entering the Maldives, a tourist visa for Russian citizens is put in the passport free of charge, for a period of 30 days. A foreign guest will be required to have a passport valid for at least six months, return tickets, a receipt confirming tourist services, and the presence of an amount of money at the 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 to the resort duty-free cigarettes (no more than 200 pieces) and perfumes in an amount not exceeding 125 ml. But goods worth more than $ 200 (about 12,000 rubles) will have to be declared.

Save money and nerves, once and for all abandoning the attempt to smuggle alcohol to the Maldives (even bought in Duty free shops). Alcohol will still be taken away from you and disposed of. The same fate will befall pork delicacies and pornographic magazines. You should also be more careful with local souvenirs: no one will be released from the equatorial paradise with pearl oysters, corals and turtle shell products (unless these are certified products). It is allowed to carry a certain amount of presents and tobacco. Carriage of weapons or drugs is considered the gravest offense. The punishment can be life imprisonment.

Airports

For those who travel a lot to the countries of the Indian subcontinent, the international airport in Male will seem like a breath of fresh air. Here, unlike other airports in the region, civilized tranquility 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 different resorts and tour operators. Find the one you need and a representative will tell you all the details about the transfer. If your resort is nearby, a speed boat will suffice, if it is far away, then you may have to get there by seaplane. In any case, you will receive precise instructions and leave the airport in a planned manner without hindrance. When you return to the reception at the hotel, they will also explain all the details in detail.

If you are a rare type of independent traveler, chances are you should go to Male. Ferries run round the clock between the capital and the island where the airport is located. They depart from the main pier at Thulhula and dock at Moles 9 and 10 in Male. Boats start every 15 minutes or when crowded, the trip costs 10 rufiyaa or $ 1. For about $ 10, you can rent a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat, which is now powered by a motor.

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

In the Maldives, you have the opportunity to visit another, 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 subject of jokes for resort companies. One of the floating platforms has a sign that reads: "Welcome to Soneva Fushi International Airport."

How to get there

Regular flights to the Maldives from Moscow are carried out by the following airlines:

Aeroflot - direct flights from Sheremetyevo twice a week.
Turkish Airlines - flights from Vnukovo with a transfer in Istanbul.
Qatar Airlines - flights from Domodedovo with a connection in Doha.
Emirates - with a transfer 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 cities of Russia. Delivery to the hotel usually falls on the shoulders of tour operators, whose representatives meet their clients as soon as they leave the plane.

The Maldives is considered one of the most wonderful and mesmerizing places on the planet, a special paradise.

The white sand on the beaches of the Maldives, the piercing blue sky above them and the water as transparent as a baby's tear, attract thousands of tourists.

In this article, you will find out what charms the Maldives has, where they are on the world map and why you should definitely visit them.

In contact with

classmates

Where are the Maldives?

Their location is almost at the very equator, from which it follows that the islands are always warm and the temperature ranges from twenty-eight to thirty degrees.

The islands are elongated and, according to Wikipedia, extend 820 kilometers from north to south and 120 kilometers from west to east.

The Maldives are ordinary coral formations with no mountains or volcanoes. The world ocean level rises every year, and this factor threatens the complete destruction of this beautiful and calm place, where luxurious and rich hotels are located. Scientists agree that in the next thirty to forty years, the Maldives will disappear from the face of the earth and completely plunge into the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives are quite small and it is not so easy to find the archipelago on the map. They are found in the Indian Ocean, near Sri Lanka and India. The total area of the islands is about ninety thousand square kilometers, but most of this is the sea. The archipelago consists of thousands of small islands, but not all of them are inhabited, and only eighty-eight are considered intended for recreation. The rest are home to the indigenous people of the Maldives and tourists prefer not to appear in their area.

The way from Moscow to the Maldives is eight and a half hours.

Weather

The island is devoted to the effects of different monsoons, which have different directions. In this regard, from November to March in the Maldives, the weather is dry, and at the end of summer it is more rainy. You can swim here regardless of the season, because the water temperature never drops below twenty-four to twenty-seven degrees.

Flora and fauna

In the country you will not find a single poisonous reptile, so there is nothing to fear. Interestingly, keeping dogs is prohibited by law, so you will not face another nuisance in the form of a dog bite. Some tourists get scared to learn that whale sharks live very close to the islands. But despite this, swimming remains completely safe, because this species of shark does not feed on anything other than plankton.

In order to preserve and conserve the flora and fauna of the Maldives, strict restrictions have been developed related to scuba diving. Thus, it is forbidden to descend more than thirty meters, spend more than an hour under water, and also each driver should have a special dive computer with him.

An absolute paradise will be for lovers of a wide variety of fruits. There are a huge number of them, which is facilitated by the climate. The flowers and vegetation on the islands are extraordinarily beautiful. Everything is fragrant, striking in its brightness and splendor. Breadfruit, banana palms and bamboo are most common in the Maldives. Among the exotic flowers of Ernadia are jug-leaved and Erminalia katappa. It is easy to meet bats and flying foxes in the Maldives.

You can stay on the paradise islands for no more than thirty days. You should know that the customs office will certainly check whether you comply with the rules according to which the country import of the following items is prohibited:

pork
animals
alcohol
pornographic products
anti-Islamic literature

Moreover, women who appear in public should remember that in order to avoid trouble, their clothes should be selected so that their knees and shoulders remain covered.

Despite the many bans that seem strange to us, but very important for the locals, this country remains a particularly attractive holiday destination due to its seclusion, tranquility and beautiful landscapes.

Many tourists ask themselves: do they understand Russian in the Maldives and will life be hard there without knowing English in the country? There is really nothing to be afraid of. At the airport you will be met by a Russian-speaking person representing the agency who will help you with any questions. In addition, in good hotels, the administrators are fluent in both Russian and English.

In order to avoid health problems, it is recommended to take out insurance, as medicine in the country is paid. And also get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

Rules of conduct on the islands the following:

spearfishing is strictly prohibited
also prohibited unauthorized fishing
corals and starfish cannot be taken out from under the water
swimming naked

- an island state in the south of Asia, in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. There are over 2000 small islands. The maritime boundaries lie in the Indian Ocean.

The name of the country comes from the Sanskrit dwipa - "island".

Official name: Maldives

Capital: Male

The area of the land: 298 sq. km

Total population: 395 K people

Administrative division: The country is divided into 20 island groups.

Form of government: Republic.

Head of State: President elected for a term of 5 years.

Population composition: 99% are Maldivians (ethnogenesis is not completely clear), as well as Arabs and immigrants from the African continent.

Official language: Maldivian (Dhivehi). English is widely spoken in the capital Male and in the resorts.

Religion: Almost the entire population is Sunni Muslim.

Internet domain: .mv

Mains voltage: ~ 230 V, 50 Hz

Country dialing code: +960

Climate

Tropical marine. The temperature throughout the year on average does not drop below +25 C, even at night. The average temperature is about +28 C all year round (the daytime maximum is about +32 C, the night minimum is +25 C). The amount of precipitation is about 2500 mm. per year, and most often in the form of short rains in the evening and at night. The water temperature is also constant - about + 24-27 С all year round.

The best weather conditions are observed during the Iruvai period (November-December to March-April, the northeast monsoon season), when the sea is calm and the weather is sunny and dry. From May to October, during the "hulhangu" season (April to October), the weather is less predictable - the southwest monsoon can bring intermittent rains, high humidity and choppy seas (although it is the least hot during this period). Storms and waves are most likely in June and December.

Geography

The island state of the Maldives is 700 km away. southwest of Sri Lanka, in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. Two almost parallel chains of islands, bordered by coral reefs, and lying at a relatively small distance from each other, stretch for 820 km. from North to South. There are 1196 islands in total, forming 26 atolls, of which only 199 are inhabited and about 100 are open to the public. total area the country is about 90 thousand square meters. km., land - only 298 sq. km.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

Forests cover no more than 3% of the islands' area. On many islands, coconut palms grow, which do not suffer from soil salinity, banana groves and a dense shrub cover, in some places mangroves, and in the depths of the islands there are banyan trees, pandanus and various thorny plants.

Animal world

The coastal waters are abundant in fish. There are sea turtles, which have been intensively exterminated by the population for a long time. Their meat and fat were used for food, and their shells were used for various crafts. Currently, turtles are on the verge of extinction and are protected by law. Since 1996, the Million Trees environmental protection program has been in place. Within its framework, nurseries have been created in which seedlings are grown for further planting on the islands of the archipelago.

Traditional activities of the Maldivians - collecting cowrie shells and growing coconut tree giving copra, vegetable oil and palm leaf. Crops such as rice, taro, millet, corn, sweet potatoes, and cassava are also cultivated. Of the industrial sectors, fish processing is developed.

sights

The Maldives are widely known for their resort atolls, each of which is its own unique world, surrounded by pristine coral beaches and an indescribable blue sea. This is a "place at the end of the world", where there is no noise of cities and annoying signs of civilization, where only exotic nature and endless expanses of the ocean.

Numerous underwater coral reefs and caves stretch throughout the Maldives archipelago, lush tropical vegetation emphasizes the pristine and unique beauty of the islands, and the ancient culture of the local people creates a unique environment for a secluded getaway.

Banks and currency

Maldives rupees (rufiyaa). One rupee is equal to 100 lari. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 rupees. And also coins of 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lari. USD and major credit cards are widely accepted, so it is not necessary to exchange dollars for local currency upon arrival.

In Male, banks and exchange offices are concentrated on Marine Drive. They are open from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm, Sunday through Thursday (like in many other Muslim countries, Friday and Saturday are weekends in the Maldives). On departure, the remaining rupees are allowed to be exchanged back for dollars. Currency exchange can be carried out not only at the bank, but also in a number of large stores, which have a special sign next to the signs of international tourist cards.

Useful information for tourists

It is forbidden to drink alcohol in public places (outside the resort area). It is recommended to drink bottled water and soft drinks. Local water, although it is purified quite thoroughly (often it is desalinated sea water), but due to the high temperature it quickly deteriorates.

Traditional Islamic norms of behavior are strong in the country, but without the slightest sign of bigotry. The restrictions are the same as in Oman. Taking pictures in mosques is prohibited. The guards of the mosque usually insist on accompanying the tourist, hoping to take a fee, but in fact, you can inspect the mosque on your own. Swimming in the nude is prohibited on all islands in the archipelago, with the exception of Kuramati Island. You can bargain in markets and private shops, but the amount of the "discount" is usually small.

Spearfishing and unauthorized fishing are prohibited (all types of sea fishing are freely organized in hotels), it is strictly not allowed to lift corals (both living and dead), shells and other marine life from the bottom of the sea. Heavy fines are charged for violation. The country has one of the largest markets in the region selling shells, corals and various exotic marine animals, so you can always buy these souvenirs without breaking local laws.

Officially, tips are not accepted, but unofficially, if the service really deserves it, it is customary to leave a small amount to the personally serving employee ($ 10 per week to the hotel employee or 5% to the waiter). Some resorts include payment for services in the bill (usually 10%), in which case a tip is not necessary. In the case of renting a boat or speedboat, the amount should be negotiated in advance.

Maldives - perfect place for those who dream to escape from civilization and the constant bustle of the city. Here you can feel complete harmony with nature of stunning beauty and thoroughly relax.

The first question that interests all tourists who are going to travel to this resort is something like this: Where is the Maldives? Let's try to figure it out.

Pick up a map of the world and find the Indian Ocean in a part of Asia. Right in the middle of the ocean, you can see two lines of islands that are parallel to each other. They are very close to the equator line. This is the point we are looking for.

On one of the islands - Hulule, there is a convenient international airport. One kilometer away is the capital of the Maldives - Male, which can be reached by a special boat transfer in just ten minutes.

Consider a possible common to the place where the famous Maldives are located, from several popular cities in Russia:

From Moscow - 8-8.5 hours.
From St. Petersburg - 10.5 on the way and 6.5 hours between flights.
From Vladivostok - 12 hours on the road and 5.5 hours between flights.
From Yekaterinburg - 12.5 hours on the way and 3.5 hours between flights.

Now, having a clear idea of the location of the Maldives, you should safely choose the date of your trip, the best option for a flight and go on a journey for a mass of vivid and unforgettable impressions. The nature of these places is truly amazing and unique. Here you can fully enjoy the alluring noise of azure sea waves and the pleasant warmth of the hot tropical sun.

The Maldives is a separate state, territorially consisting of disparate areas of land. They are not part of another country, but have an independent status. The state became famous for its islands with white beaches, unique nature with resorts of a high level of service.

What the Maldives looks like - a map of the islands with a detailed description is presented below.

Where are the islands of the Maldives on the world map

The Maldives is one of the countries located on the equator. The territory of the state is located between the South and North Poles. Washes the atoll-islands of the Indian Ocean between the continents of Asia and Africa. The state is located near Sri Lanka and the Indian subcontinent. To the southwest are the Seychelles. Crossed by the equatorial waters of Fuvahmulah Island, which is home to rare species birds and other animals not found elsewhere in the Maldives. The border also passes through the Addu, Gaafu Dhaalu and Gaafu Alif atolls.

The total area of the Maldives is 90,000 square meters, all of them are surrounded by the waters of the Indian Ocean. The state includes 1,196 coral islands with a length of more than 1,000 km. They are united in 26 "atolls", so named because of the peculiarities of education. Most of them have a house reef for protection from water destruction, others have an external one that allows you to keep the territory unchanged.

There is a version according to which the atolls were formed from extinct volcanoes, since the islands inside them are circular.

The islands of the Maldives on the world map are viewed on Google maps in two modes: Satellite - a photo from a satellite from Space, Earth - with the option to search for a specific atoll, hotel or city.

Maldives islands map with designation is available in the Hybrid feature with highway numbers, public transport stops, administrative buildings, hotel names and infrastructure.

Maldives: map of islands with hotels

A feature of the Maldives is that almost every island is occupied by a separate hotel. This creates the impression of complete isolation from the world and solitude. The business center - the capital of Male is also located on separate islands of natural origin: South Male and Kaafu.

Only 10 atolls in the Maldives are inhabited:

Faadhihpolhu - Lhaviyani (Lavian);
Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi- Baa ( Baa);
Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi - Raa ( Raa);
Ari(Alif-Alif) - Alifu(Ari) Waavu(To Felidou) - Vaavu(Felidhu);
Nilandhe Atholhu Uthuruburi - Faafu (Faafu);
Meemu(Mulak) - Miemu(Mulak);
Nilandhe Atholhu Dhekunuburi - Dhaalu(Daalu);
Seenu(Addu) - Addu(To Siena.)

There is practically no local life on the atolls, but the best hotel complexes are based on them: Gaafu Alifu , Haa alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Nyavinani, Seenu, Haa dhaalu , Laamu, Shaviyani (Noonu) and Thaa.

The local names of the atolls are very complex, so it is customary to use abbreviated names.

It is quite difficult to show the islands on the map of the Maldives, since the land areas are very small and difficult to distinguish. When zoomed in on Google-maps, the islands stretched out in a chain from north to south are clearly visible.

And this is the Maldives - a world map in Russian. It is very easy to understand where you are going to go or where you are on it.