Maldives

The pearls of the Indian Ocean, as it is popularly known, are situated in the South West of Sri Lanka, on the equator. The numerous coral reef islands, 1,190 in total , form an archipelago of 26 major atolls ( groups of neighbouring coral islands). The country stretches 820 km north to south and 120 km east to west. Out of the incredibly large number of islands only 200 islands are inhabited, with 44 islands adapted as exclusive resort islands.

Male
Male is the main island that serves as the capital of tropical Maldives that is a delightful group of pristine un spoilt islands on the Indian Ocean that reflects hues of sepia, turquoise and glittering aqua. Male is the main commercial center of Maldives and is the busiest areas of all the inhabited islands on paradisiacal islands. With an area of 1.77 square kilometers, Male is dotted with enchanting tourist attractions.There are numerous places to see and have a memorable fun time in Male.

Kudahuvadhoo
The island of Kudahuvadhoo has one of the mysterious mounds known as hawittas. They are probably the ruins of Buddhist temples, but have not been thoroughly investigated by archaeologists. Thor Heyerdahl explored the island and commented that its old mosque had some of the finest masonry he had ever seen, surpassing even the famous Inca wall in Cuzco, Peru.

Seenu
Seenu is the southernmost atoll of the Maldives. Visit the fishing villages and observe charming traditional lifestyle. You will be amazed by the majestic turquoise lagoons, beautiful coral reefs, abundant marine life, unspoiled white beaches and swaying palm trees. See her beauty shine just once and Seenu Atoll will never let you go.

Activities and Tours

Banana Reef
Banana Reef lies on the eastern side of the North Male Atoll inside the barrier reef. This reef with its elongated form, which is in fact reminiscent of a banana in shape, stretches from northeast to south over a length of 300 metres. Ever since scuba divers began to visit this part of the North Male 20 years ago Banana Reef has remained an ideal spot.

Fish Head
A very popular dive site this is about 100m long and 60m wide with its reeftop at 10m. The southern side of the thila drops down steeply in two steps from 8m to 20m and from 20m to the atoll plate at 42m. On the southeastern corner there is a large overhang known as The Fish Head. Blue lined snappers, greay reef sharks, napoleon wrasse and schoals of fusiliers and yellow grunts.

Hukuru Miskiiy
Built in the 17th century the Huskuru Miskiiy or Friday Mosque served the population of Male' as their main mosque for almost four centuries, until the Islamic Centre and Grand Friday Mosque took over the function in 1984. Built by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar in 1656 the mosque is a masterpiece of coral curving and traditional workmanship probably the best display of coral curving anywhere in the world.

National Museum
Many of the National Museum's exhibits are things once owned by local sultans. Some of the fabrics are beautiful, especially the rich brocades. Weapons include bonthi sticks, which were used in martial arts. Especially interesting are the pre Islamic stone carvings collected by Thor Heyerdahl and others from sites all over the country.

Wreck of the Maldive Victory
Maldives Victory wreck lies at a depth of 35 meters on the western side of Hulhule Airport Island. It was in 13 February 1981, the 110 meters long vessel cruising at top speed sank deep inside the deep blue sea near the Hulhule Island. The cargo ship has bolt upright with its mast intact. Maldives Victory wreck is the must dive location with historical background. It has been included in the marine protected area and is now a home to innumerable colorful fish and flora.

Travel Tip and useful information

Climate
The climate is generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through with average temperature around 29 to 32 degrees Celsius.

Time Zone
Standard Time is 5 hours ahead Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+5).

Population
The country's 2000 population census shows a total of 270,101 people living in the country. Almost 2/3 of this figure resides in the capital island Male'.

Currency and credit cards
The Maldivian currency is Rufiyas and Laaris (1M Rf = 100 Laaris). The American Dollar is the most common foreign currency. Payments in the resorts can be made in most hard currencies in cash, traveller's cheques or credit cards. The most commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card.

Dress Code
Dress is generally casual. T shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In the inhabited islands, it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much.