Officially the Republic of Maldives is a small archipelagic state in South Asia situated in the Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 700 kilometers (430 mi) from the Asian continent’s mainland.
Malé is the capital and the most populated city, traditionally called the “King’s Island” where the ancient royal dynasties ruled for its central location. Male City is the capital of the Maldives and sits at the southern rim of North Malé Atoll. Male Maldives is untouched by the human feet and is the most preferred gateway for honeymoon seekers, couples, and water sports lovers. It is a natural paradise with a lush island canopy and pictures of perfect sceneries that are an absolute treat for the eyes as well as the senses. You can escape from the hustle and bustle of the world in this natural hideaway that has palm-fringed lagoons and the most calming environment.
Male City is blessed with tons of attractions ranging from scenic parks to heritage museums and some of the most splendid art galleries. It also has an Artificial Beach where you can enjoy tons of enthralling water sports activities such as swimming, kayaking, and wakeboarding. If you’re a food lover, then you’re in for a treat as the city has some of the most lively cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a wide array of tasty cuisines. It also houses the Old Friday Mosque that is the oldest mosque in the city and is known for its splendid architecture.
When it comes to adventure and fun, you can try tons of enthralling activities in Male Maldives, ranging from swimming, fishing, and witnessing carnivals and parades. If you’re a shopping enthusiast, then you can stock up souvenirs for your friends and family members at Male Market that is the main shopping hub in the city. You can also buy fresh fishes at the Fish Market and marvel at the Munnaaru, which is the oldest building in the city.
The Maldives is a nation of islands in the Indian Ocean, that spans across the equator. The country is comprised of 1192 coral islands that stretch along a length of 871 kilometers. While the country covers an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers, only 298 square kilometers of that is dry land. The islands are grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls.
Of these islands, around 200 are inhabited by local people, and over 100 are private resort islands, specifically for tourists.
Flights from Europe, Middle East, and Southeast Asia operate to Velana International Airport, the main gateway to the Maldives. The highest international traffic is from Colombo, Sri Lanka, various Indian cities, and Dubai.
Scheduled ferry services also operate from Male’ to most of the atolls.
If you are traveling to a resort, your transfer will most likely be prearranged at the time of booking your accommodation. Transfers to resorts around the airport are by speedboat and transfers to resorts and islands further afield are by seaplane.
Year-round temperature hot tropical climate. The average high temperature is 31.5 degrees Celsius and the average low temperature is 26.4 degrees Celsius. The Southwest monsoon from May to October brings rain and the Northeast monsoon from November to April is generally sunny.
CURRENCY – The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency. All major credit cards are accepted in the country. Although as a tourist you really do not need to take much if any local currency. The best currency to take to the Maldives is either the Euro or the Dollar. Although many islands allow and some prefer you to pay by card.
Please note, traveler cheques are no longer accepted by Maldives banks so your island resort won’t take them. A
VISAS – All nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival, provided that you have a valid passport, an onward ticket to continue your journey and a reservation at a tourist facility or enough funds to cover your stay in the country. Foreign tourists can get an extension of another 60 days on request on the tourist visa but the application for the same needs to be submitted at least 2 days before the tourist visa expires
In order to enter Maldives, the Indian nationals visiting the Maldives as a tourist do not require any pre-arrival visa. A free Maldives Tourist Visa which is valid for approximately ninety days is issued to Indian nationals on arriving at the Male airport.
Visa Fees – The visa on arrival is exempted from any charges by the Maldives government. To extend the visa for a period of 60 days, an Indian national needs to pay an amount of Rs. 3500
1. Confirmed tickets to fly from the Maldives when your trip ends.
2. A valid passport that should have 6 months expiration from the date of arrival in the Maldives.
3. Confirmed hotel reservation and the vouchers that confirm the same.
4.The visitor should have enough money for the duration of his or her stay in the country.
- A passport that does not expire for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
- Two photographs of the applicant may be required.
- Proof of accommodation in the country.
- Air tickets to fly out of Maldives.