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Maldives
Republic of Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, 480 km southwest of India and 720 km west of Sri Lanka. The Maldives comprises about 1190 islands grouped into 20 atolls protected by surrounding coral reefs. Local residents live on 200 islands, while on 99 islands resorts are located. Coconut palms and various tropical plants grow in abundance on most islands.The country straddles the equator and has a tropical climate.
The population currently stands at about 350.000.
Capitol of Maldives is Male with population around 105.000.
A common language (Divehi) and religion (Islam) unite the people into cohesive, peaceful society. It is increasingly accessible by air as scheduled charter flights operate on a regular basis. The official currency in the Maldives is rufiyaa(MVR). The U.S. dollars are widely accepted and for one dollar you will get around 12.8 rufiyaa. If you are in Male or on a local island, all cash payments have to be in local currency. Situation is different in resorts, because you can pay all the bills in dollars or credit cards. Tourists are issued a maximum of 30 day tourist visa on arrival.
When to visit
Maldives enjoys a tropical climate with warm and sunny weather year round, with temperatures between 25-31 degrees Celsius. Weather is determined largely by two monsoon seasons; the Southwest monsoon from May to November and the Northeast monsoon from December to April. The Northeast monsoon is known by calm weather and is classified as the high season when the rates are high. Through the Southwest monsoon tropical shower can be expected, hence classified as low season, with lower rates and good promotions readily available during this period.
MaleInternational airport MLE is located on a separate small island Hulhule across from Male. Runway begins and ends in the sea.
When approaching the Male small number of people would expect that only a few meters from the sea awaits a number of modern glass buildings and heavy traffic. Many government agencies and institutions are located just on the coast. On the promenade is a presidential palace and across from it, in a separate part of the harbor is anchored luxurious presidential yacht that attracts tourists. Male is business and the commercial center of Maldives and was the royal monarchy island in the past.
Today, traces of this time cannot be seen, because after the abolition of monarchy remaining symbols such Royal palaces and fortresses are removed. Today nearly 105,000 people live on the island, thus Male is the second island in the world according to population density.
City is divided into four parts: Henveiru, Galolhu, Maafann and Machangolhi. Male includes three smaller islands: Vilimale - originally jail island and later tourist resorts, and two artificial island, inhabited in 2004.
In the interior of island is the historic center of Male. Near the mosques Munnar, one can see presidential residence (Muleeaage). Religious buildings are monumental in Male. One of most recognizable buildings is the Islamic Center (Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam) opened the 1984. Inside Islamic Center is a mosque, the largest in the Maldives, which can accommodate 5,000 worshipers. The oldest mosque (Hukuru Miskiiy) on the island was built 1656 and it was the main mosque till opening of Islamic Center. It is a masterpiece of traditional construction, with very striking coral-shaped filigree blocks. Through the massive wooden doors you can enter richly decorated construction with old wooden lamps and arabesques.
Atolls from the airAfter visiting the capital, you are ready to continue journey. From Male to some nearby resorts transport is possible by speedboats and luxury yachts. Just fifteen years ago most resorts were located near Male. With arrival of the seaplane and the introduction of daily flights, remote islands have become more accessible.
Today, some of them are from Male away as 500 kilometers and in this case seaplane transportation is required. For passengers from international flights who continue their journey by seaplanes, check in is carried out in the airport terminal building, at the counters of local air carriers.
All resorts are connected with local air carriers thus they receive information about your visit. If you pause at the Hulhule Island Hotel-in, the evening before the scheduled departure you will receive all information about your transfer to the airport, as well as the exact time of your charter flight. Seaplane flights among atolls are operated by Trans Maldivian Airways and Maldivian Air Taxi. Maldivian Air Taxi is connected with over 40 resorts and making up to 150 trips daily, carrying 1200 passengers per day. Capacity depends on a seaplane, VIP configuration has eight seats, while the standard is up to 18. Away you go, and since you do not fly at high heights, you enjoy clear views of beautiful lagoon turquoise blue tones and blue colors of the open sea. Some islands are populated, the others are resort, and the third deserted overgrown with tropical vegetation and palm trees. Seeing this, you would like to experience life alone in the style of Robinson Crusoe. Only for a moment small seaplane may remind you of James Bond films, so that you cannot wait that your tropical adventures begin.
Impressions are so strong, nature and colors amazing till after several days in this paradise will be difficult to remind yourself that you must leave and return to your daily lives. In short, you will forget that anything other exist beside white sandy beach and crystal clear waters of the ocean.
If you are romantic, if you love nature, if you seek peace, if you enjoy the luxury, if you're in love ... Maldives ...Like nowhere else in the world!
Written by: Marija Momcilovic - Travel Magazine
