The Maldives is completely an amazing tourist destination with white sand beaches, majestic islands, turquoise waters, and startling marine life. It attracts all types of tourists. It can be solo travelers, honeymooners, or families spending a tranquilizing vacation amidst the vast Indian Ocean. The Maldives is a perfect holiday destination for you and also for your family.
The Maldives is famous for many reasons, its vibrant culture, sprawling greenery, pristine beaches, and fascinating landmarks. Apart from the numerous enchanting landmarks, Maldives is also famous for water sports and other adventure activities. There are many things to do in the Maldives.
It is a group of more than a thousand islands in the Indian Ocean and is famous for its clear emerald waters, beautiful beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, and of course, luxurious overwater bungalows.
Some people think that the name “Maldives” was obtained from the Sanskrit maladvipa, meaning “garland of islands”, or from “Mahila dvipa”, meaning ” Island of women”. And some others believe that the name Maldives means “palace” (from Mahal in Arabic).
The culture of the Maldives is influenced by the cultures of the people from different nationalities and cultures who have settled on the islands throughout the times.
The culture of Maldives is shaped by Indian, Sri Lankan, Malaysia, Arab, Persian, Indonesian, and even African influences. Maldivians are especially warm, welcoming, and friendly in nature, and will go above and beyond to make your holiday truly memorable.
Languages in Maldives:
The national language of Maldive is Dhivehi, but most Maldivians can speak English with no problems. In fact, the staff at various Maldives resorts can speak French, German, Mandarin, and other international languages.
Best Time to visit Maldives:
The best time to visit the Maldives is from December to March, as this period marks the peak tourist season. The Republic of the Maldives, a small nation located in the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean, is amongst the most beautiful, charming, and scenic nations in Asia.
The main season is supposed to be May, June, and July. The reasonable and cheapest month to fly to the Maldives is February.
How To Reach Maldives:
The main airport in the Maldives is the Male International Airport, also known as Velana International Airport, which connects the small country to several countries and cities in the world, primarily South East Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka, and China.
Cuisines of Maldives:
The National dish of Maldives is Gulha , a deep-fried pastry ball filled with smoked fish such as Maldive fish or tuna, along with dried coconut and onions.
Maldives food is an original blend of flavors that leaves one hungry for more. If you are a foodie and love attempting different variations of food then this island destination is excellent for you. Food in the Maldives revolves around seafood and some of the most well-known ingredients here are tuna fish, coconut, curry leaves, and lime.
Some of the famous dishes/food of Maldives:-
Fried Yams
Friend yams are one of the tasty crunchy snacks that are prepared by frying yams which are related to sweet potatoes. This is a very popular Maldives food which can be enjoyed with various sauces and drinks.
Price of Fried Yams: MVR 10 – MVR 35(Around Rs.52 to Rs.182)
Where to get Fried Yams: Cafes in Raaveribe Maizaan, Male.
Fish Curry
There is no doubt that Fish curry is definitely one of the most prominent foods in the Maldives due to the amount of freshwater fish. Fish curry is evaluated as a staple food and you can find it in large variations. The top species of fish used in the Maldives for this recipe contain little tunny, bigeye scad, yellowfin tuna, frigate tuna, skipjack tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. Generally, there are three major foods involved in making this curry which are fish, coconut, and starch. It can be enjoyed with roshi, rice and papadhu, and also Maldivian poppadoms.
Where to get Fish curry: Sunset Corner, Kaalamaa Restaurant, Maafushi, Café Sea Breeze, and Bandos.
Price of Fish curry: MVR 15 – MVR 75
Gulha
Gulha is a National food of Maldives which is made of wheat or rice flour dough crammed with tuna fish, chopped onions, coconut as well as chilies. They are like tiny dumplings and the flavors are entirely delicious. These are crunchy on the surface as they are fried and soft on the inner.
Some chefs also add turmeric, lime juice, and chopped curry leaves into the filling recipe. Gulha makes for a wonderful evening snack and can be enjoyed with tea as well as coffee. This is a blow in the Maldives and you should try at least one time.
Price of Gulha: MVR 2 – MVR 10
Where to get Gulha: Faruma Restaurant, Dhiffushi Island, The Lighthouse Restaurant and Sunset Corner, Thoddoo.
Mas Huni
The popular breakfast in the Maldives, Mas Huni is a shredded smoked Tuna mixed with onions, chilies, and coconut. It is an extremely running dish in the Maldives and is largely eaten with Roshi which is a flatbread. Mas Huni is similarly prepared using muranga pods.
These pods are steamed first and then the flesh with the seeds is peeled off. You can also discover Mas huni made with boiled butternut squash or pumpkin. Relish in this unique delicacy of Maldives and indulge in a fusion of flavors.
Price of Mas Huni: MVR 50 – MVR 250
Where to get Mas Huni: The Sea House Maldives, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Crystal Sands, Maafushi and At many restaurants in Raaveribe Maizaan.
Maldivian Live Lobster
Lobsters are a central dish of Maldivian cuisine and if you want to enjoy the most lip-smacking lobster then it surely has to be cooked in front of you and served hot. The extra freshly cooked the lobster is, the softer as well as flavorful it tastes.
You can enjoy live lobsters at several places in the Maldives this is a popular dish and many restaurants serve it in their own manner. Sit and relax while you see the dish being prepared by the most experienced chefs. This is a must-have experience if you are a seafood lover.
Price of Maldivian Live Lobster: MVR 250 – MVR 400
Where to get Maldivian Live Lobster: Sea Fire Salt, Anantara Dhigu, Restaurant Edge, Niyama, and Ithaa Undersea Restaurant.
Aluvi Boakibaa
Aluvi Boakibaa is a lip-smacking coconut and sweet cassava cake which is soft and actually melts in your mouth. It is one of the most valuable Maldivian desserts and is liked by residents as well as travelers. Due to its popularity, it is easily available in many restaurants and cafes.
It is mostly made during the months of Ramadan. For preparation, coconut, cassava, sugar, and the jasmine flower water are mixed into a paste and baked for about 1 hour 15 mins until it gets golden brownish color. Then it is cooled and sliced and ready to eat.
Price of Aluvi Boakibaa: MVR 50 – MVR 70
Where to get Aluvi Boakibaa: City Bakery, Salathai Café, Male and Fine Bake by Suzi.
Gulab jamun
Gulab Jamun is a very famous dessert in India and is also widely popular in the Maldives. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, Gulab Jamuns are a must-try intricacy. This is prepared with milk-solid-based balls which are ladled in sugar syrup until they are permeable and soft. It tastes even good when served hot as you will be able to get the enhanced flavors of this dish. Some of the gulab jamuns are also stuffed with dry fruits and cardamon. This is the ultimate dessert!
Price of Gulab Jamun: MVR 50 – MVR 70
Where to get Gulab jamun: Tandoori Flames, Hulhumale, Belle Amie Bistro and Samsara Restaurant, Bolifushi Island.
Sai (Tea)
If you are a tea lover and can’t go about the day without a mug of steaming hot tea then the Maldives has in store something very authentic for you. Maldivians pursue the tea culture of Britishers. You can enjoy a tasty cup of Kalhu sai which is black tea and Kiru sai which is milk tea. Start your day with a cup of tea of your choice and relax. Tea can also be enjoyed with light Maldivian snacks containing Masroshi, Gulha, or Bis Keemiya.
Price of Sai (Tea): MVR 10 – MVR 35
Where to get Tea: T for Tea House, Furanafushi Island, My Café Maldives, Male, The Royal Garden Café, Male, and Family Room Café.
Attractions of Maldives:
~ National Museum
The capital of Maldives, Male has beautiful and brilliant tourist attractions that will keep you occupied all day. One such attraction is the Male National Museum which was opened in 1952. The museum has a good and nice collection of historic artifacts taking you back to the history of Maldives. The several items on display include weaponry, household wares, religious paraphernalia, and more. The National Museum is one of the most important attractions of Maldive.
Location of the Museum: Chaandhanee Magu, Malé, Maldives
Timing: 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM (Closed on Friday)
~ Grand Friday Mosque
The Grand Friday Mosque in Male is one of the best attractions that, with its towering golden dome, collect the attention of all visitors.
~ Hulhumale Beach
Hulhumale Beach is a sprawling beach connecting Maldives international airport to the city. It is easily accessible from many other attractions as well so it is also included in the list of attractions of Maldive.
~ Sultan Park
Sultan Park is Well known for its lush greenery and quiet surroundings which makes it an ideal and perfect place for picnics and walking. The best time to visit the park is early morning or late at night.
Sultan Park is also one of the most beautiful attractions of Maldive.
~ Local Market
Another place or spot to shop in the Maldives is the Male Local Market, where you can buy souvenirs at bargain rates.
~ Fish Market
It’s not a big market and also easy for tourists to walk about. Was fortunate enough to see one of the fishing boats removing its catch.
~ Sinamale Bridge
Sinamale Bridge is funded by the Chinese government as an indication of friendship between the two countries. It is one of the biggest or largest Sea bridges in males. It attracts more tourists and also the attractions of Maldives.
~ Hukuru Miskiy
Hukuru Miskiiy is the oldest and most ancient mosque in the Maldives and is also on the list of attractions of Maldives, dating back to 1656. The walls or sides of the mosque are intricately carved with coral stone and Arabic script. The interiors have wonderful lacquer work and fine wood carvings.
Things To Do In Maldives:-
Scuba Diving at Maaya Thila is a Must Things To Do In Maldives
Enjoy Sunset Cruise
Visit Glowing Beach on Vaadhoo Island
Surfing in the Maldives is a must Things To Do In Maldives
Indulge in Spa Treatment at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
Stay in an Overwater Bungalow like Six Senses Laamu
Stroll at Hulhumale Beach
Explore the Capital Island Male
Water Skiing at Meeru Island Resort is a must Things To Do In Maldives
Take a Helicopter Tour of the Maldives
Party at Subsix
Snorkeling at Maafushi Island
Skydiving in the Maldives is a must Things To Do In Maldives
Go for Jet Ski at Male Atoll is a Must Things To Do In Maldives
Flyboarding in the Maldives
Parasailing Kitesurfing or Kiteboarding is a Must Things To Do In Maldives
Experience Kayaking
Jungle Cinema at Gili Lankanfushi
You can Plan a Romantic Candlelight Dinner at Soneva Fushi is a Must Things To Do In Maldives
Revisit History at Maldives National Museum.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
The Maldives opened its borders to tourists of all nationalities on 15th July 2020. So there are no further travel restrictions to the country.
Resorts In Maldives-
Here Are Some of Best Resorts In Maldives:
Meeru Island Resort & Spa
Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Paradise Island Resort & Spa
Sun Siyam Iru Veli
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives
Hurawalhi Island Resort
Six Senses Laamu
Kuredu Resort & Spa
TRAVEL INFORMATION
TIME
5 hours ahead of GMT
Airlines Operating
Air India, Go Air, Indigo, Sri Lankan
INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE CODE
+960
ELECTRICITY
240 volts
MOBILE SERVICES
Prepaid SIM cards are available from two mobile service providers at the airport. The SIM cards can be used for regional and worldwide calls and for data.
CURRENCY
The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency. All primary credit cards are accepted in the country.
VISA
All ethnicities receive a 30-day visa on arrival, provided that you have a legal passport, an onward ticket to proceed with your journey and a reservation at a tourist facility, or enough budget to cover your stay in the country.
TAXES
A Tourism Goods and Service Tax (TGST) of 12% is levied on all goods and services at tourist organizations. A Green Tax of US$ 6.00 per person per day is due for guests staying at tourist lodging except for guest houses where the Green Tax is US$ 3.00 per person per day.
TRAVEL AND TRANSFER
Speedboat transfer is the middle to resorts close to the International Airport. The rest is covered by seaplanes or domestic flights. If you are traveling to Male’ then the taxi is easily available from the airport. Several everyday flights operate from Velana International Airport to the 12 domestic and international airports in the country. Planned ferries also operate from Male’ to several of the atolls.
ALCOHOL
Import of alcohol by people is not permitted. However, liquor is available at all the resorts.
WEATHER
Year-round temperature, hot tropical climate. The normal high temperature is 31.5 degrees Celsius and the regular low temperature is 26.4 degrees Celsius. The Southwest monsoon from May to October gives rise to rain and the Northeast monsoon from November to April is normally sunny.
CLOTHING
Cotton clothes look good in the hot tropical climate of the Maldives. Tourists are expected to honor local culture and dress modestly when visiting or staying on inhabited islands.
MEDICAL SERVICES
The main public hospital Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and private hospitals ADK and Treetop are situated in Male’. Each Atoll has at least one hospital and maximum resorts have their own clinics and in-house doctors.
Maldives Travel Guidelines for tourists
Last updated – 31st May 2022 / As of now there is no new update to date.
–Open for Travel: Yes Open For Travel
–Vaccination:
People who are fully vaccinated are allowed to visit the Maldives.
Approved vaccine: All WHO Approved Vaccines
Booster dose criteria: Not Required
-RTPCR Test
Before travel commencement: Not Required
At Indian airport: Not Required
Inter-country travel: Not Required
Back to India: Not Required
Child rule: RTPCR is needed if the child is unvaccinated.