Where are the Maldives? Republic of Maldives. Maldives on the world map. Maldives - sea. How to get to the exotic beauty of the Maldives

Millions of years have passed since the planet was shaken by global cataclysms and fiery tornadoes of volcanoes stirred up the waters of the ancient Indian Ocean.

But time passed and, having gone out, the volcanoes settled, forming coral reefs, which over time became the coral islands spread out in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, known to us as the Maldives. Today, these are 1,190 coral islands stretching 820 kilometers from north to south and 120 kilometers to the west with white sandy beaches, unique tropical vegetation and amazingly beautiful, crystal clear, blue lagoons. The islands are grouped into 26 atolls, which differ in size and natural features. The islands, which stretch in a double chain perpendicular to the equator, rise only two meters above the ocean waters, and their area is very small - only 10,400 square kilometers.

In 1965, a state was founded in the Maldives - the Republic of Maldives, which has borders in the southwest with India and Sri Lanka. The area of ​​the Maldives Republic is 298 thousand square kilometers and more than 99% of the Maldivian territory is water. A local population of 200 thousand lives on more than two hundred islands, about a hundred picturesque pieces of land are built up with tourist resorts, and almost a thousand islands are uninhabited.

Relief

The relief of the most beautiful coral islands is flat, and the islands themselves are cone-shaped. The largest atolls include Mimu Atoll, South Male, North Male, Dhaalu (Dhaalu Atoll), Addu, Fafu (Nord Niland), Baa, Lhaviyani and Aria Atoll. Addu Atoll is the largest island in the archipelago, it is five kilometers long and three kilometers wide. A big surprise for tourists on this atoll is that in the dense vegetation of palm trees, flowering bushes and banana plantations there is a beautiful lake where a lot of birds wait out the winter.

The Maldives is surrounded by a narrow coral reef, which is usually located ten meters from the island; the longest distance from the Maldives to the reef is fifty meters. The “house” reefs at the resorts of the Maldives make them the best in the world for diving and snorkeling. Reefs are divided into two types: external reefs and internal reefs. If the reef is located on the outer edge of the island, then it is classified as an outer reef. Such reefs have strong currents, heaving waves and large species of fish. Atolls with outer reefs include Kuredu, Filitheyo, Vilamendhoo and others. If reefs and islets are located inside the atoll, without going beyond the outer reef, then these are internal reefs. In these places the water is calm and it is extremely rare to see large fish. Atolls with internal reefs include Eriyadhu, Villivaru, Baros and others.

Capital

The capital of the Republic of Maldives is built on the island of Male, and this city is completely different from the pompous European capitals, and it is only a little more than two kilometers long and only one kilometer wide. This most compact capital city in the world was forced to locate certain capital services on other islands. The infrastructure and social life of the citizens of the Maldives is also dispersed on different islands, for example, there is an airport island, a prison is built on one, and a poultry farm and a warehouse for strategic fuel reserves on the other. And the only city in the Maldives is, as you might guess, the capital. The city, home to more than 60 thousand people, has a very dense development and in the labyrinth of its narrow streets, walking without a guide, it is easy to get lost. The island of Male, on which the capital of the republic stands, has several names, most often it is called the Royal Island, less often the city of Sultans.

The Maldives is a separate state, consisting territorially of scattered land areas. They are not part of another country, but have an independent status. The state has become famous for its islands with white beaches, unique nature and resorts with 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 Maldives islands 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. It washes the atoll-islands of the Indian Ocean between the continents of Asia and Africa. The state is located near Sri Lanka and the Hindustan Peninsula. To the southwest are the Seychelles Islands. Crossed by the equatorial waters of the island of Fuvahmulah, which is home to rare species of birds and other animals not found on other land areas of the Maldives. The border also passes through Addu, Gaafa Dhaala and Gaafa Alif atolls.

The total area of ​​the Maldives is 90,000 sq.m., all of them are surrounded by the waters of the Indian Ocean. The state has 1,196 coral islands with a length of more than 1,000 km. They are united into 26 “atolls,” so named because of the peculiarities of their formation. Most of them have a home reef to protect them from destruction by water, others have an external one, which allows them to maintain the territory unchanged.

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

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

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

Maldives: map of islands with hotels

A special 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 of the Maldives are inhabited:

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

There is virtually 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 of the Maldives on a map, since the land areas are very small and difficult to distinguish. When you zoom in on Google Maps, the islands stretching 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 along the route.

Today I’ll tell you about the geography of the Maldives - a large archipelago consisting of 1200 islands of volcanic origin. These islands form dozens of coral atolls. All of them are located on the map directly above the equator. However, only 200 islands of the Maldives archipelago are inhabited. Tourists know the Republic of Maldives as a charming country and it is also the most famous resort in the world. Nature has generously rewarded the islands and atolls of the Maldives with pristine purity and a surprisingly mild climate. In the article I will show you how to understand the countless islands and atolls, and also show Maldives on the world map, which will help bring your unforgettable vacation closer to a unique beach resort near the equator.

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How to get to the Maldives

As you can see on the map, the Maldives are located in the middle of the Indian Ocean near the equator. That's why get to the Maldives It is only possible by plane, arriving at Male Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. from Russia can be carried out by direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg, the flight time will be 8-10 hours. From other Russian cities you will have to fly with transfers, and the travel time will be from 11 to 26 hours.

Different airlines operate regular flights to the Maldives from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and other regions of our vast planet. It is most convenient to fly a direct flight, for example from Moscow to Male.

All atolls of the Maldives on the map

The Maldives is called the Maldives for a reason. The plural refers to the great number of islands and atolls that make up the Maldives archipelago. And if, as we have already found out, there are almost 1200 islands (or rather, 1196), then there are as many as 26 atolls!

What is an atoll? This is a cluster of islands located on a flat area of ​​the seabed of volcanic origin, near the surface of the water (usually at a depth of no more than 5-10 meters), where a ring-shaped colony of corals develops, reaching a length of up to several tens of kilometers. Also in the Maldives, administrative regions, which may consist of more than one geographical atoll, are called atolls. As a result, each atoll in the Maldives has two names, both of which are in use. For example, Male - the capital of the Maldives is located in the South Male Atoll or Kaafu Atoll.

Map of Maldives atolls:

Map of the 20 atolls of the Maldives archipelago

As you can see, out of the 20 administrative groups of atolls located in the Maldives, only 10 are open for tourism (highlighted in color on the map), and some of them are partially open.

  • Lavianu Atoll — Lhaviyani(Faadhihpolhu)
  • Raa Atoll — Raa(Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi)
  • Baa Atoll — Baa(Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi)
  • Kaafu Atoll — Kaafu(North and South Male Atoll), a group of islands consisting of the capital Male, and the island-airport of Hulule and resort islands located around
  • Ari Atoll(Alif-Alif) - Alifu(Ari) - located in the west of Kaafu Atoll, the second most popular among tourists after Kaafu Atoll
  • Vaavu Atoll(to Felid) - Vaavu(Felidhu)
  • Meemu Atoll(Mulak) - Meemu(Mulak)
  • Faafu Atoll — Faafu(Nilandhe Atholhu Uthuruburi)
  • Dhaalu Atoll — Dhaalu(Nilandhe Atholhu Dhekunuburi)
  • Addu Atoll(Siena) - Seenu(Addu) - the southernmost atoll, the second most populous, it has the island-airport of Gan

Ten others atolls in the Maldives, not highlighted in color on the map, are practically uninhabited, but they have the best resorts: Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Laamu. Nyavinani, Seenu, Shaviyani (Noonu), and Thaa.

Maldivian atoll names are more complex, so the shorter names from the top map are commonly used. However, in some places you can also find complete names of atolls in the Maldives, which are shown on the map below:

  • Ihavendhippolhu Atoll
  • Thiladhunmathee Atoll
  • Maamakunudhoo Atoll
  • Milashunmadulu Atoll
  • Maalhosmadulu Atoll
  • Faadhippolhu Atoll
  • Goidhu Atoll
  • Addu Atoll
  • North Male Atoll
  • South Male Atoll
  • Ari Atoll
  • Felidhoo Atoll
  • Nilandhoo Atoll
  • Kolhimadulu Atoll
  • Hadhunmathee Atoll
  • Huvadhoo Atoll

Names of atolls in the Maldives

Maldives on the world map

Notice Maldives on the world map pretty hard. The chain of islands near the equator is very far from land, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and may not immediately catch your eye. But by enlarging the Google map, you can see exactly where the Maldives are.

550 kilometers northeast of the Maldives are the island of Sri Lanka and the Hindustan Peninsula. In the southwest - another famous resort -

Where, in what country are these amazingly beautiful islands, the Maldives? How to find them on the world map, what country do they belong to? What form of government? What part of the world do they belong to? How many of these islands are there? On what ocean are the islands located? Maldives, giving unforgettable moments of paradise - these and other questions arise in many people who are planning their vacation.

This is where the beaches, enchanting landscapes and eternal summer are located. White, soft sand and tall palm trees, gentle surf - all this will make your vacation complete, your impressions bright and positive.

For vacationers, there is everything they need - magnificent nature, secluded bays where you can spend the evenings, warm weather and bright sun overhead. The picturesque picture is complemented by bright coral shallows and lagoons with clear, clean water.

In contact with

Geographical location

Situated on a picturesque site. On the world map, look for the Indian Ocean, and among its waters there are islands stretching thousands of kilometers north of the equator.

They occupy the territory between the continents of Asia and Africa, 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka and the Hindustan Peninsula. The exact coordinates are 3°28′36″ N. w. and 72°50′12″ E. etc., so it’s not difficult to find them with a regular paper map. The width of the archipelago is more than 120 km.

Includes:

  • 19 coral reefs;
  • 88 resort islands;
  • 1000 small islands (most of them are not inhabited by people).

You can visit “wild” places on your own using a boat. The most famous atolls among tourists are:

  • Kaafu, or, as it is also called, North Male, includes 27 resorts and 8 islands specializing in fishing;
  • South Male, consisting of 19 islands with excellent conditions. Only three of them are inhabited;
  • Vaavu;
  • Meemu;
  • Seenu;
  • Faafu.

This is interesting: The Maldives are considered the lowest in the world. At the highest point of the state, which is Addu Atoll, a person will be only 2.4 meters above sea level. Scientists predict that within the next 50 years there may be a flood that will destroy most of the land.

Everywhere travelers will find magnificent nature with picturesque views.

Brief information about the country

It would be useful for any educated person to know that:

  • this modern state is a presidential republic in form of government;
  • The area is 298 km2;
  • The Maldives is washed by the Indian Ocean;
  • The capital is Male. The city's area is small, only 5.8 km2, but the total population exceeds 133,000 people, making it one of the most densely populated not only in the country, but also in the world. The total population is 338.5 thousand;
  • The official language is Maldivian;
  • The main type of transport is boats, both sailing and motor. You can also see seaplanes and boats. Taxis and regular buses are developed only in the capital and on the island. Hulhumale. Local transport - dhoni - a small boat equipped with a diesel engine;
  • The main religion is Islam (Sunni);
  • The currency is called the rupee;
  • The time difference with Moscow is +2 hours;
  • Visas are not required for a tourist trip, but if the purpose of the visit is business or private, then execution of the document is mandatory for everyone, as well as an invitation. The visa is valid for 90 days;
  • It is prohibited to import into the territory of the state:
  • Weapons (including explosives);
  • Narcotic drugs;
  • Magazines and items for specific purposes (category 18+);
  • Animals;
  • Alcohol;
  • Devices for spearfishing;
  • Things and objects of an anti-Islamic nature (including pork and products containing it);
  • Even military uniforms and paraphernalia are prohibited.


You can't take it home:

  • Black corals and jewelry made from them;
  • Turtle shells;
  • Local currency (remaining cash must be exchanged);
  • Items found at the bottom of the ocean/sea.

It is important to know: Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering here.

Permitted for export from the territory are:

  • Souvenir products;
  • Postcards with views and landscapes;
  • Coconut oil;
  • Interior items.

Climate

The best season is considered to be from November to April. It is at this time that the weather is dry and sunny, and the likelihood of rain is minimal.

Weather and climate in general are fundamental factors in determining where to go on holiday. Travelers can expect eternal summer, as the air temperature here is always above +20 degrees at night and about +30 during the day.

Air humidity is on average 81%. The main amount of precipitation falls between May and January. Hurricanes and storms are rare, but heavy rains come from the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal.

In general, the climate of the resort state is hot and tropical. Separately, I would like to note that a trip here is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, since high temperatures are a constant occurrence.

Popular resorts

A map of the Maldives with all resorts will be offered to guests in any tourist center. Tour operators also have detailed maps with hotels. The following resorts are widely known among travelers around the world:

  • Male, the capital, is ready to offer various excursion programs and entertainment. There are numerous markets, a mosque, a museum and a presidential palace;
  • Faafu is a resort ideal for gourmets, offering a variety of restaurants and spa centers;
  • Dhaalu is a resort area that offers everything for extreme sports. It is chosen by divers and scuba divers;
  • Ari - created for nature lovers. You can enjoy a variety of flora and fauna, and the famous turtle bays are located here. Entertainment - water skiing, sea fishing.

Note: Despite the diversity of the animal world, there are no dangerous predators or poisonous snakes in the Maldives. In the immediate vicinity you can see dolphins, white sharks or foxes. Bats appear in the evening.

An interesting feature is the absolute absence of dogs.

The best beaches

Beaches are the main attraction of the state. Travelers come precisely to enjoy the sand and warm waves. That is why it is very important to know the main ones:

  • O. Fulhadhu - the settlement of residents occupies a small territory, everything else is a paradise for tourists;
  • Finolhu Kanifushi is a beach located on Baa Atoll;

Keep in mind: a special feature is the presence of a sand spit, which allows you to walk to several small islands in the ocean. There is a picturesque lagoon and palm trees.

  • Amilla Fushi has sloping beaches of varied beauty. Here you can find expensive and modern ones, as well as classic ones with dense vegetation. Feature: coral bottom;
  • Dhigurah - designed for those who love solitude and the beauty of nature. The feature is an excellent opportunity to observe whale sharks. Swimming in a bikini is allowed.

Each resort land has its own hotel. Also, some resorts cannot bring children under 12 years of age.

Glowing beach Mudhdhoo Island

A real landmark and natural wonder worth seeing with your own eyes is the glowing beach located on Baa Atoll - Mudhdhoo Island.

In the evening and at night, hundreds of neon lights flash along the shore, creating a picturesque picture.

Advice: the glow effect is most noticeable from June to February, so you need to choose this particular time period to observe it.

The secret of the phenomenon lies in the fact that bioluminescent phytoplankton lives here, capable of glowing during the surf. By visiting this place, you can admire the beauty of nature for a long period, as the lights glow throughout the dark.

What to do for vacationers

You need to know that there are some restrictions for guests and residents - you cannot drink alcoholic beverages or sunbathe topless or even in a bikini (except in specially designated areas).

Despite all this, the holiday will not be overshadowed. Tourists are offered a variety of water attractions and water sports, including parasailing, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Catamaran rides are perfect for a romantic pastime, and sailing is ideal for extreme sports enthusiasts.

Swimming and fishing (the fish must be released into the ocean) are activities that are in demand among most tourists. There are special excursions that allow you to observe the life of marine life up close. There are special entertainment programs for children.

Map in Russian

In order to make it convenient for tourists to navigate among the various atolls and vacation spots, a map of the islands with symbols in Russian has been created.

Here are the most popular destinations and tourist routes that you should choose for a good holiday. The largest areas intended for recreation are indicated, where there is everything that a tourist might need during a trip. There is also a general view of the archipelago in the area.

Using this simple but detailed map, you can comfortably navigate the Maldives without knowing English or local dialects. “Uninhabited” territories are not indicated on the map.

How to get there The most convenient way to get to your chosen resort is by plane. There are direct flights from Moscow - their duration is from 10 hours. There are also charters in major cities.

There are flights from Kyiv or Astana that include transfers or refueling to or.

There are also flights with refueling in Sri Lanka or. Flights to the Maldives operate from the city of Trivandrum, so it is convenient to get to the holiday destination for those who decide to combine a trip with a visit to India. Ticket prices range from $500 to $1,000 on average. In order to fly from the capital of the Maldives, you will need to pay an exit fee, which is 10–15 dollars; in most cases, it is not included in the price of tickets.

For those flying from the Far East, there are flights with transfers in Seoul, Tianjin or. There are no direct flights from Belarus - you must fly through Moscow.

Exotic flora and fauna

The nature of the archipelago is unusual and amazing. The national symbol and plant that is found throughout the state is the coconut palm.

You can also see bamboo and eucalyptus brought here. Among the crops that can be classified as exotic are bananas, papaya, mangoes, pineapples and sweet potatoes.

The flora is also represented by flowers - roses, plumerias, hibiscus, orchids. You can also see the Alexandrian laurel.

Animals that will seem amazing to tourists:

    • The bats;
    • Flying foxes;
    • Geckos;

  • Seagulls;
  • Herons;
  • Brahmin's blinders;
  • Wolftooth brownie.

Marine inhabitants are presented in a wide variety:

  • Sea stars;
  • Echinoderms;
  • Dolphins;
  • Whale sharks;
  • Stingrays;
  • Variety of fish species.

Interesting fact: Citrus fruits do not grow on the territory - they disappeared after the fungus epidemic.

There are also turtles. The main attraction is the coral reefs.

Local kitchen

The peculiarity of the national cuisine is the abundance of dishes based on fish and seafood. It was formed under the influence of Indian and Arab culinary traditions. Recipes with tuna are presented in every restaurant or cafe.

Rice is also served as a side dish with all dishes. A popular Maldivian drink is green tea. National snacks - hedikaa - are baked goods with various fillings.

Desserts - various fresh fruits, juices, nuts and dishes with these ingredients. One of the popular desserts among tourists is fresh coconut, as well as coconut milk and Raa palm juice.

What you need to know before purchasing a tour

Before you buy a tour to the Maldives, you should consider that.

One cannot but agree that among all the variety of tourist routes, one of the most idyllic holiday destinations is geographically located where the Maldives are located.

About the Maldives

The Maldives combines everything that a vacationer wants to fully enjoy from a vacation - relaxation on a sandy beach, an even tan in the rays of the gentle sun, emotions from the opportunity to feel like a surfer or diver, impressions of getting to know the local culture. The Maldives is a place where temperatures remain high all season long, where many coral islands combine to form a perfect representation of paradise on Earth, and where there is a very subtle sense of unity with the surrounding nature. What does the average tourist know about this unique country?

Maldives

Location of the Republic

The Republic of Maldives, being an island state, is recognized as a democratic republic with its own local flavor and traditions.

Everyone has heard about the best beach holiday destination, but few people know where the Maldives are. But it is the location that allows Maldivian resorts to remain in the top tourist sales both in 2018 and earlier. It is not so easy to find answers to the questions of where the Maldives are located, in what country, on what continent, since the islands are so small and so scattered that they cannot be immediately found on a geographical map. But if you look at South Asia right at the equator, a whole range of islands will open to the tourist’s eye in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. They are united under the common name of the Maldives, where initially it was the foothills of the volcanic island mountains that formed the coral islands.

The volcanic past of the islands has given the whole world amazingly beautiful blue lagoons, endless beaches, unique vegetation and a rich underwater world. The opportunity to feel a sense of unity with nature, find out what the sea is like in the Maldives, and also look at the endless and majestic ocean - all this is given to every tourist by a trip to the Maldives.

National characteristics of the Maldives

The Maldives is a country of strict rules, even with all its relaxing tourist atmosphere. The local population is always ready to help, show attentiveness, provide the proper level of service, and express peacefulness in the best traditions of island hospitality. But the peculiarities of religious traditions require guests to follow certain rules.

The Muslim religion imposes a mandatory ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages, especially in public places. In addition, before setting off, you should carefully consider the fact that it is prohibited to import alcohol to the Maldives.

Important! Very serious attention should be paid to issues of clothing - adhering to local rules, not to expose yourself too much, showing off your body.

Respect is also required for their national symbols. Maldivians are especially sensitive to the flag and coat of arms, as well as the national flower - the rose. They consider the coconut palm to be the national tree, and the national animal, the tuna, is protected by the state.

Local residents preserve unique national characteristics, speaking among themselves a mixture of different languages, including Arabic. Dhivehi, which is close to the Indo-Aryan group, is also considered the national language.

Note! Locals prefer to speak English with tourists.

Subtleties of tourism in the Maldives

A huge number of islands offer tourists the opportunity to have a quality holiday. Hotels, villas, and bungalows offer vacationers everything they need for comfort. Even such a frequently occurring problem when traveling as the issue with sockets will not disturb the tourist here, because everything is thought out in advance.

Each resort region of the Maldives can show tourists an ideal beach holiday, but you shouldn’t expect a variety of attractions. In the Maldives, beaches are considered a national treasure; their cleanliness and beauty are unrivaled. Among the Maldivian cities that can somehow diversify a lazy holiday on snow-white pristine beaches with walks along the promenade and excursion routes to iconic places, only the capital Male stands out. Often travel agencies initially include a visit to it in the itinerary.

Note! The island of Maafushi, which belongs to a budget destination, is very popular among Russian tourists.

It is also called the Russian Maldives. Here you have the opportunity to have a good holiday, learn local traditions and life in the Maldives from the inside, and bring home memories of the Maldivians’ tastes and preferences. You can experience the authenticity of the Maldivians through local cuisine. Both large hotels and ordinary catering places will give you the opportunity to get acquainted with local delicacies, and even to the sound of their music. A variety of fruits will help you feel all the sweetness of your holiday: from the well-known coconuts and bananas to exotic papaya, mango and guava.

It is also important for every tourist to be able to bring something memorable from their vacation. The Maldives, what a country it is - sunny, open and hospitable, so are the souvenirs, filled with light and island flavor. They usually bring brightly painted clothes, water equipment, jewelry, teas and delicacies for themselves or as gifts. The export of corals and any items made from them, as well as turtle shells, is strictly prohibited.

Important! Since danger in the Maldives can only come from the depths of the sea, tourists do not have to worry about their safety.

Undersea world

The main rule here is compliance with basic rules. When diving, it is important to remember that you should not touch anything. This will help avoid many problems. Whale sharks, common in the coastal waters of the Maldives, are completely safe for vacationers. Being the largest fish on the planet, they do not pose a danger to people, because they feed only on plankton. You should be extremely careful when swimming on wild beaches. This is especially true when swimming among dangerous marine life. These include stone fish, whose poison poses a serious threat to human life, sea urchins and stingrays. Swimming on coral beaches should be done in special shoes that can protect your feet from injuries that can easily be caused by coral debris.

Note! Being an island nation, the Maldives is prone to tsunamis.

The worst tsunami occurred in 2004. But for now, this natural disaster is not affecting the Maldives. The state is fully concerned about the protection of its vacationers and local residents, and creates programs to protect coral reefs that save the islands from sea currents.

Additional Information! When going on a trip to the Maldives, especially on your own, it is important to know the time zone in which they are located and how much time it will be in the Maldives upon arrival at the country’s airport. Time in the Maldives is measured according to a single time zone, which refers to GMT +05:00. In the Maldives, time is not converted to summer and winter. The difference with Moscow is +2 hours.

Another important issue for tourists is currency. The national currency in the Maldives is the rufiyaa. The current exchange rate of rufiyaa to the ruble is 4.35, and to the dollar 0.065*.

This is interesting:

  • It is important to remember that the Maldives is a Muslim country with a special attitude towards wealth. Showing it off is considered bad form, so there is an opinion that the more simply a person is dressed, the richer he is.
  • In the Maldives, there is something like a morality police that protects religious preferences, namely Sunni Islam. Other religious propaganda carries penalties up to and including actual prison time.
  • Pigs are not bred in the country; moreover, dogs are also considered “unclean animals”. The exception is shepherd dogs that serve in the police. Bringing a pet to the Maldives is strictly prohibited. Anyone who violates this rule may face not only a serious fine, but also placement in a sanitary zone at the airport.
  • Unlike our generally accepted working week, the Maldivian one is different in that weekdays are from Sunday to Thursday. Maldivians rest on Friday and Saturday; these days are considered official days off.
  • Since the reserves of fresh water in the Maldives are small, even rich residents collect it in any available container when it rains.
  • It is interesting that the Maldivian airport is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean on an artificially created island.
  • Not only local residents, but also guests are prohibited from swimming naked on the islands. The only exception where this can be done is the island of Kuramati.

Kuramati Island

When organizing an independent trip to the Maldives, it is important to remember that there is no possibility to rent a car, and even using a bicycle is problematic. Local transport will also not help you get to your destination, as it is not particularly developed. Some islands are so small that you can walk around them. To help tourists, there are only speedboats and boats that organize communication between the islands.

The most important issue when organizing a tour to the Maldives is, of course, air travel. If the trip is not organized through an agency, then purchasing tickets should not be delayed for months. It is very rare on flight organizing services, but there are still sales on popular destinations. The number of tickets is strictly limited, so don't rely on luck. You can save money by subscribing to mailing lists of services that offer discounts and early flight bookings. The most expensive flight to the Maldives for two will be from December to April - this is the most popular time, when everyone goes on vacation to the islands en masse. To reduce the price for this period, you can find a suitable ticket six months before departure. There are no direct flights; transfers are often made through the Turkish direction, but there are many other options. You can fly not only from Moscow; the flight takes on average 11 hours.

Despite the long flight, the Maldives is a fairy tale that is worth plunging into from our reality, at least for a while.

*The prices indicated in the article are current as of January 2018.