Maldives

Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, is an archipelagic state in the Indian subcontinent of Asia, situated in the Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 700 kilometres from the Asian continent’s mainland.

Often described as paradise on earth, the islands of Maldives are more than just sun, sand, and sea. These islands, scattered across the ocean like gems, have countless man-made and natural attractions, often untouched and naturally abundant. The historical stories behind some of these breathtaking sights are fascinating to say the least.

One such intriguing place in the Maldives is the “Paree Fengandu” or “Fairy Pond”, a freshwater pond nestled amid the lush greenery of Gan island of Laamu Atoll, the largest natural island in the country.

Although Maldivian islands are surrounded by the ocean, freshwater ponds or wetlands of this sort are rather rare. In fact, there are less than 50 such bodies of water found in a few local islands. Such wetlands and bodies of water play a crucial role in the larger ecosystem of the islands. They are a natural defence mechanism that protects the islands from flooding and other natural phenomena.

• Of the 1,190 islands in the Maldives, only 200 are inhabited. An additional 80 islands host private, luxury resorts. The rest of the islands are either too small to sustain life or too remote to be practical. Additionally, 99% of the 115 square miles that make up Maldivian territory is water. That’s a lot of potential dive sites to explore!
• The Maldives is the flattest country in the world. Its highest point (on Villingili Island) is only 7 feet and 7 inches above sea level, but the average ground level across the country is just 4 feet and 11 inches.
• In 2009, the cabinet of the Maldives held an underwater meeting, making the Maldives the first country in the world to place a governmental meeting on scuba. Appropriately, this cabinet meeting highlighted climate change. Many Maldivians fear that as the climate continues to change and sea levels rise, they will soon find themselves underwater.
• During medieval times, the Maldives used shells as currency. On many of the country’s coins, you will still see a cowry shell as homage to the money of yesteryears. Too bad we can’t still use shells to pay for our vacations. We’d all be living in the Maldives by now!
• The Maldives is the smallest Muslim country in the world. This is a fascinating fact, but do keep in mind that as a Muslim country, modest dress is required while on public lands. In Male and on any other non-private island, women and men should ensure their knees and shoulders are covered at all times. Bikinis are only permitted on liveaboards and private islands.
• The word “atoll” is the only English word derived from Dhivehi, the Maldivian language. The original word is atholhu, which translates to “a ring-like formation of coral islands surrounding a lagoon.”
• The Maldivian flag is made up of a large red rectangle with a smaller green triangle within. The red is meant to represent the boldness of Maldivian national heroes while the green symbolizes peace and prosperity. A white crescent is centered in the green rectangle to symbolize the Maldives’ link to the Islamic faith.

December to March is the best time to visit Maldives, as this period marks the peak tourist season. The Republic of Maldives, a small nation located in the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean, is amongst the most picturesque and scenic nations in Asia. It is an increasingly preferred destination for families and honeymooners. The Maldives is hot and sunny all year round, with average temperatures of 23ºC-31ºC. Depending on your preferred activity, the best time to visit Maldives could really be any time of the year as there are no winters per say in Maldives.
Located on the equator, Maldives receives plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Temperatures range from 24 degrees at the lowest in December to an average of 31 degrees at the peak in April. For a majority of vacationers the best time to visit is from mid-November to early April when the weather is dry and more welcoming. In other months the country experiences sporadic and sometimes heavy rains when the crystal clear water also disappears making it unattractive for most water activity aside from surfing. For those interested in imbibing the culture and witnessing the major festivals though, the wet season mainly from May to November may be the best time to visit.
The country has got 1,190 islands attracting tourists from every part of the world. It is the smallest in the continent by both land and population spanning around 298 square kilometers that house a little over 450,000 inhabitants. The islands are uniquely laid out into a double chain of 26 coral atolls (200 inhabited islands plus 80 islands with tourist resorts) spread out over roughly 35,000 square miles. Each atoll adds to a variety of vibrant coral reefs teeming with lush underwater life including fish, sea turtles, whales, and dolphins.

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Ramadan: (23 April – 23 May 2020)
Eid-Ul Fitr: (23 May – 24 May 2020)
Bodu Eid: (31 July 2020)
Eid-Ul-Adha: (31 July 2020)
Prophet’s Birthday: (28 October – 29 October 2020)
The Day Maldives Embraced Islam: (15 November – 16 November 2020)
Independence Day Of Maldives: (26 July 2020)
National Day: (17 October – 18 October 2020)
Republic Day: (11 November 2020)

Jewellery & Hand-made Necklaces
The Sarongs of Maldives
Mini Dhonis
Fridge Magnets
Coconut Products
Maldivian Mats – Thundu Kunaa
Edible Fish Products
Cultural Lacquer Products
Cosmetics
Wicker Mats – The Handmade Mats

1. Garudhiya (Fish Soup)
2. Mas Huni (Shredded Smoked Tuna)
3. Masroshi (Tuna Stuffed Chapati)
4. Bis Keemiya (Samosa)
5. Boshi Mashuni (Banana Flower Salad)
6. Fried Yams
7. Maldivian Live Lobster
8. Saagu Bondibai (Sago Pudding)
9. Reef Fish Cutlets
10. Gulha (Dumpling)
11. Kulhi Boakibaa (Fish Cake)
12. Aluvi Boakibaa (Cassava Coconut Cake)
13. Fish curry
14. Rihaakuru (Fish Paste)
15. Maldivian Vegetable Curry
16. Sai (Tea)
17. Maldivian Lady
18. Biyadhoo Special
19. Lucky & Al