Travel Guide - Maldives

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Maldives

In travelling in search of new countries you will find the continent inside you

The Maldives archipelago is composed of 26 coral atolls, each one of which contains within it nearly 2000 small islands of white sand and dense tropical vegetation. The Maldives are the ideal destination for diving, nature, relaxation and water sports enthusiast

The Maldives are the ideal destination not only for diving enthusiasts but for anyone seeking a relaxing journey immersed in unspoilt nature.

In fact, the beauty arises directly from the natural scenery, where the blue of the ocean contrasts effectively with the white sand and the green lagoons which form around the reef.

he Maldives archipelago is composed of 26 coral atolls, each of which contain nearly 2,000 small islands covered in white sand and dense tropical vegetation. These are magnificent pearls studded in the Indian Ocean and must be explored and experienced at least once in a lifetime!

The Maldives have a tropical climate which is characterised by two distinct seasons: a hot and dry period which runs from November to April, and a very wet period which runs from May to October; the temperature is warm year-round and rarely goes below 23 degrees or above 30 degrees. The sea temperature is a constant 28 degrees.

The Ari atoll is one of the most popular and important in terms of tourism in the archipelago. The atoll is divided into two parts, Alifu Dhaalu to the south and Alifu Alifu to the north, commonly called Ari South and Ari North. The administrative capital of Ari South is Mahibadhoo, home to around 1,800 of the 8,400 residents on the south part of the atoll. The atoll is around 64 km from Malé. and can be reached via seaplane in about 25 minutes.

The spoken language in the Maldives is Divehi, the main religion is Islam and the capital is Malé.

Get in

A valid passport is required to enter the country.

Each home country has its own regulations, so we recommend having your documents checked by your Embassy or travel agency in advance before departure.

Hotels Point of interests

By plane

Malé International Airport is well connected with most international airports.

Airport transfer

Air Taxi Maldivian will take you from Malé directly to the islands of Athuruga and Thudufushi in approximately 25 minutes.

It is recommended to prebook the taxi before departure.
If you book your vacation through our website, you will be able to directly buy the transfer.

We will take care of the organization of the transfer according to Air Taxi Maldivian’s flights timetable.

HOW TO REACH THE MALDIVES

International Hubs:
Colombo
Istanbul
Singapore
Dubai

From 31.10.2017 it will be possible to enjoy a direct flight from Rome to Malè on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

New procedure and requirements on Tourists staying longer than 30 days.

It is necessary for guests to take a local insurance policy.

Before arrival – Request for sponsorship

  • Passport copy
  • Ticket copy
  • Details of each passenger (Name, ID card or PP number, Date of Birth, Full Address and contact number etc.)
  • Duration of stay including the hotel names

Please note sponsorship process takes at least 6-7 working days.

After arrival – VISA extension

  • Original passport
  • Passport size photo
  • Application form

Please note Visa processing takes minimum 6-7 working days.
Medical is not required

Typical maldivian dishes

For a truly complete experience, try these traditional Maldivian dishes:

  • Chichandaa satani: Snakeskin, onions, coconut cream, chilli, lemon juice and salt
  • Cutlu: Tuna, potatoes, onions, garlic, chilli, lime juice, pepper, breadcrumbs, egg, salt and oil
  • Dhan’di Aluvi Kan’dhi: Manioc, rice, sugar, coconut milk, Jasmine water, water and coconut cream
  • Dhon Huni Havaadhu Curry: Coconut, ground turmeric, onions, garlic, pepper, ginger and curry
  • Fihunumas: Tuna, red chilli, onions, garlic, cumin, curry powder, ground black pepper and salt
  • Geri Riha: Beef steak, onions, garlic, chilli, curry powder, coconut oil, coriander curry powder, coconut cream, coconut milk, water and salt
  • Hanaakuri Rehi: Silver sprat, onions, garlic, curry, coriander curry powder, coconut oil and salt
  • Huni Havaadhu Curry in coconut paste: Coconut, fennel seeds, cumin, chilli, ground pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ground turmeric, onions, garlic, ginger and curry powder
  • Kaliyaa Birinjee: Patna rice, onions, garlic, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, fennel seeds, clarified butter, coconut milk, curry powder and salt
  • Kandumahu Mussanmaa: Tuna fillets, onions, curry powder, coconut oil, coriander curry powder, sugar, raisins, peanuts, coconut milk, coconut cream, salt and palm leaves
  • Kukulhu Bis Riha: Eggs, potatoes, coriander curry powder, onions, garlic, chilli, curry leaves, coconut oil, coconut cream, coconut milk, water and salt
  • lhoamahu Kirugarudhiya: Smoked tuna, onions, curry powder, chilli, mango, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, coconut milk, coconut cream, water and salt);
  • Lonumirus Havaadhu Curry spice mix: Coconut, chilli, cumin, fennel seeds, pepper, onion, garlic, ground turmeric and ginger
  • Mahu Bis Riha: Tuna, onions, garlic, coriander leaves, coriander curry powder, chilli, coconut milk, coconut cream, water, coconut oil and salt
  • Masbaiy: Patna rice, tuna, garlic, chilli, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ground turmeric, curry powder, clarified butter, coconut milk, water and salt
  • Raiymahu Riha: Snapper, onion, garlic, curry powder, clarified butter, coconut milk, coconut cream, water and salt
  • Thelulimas – Tuna, chilli, onions, garlic, cumin, curry powder, ground black pepper, salt and oil

Must see

Underwater Marine life

The Maldives are an incontestable leading destination for the underwater world and here you can experience extraordinary emotions. No matter how many times you come and go, each time feels like the first: new experiences, new encounters, new discoveries.

In the Maldives you can see turtles, stingrays, manta rays, eagle rays, grey sharks, hammerheads and even whale sharks, as well as huge humphead wrasse, schools of barracuda, tuna, trevally and a multitude of small reef fish, angelfish, triggerfish, clownfish and brightly coloured anemones, surgeon fish and nudibranchs!

For many diving enthusiasts, seeing the whale shark, one of the largest fish in the world, is the most exciting moment and is not to be missed. Naturally there is no shortage of different types of coral.

There are resident marine biologists on the Athuruga and Thudufushi Islands who accompany our guests as they discover the island’s flora and fauna. As such, marine enthusiasts can increase their knowledge and satisfy their curiosity during their stay.

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Malé National Museum

The interesting collection of artefacts including the Sultan’s thrones and sceptres at the Malé National Museum is well worth a visit.

It is located in the Sultan’s park, the town’s main green area.

Fishing Villages

Discover the fishing islands a short distance away from Athuruga and Thudufushi for a truly Maldivian experience.

Discover their ways of life and the places and traditions which characterise these small islands inhabited by native people.

Malé’s Mosques

When visiting the capital, consider paying a visit to the beautiful seventeenth century coral stone in Malé.

The nearby Islamic centre, capped with a huge golden dome, can also be visited outside of prayer times. There are more than 20 mosques scattered around the capital.

Fishing

Fishing in the waters of the Maldives is an unforgettable experience for experienced and novice fishers. The diverse Indian Ocean offers a wide variety of fish species such as tuna, snapper, common dolphinfish, stone bass, amberjack, rainbow runner, barracuda and trevally.

In addition to these there are also many ocean species such as marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi and wahoo, which will add an extra element to your fishing. Fishers can test themselves with deep sea or night time fishing.

ENJOY REAL HOSPITALITY
SUPERIOR IN STYLE, EXCELLENCE IN VALUE