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THE MALDIVES TRAVEL GUIDE
The tropical paradise that is the Maldives is an island nation situated in the Indian Ocean, around 430 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. Twenty-six atolls make up the archipelago, within which are 1,192 islets, around 200 of which are inhabited. The country’s chief attractions are its breathtaking scenery and stunning scuba diving sites. For wealthy enthusiasts of underwater activities, there are few destinations in the world that offer sights comparable with those on offer around the Maldivian islets.
Relaxing beach holidays is the reason many visitors head to this country. However, those who spend some time in Malé, the capital city, will find quite a bit in the way of sightseeing attractions also. The island of Kudahuvadhoo is also worth a visit if you are interested in historic structures, while for the best of the country’s diving options, Fish Head and Banana Reef are the places to head. From Malé, all of the country’s major destinations can be reached easily by either boat or plane.
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THE MALDIVES WEATHER - When to Go
A monsoon climate presides in the Maldives, bringing the country beautiful warm weather regardless of the season. A location close to the equator ensures that volumes of rainfall are fairly low and some 2,700 hours of sunshine are enjoyed every year (just a bit more than the UK then!). Any time is a good time to take a holiday in the Maldives, although December to April is considered the high season and is the time when resorts are at their busiest.
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THE MALDIVES HIGHLIGHTS
- Malé: the nation’s capital is a small city in the Kaafu region of the archipelago. It covers an area a little over a mile in length and a half-mile in width and is a charming destination that’s home to the country’s greatest concentration of sightseeing attractions. On a tour of this compact city, visitors can take in such sights as the Friday Mosque (Hukuru Misikiiy), Grand Mosque (otherwise known as the Grand Friday Mosque), Muslim Graveyard, Republic Square, the National Museum and the President’s Palace. The day market is also a must, especially for visitors wanting to sample some local edible delights and experience Maldivian culture at its most traditional and authentic.
- Addu: is considered the country’s second most significant destination, with its main city being Hithadoo, the largest after Malé. An hour-long flight gets you to this small but popular beach holiday island where development is kept to a minimum and natural beauty and local tradition are entirely unaltered. The locals speak their own language, have their own cultural practices and consider themselves independent, creating a unique environment that can’t be found anywhere else in the archipelago.
- Sun Island: otherwise known as Nalaguraidhoo, Sun Island is about 60 miles from Malé and is reputed to be one of the most beautiful of the inhabited islands in the archipelago. Dominated by the Sun Island Resort, Nalaguraidhoo offers sapphire blue lagoons, lush tropical greenery and stunning beaches where privacy and tranquility are qualities easily found.
- Kudahuvadhoo: for sightseeing, Kudahuvadhoo is among the best places in the archipelago after Malé. The island features a number of archaeological remains that experts say were constructed in the era when Buddhism was the region’s main religion. The structures are referred to locally as hawittas, and according to experts are the remains of primitive Buddhist temples. The island, which is uninhabited and entirely free of development, can be visited easily by boat from Malé.
- Banana Reef: this is the destination that serious diving enthusiasts head to as it’s famed for its stunning underwater beauty and local scuba scene. With the reef enjoying the status of a protected area, its wildlife is entirely unaffected by human activity and hence divers get the chance to view marine specimens such as sharks, jackfish, groper, barracuda and blue-striped snapper, as well as a wealth of colourful species of plant life. Banana Reef is located on the eastern side of the North Male’ Atoll and can be reached by boat in 30 minutes.
- Mushimasmingali Thila: also popular with diving fans is Mushimasmingali Thila, or Fish Head as it is locally known. This dive site is internationally famous, its reputation built on its spectacular underwater caves and the beautiful corals and amazing rock formations in and around them. There are plenty of sea creatures to feast your eyes on also with the indigenous grey reef sharks among the most fascinating. Fish Head can be reached with ease by boat from Malé.
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THE MALDIVES HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
- Food and Eating Out: After stunning scenery, the nation’s cuisine is considered one of its greatest selling points, with the traditional Maldivian curries among its greatest creations. Coconut milk, fish and rice are the primary ingredients in most of the popular culinary creations. Authentic cuisine can be found in the tourist resorts at both small, no-frills venues and top hotels. The latter also offer international cuisine, with Indian and Southeast Asian among the most popular styles available.
- Entertainment and Nightlife: The Maldives is not really the place to head to if wild nightlife is a top priority for you; however, within the confines of major hotels and resorts, you will find entertainment, with in-house bars and discos catering to those wanting something a little more up-beat than a quiet evening dinner. The Maldives are an ideal place for a romantice getaway or honeymoon, in other words.
- Accommodation: You won’t find budget or backpacker-friendly accommodation in the Maldives, it just isn’t that kind of holiday destination. Hotels tend to be relatively up-market and visitors are usually looking for luxury as opposed to cheap and cheerful. Major resorts usually occupy entire islands and offer romantic private bamboo bungalows that come at a hefty premium – but worth it if you are with the right person!
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THE MALDIVES FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
The only direct flight option between the UK and the Maldives is with charter flights and package holidays, operated by companies such as Thomson and Thomas Cook.
The other option is to fly with a stop-over in places such as the Middle East (Doha or Dubai) en-route. Try Expedia.co.uk, Lastminute.com or ebookers for such flight options to the Maldives.
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