Maldives
The Maldives, a tropical haven of immaculate beaches in the Indian Ocean south of Sri Lanka, is a natural island of 1,192 atolls. Famous for water sports activities like scuba diving, the azure waters of Maldives are also famous for diverse marine life and sandy beaches. Due to which it becomes a popular destination for water sports lovers. Maldives has undergone drastic changes in the last 10 years and the inhabited islands have been made better and more tourist friendly. Because of this, it has now become one of the most visited tourist destination in the world.
If you are also searching for the best destination to go on vacation with your family, friends, then you should think about Maldives once for your trip. Here we are going to tell you about Maldives tourism, that’s why you must read this article completely –
History of Maldives
Talking about the history of Maldives, it is known from the remains found from these islands that these islands were settled by Buddhist followers around 5th century. Located on the prime sea route when crossing the Indian Ocean, the Maldives used to be a replenishment center for food, water, coir and other equipment. The Maldivians were the followers of Buddhism, as evident from the Buddhist ruins excavated in these islands. But it is also believed that Maldivians adopted Islam in 1153 AD. Ibn Battuta, was a North African traveler who lived here. The Maldives was not free from foreign invasions – invaded in 1558 by the Portuguese, who ruled for 15 years, followed by the Dutch of Ceylon in the 17th century, and finally the British in 1887 when Ceylon became defense minister. In 1953, the first republic was proclaimed, but in 1965 the Maldives gained full political independence from the British. Ibrahim Nasser was appointed the first President of the Second Republic of Maldives. Subsequently, various countries took advantage of the economic opportunities and opened their doors to tourism.
Religion and Language of Maldives
At the time of the establishment of Maldives, Buddhism was followed here, but gradually the roots of Buddhism got weakened here and Islam religion expanded, thus presently the religion of Maldives is Islam.
The national language here is Dhivehi, which has different dialects. It belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family and is therefore quite different from English. However, being a popular tourist destination, English is also widely spoken and understood here.
Currency in Maldives
Given the tourist nature of Maldives, USD is generally accepted at resort islands, liveboards, hotels, restaurants, travel agents and shops. Most activities can be arranged by your resorts and accumulated payments can be made by cash or card until the end of your stay. In addition to USD, Euro and Pound Sterling can also be used. Major international credit cards such as American Express, Visa Card, MasterCard and JCB Card are all accepted.
Exchanging Money in Maldives
It is advisable not to convert a lot of your currency into MVR, as there are not many opportunities to use it, and you may be forced to sell it back at the rates at which you bought them. 24 hours money exchange facility is available at the arrival terminal of Male International Airport. Withdrawals from ATMs are also possible with a nominal fee.
Top Places To Visit In Maldives
Male : One of the smallest national capital in the world, Male is known for its ancient mosque and colorful buildings. Due to its beauty and tourist attractions, Male, the capital of Maldives, is one of the best tourist places in Maldives which hosts thousands of tourists every year. This beautiful island surrounded by turquoise waters is one of the best places to visit in Maldives. Whenever you come to Malé on a trip to Maldives, you can enjoy various water sports activities here, take a walk on the streets of Male as well as shop in the shops here.
Banana Reef : Banana Reef is one of the oldest reefs in Maldives adorned with stunning caves, majestic reefs, beautiful coral growths and mighty overhangs. Banana Reef is one of the top destinations in Maldives for scuba diving. It is also a very convenient option for expert and experienced divers as it allows them to go deeper and better explore the vast underwater world . If you are planning a trip to Maldives then you must also include Banana Reef in your trip as it is a place where you can go for scuba diving as well as snorkelling to the north end of the reef. can try.
Vaadhoo Island : Vadhoo Island is one of the most beautiful places in Maldives with some of the best resorts and beautiful tourist places. This beautiful island with a population of about 500 is the best place to spend time in solitude amidst lush green trees and sea shore. But the natural phenomenon that occurs here – known as the Sea of Stars is one that attracts the attention of people around the world. In fact, the Sea of Stars is such a phenomenon when Vadhu Island is submerged in the sea water during the night and shines like the stars in the sky. That is why night time is the best time to visit Vadhoo Island when you can see the incredible phenomenon of this shining sea with your own eyes.
Krabi: Krabi is a very beautiful and amazing city located in the southern province of Thailand. It is famous for its wonderful beaches, scenic views and limestone formations. The wide beaches covered with white sand and the serene surroundings, the dense green forests are a main attraction for the tourists. Krabi is a wonderful place for nature lovers and can be the best place for those who seek solitude and tranquility.
National Museum, Maldives : The National Museum of Maldives is an ancient building that houses a well-organized collection of artifacts, which helps to trace the unusual historical events of this archipelago. Its aim is to inculcate patriotic feelings among the citizens of Maldives. The museum houses a huge collection of royal antiquities from the Buddhist and Islamic eras making it a paradise for lovers of history and crafts.
From clothes of former kings and queens, paper manuscripts, anthropological objects and weapons to various costumes and jewellery, you will find everything under one roof whenever you come here. If you are about to go on a trip to Maldives, then your trip is incomplete unless you visit this heritage place, which is the high part of the history of the great Maldives.
Timings and fee of National Museum Maldives
National Museum Maldives Timing is 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM ,While closed on every Friday.
They have some fee for there entrys.
Kudahuvadhoo Island, Maldives : Kudahuvadhoo Island is one of the major tourist attractions of Maldives. Despite a population of around 3,000, there is not much to do on the island, but it is known for the presence of a mysterious mound called ‘Havitas’. These mounds are believed to date back to the pre-Islamic period and are actually the ruins of Buddhist temples. Preserved remains of an ancient mosque with signs of coral-stone carvings and exquisite ancient masonry can also be seen here. Like the rest of Maldives, Kudhwadhoo Island also has very clear water which makes it the perfect place for scuba diving, swimming and other water sports.
Hulhumale, Maldives : Hulhumale Just south of the North Male Atoll and connected to the airport is a gem of an island, called Hulhumale. The island, spread over 188 hectares of palm trees and splendid beaches, is one of the best places in Maldives to visit, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In fact, Hulhumale is the most famous among tourists who love to visit. Arrive in Maldives late in the evening or wish to stay for a day before your flight departs, as it is connected to the airport by road, which also makes it extremely convenient. Individuals staying on this island get a cultural experience with many activities. What makes Hulhumale so different from other islands of Maldives is the fact that it is not created by nature but artificially.
Maldive Victory : Maldives Victory is a famous diving spot consisting of picturesque resorts. In fact, a cargo ship named Maldives Victory was sunk at this place in 1981, whose wreckage is still present here. Built a decade before its unfortunate accident, Maldives Victory was a massive cargo carrier with a capacity of 3500 tonnes. With a length of 110 meters and a width of 13 meters, it beautifies the sea with all its splendor. Within a few years of the accident, the ship was discovered by some dive operators, after which it became famous as the diving spot of the Maldives Victory. And today a large number of tourists from abroad come here and see this huge ship while doing scuba diving. If you are going on a trip to the best tourist places in Maldives, then definitely come to visit Maldives Victory.
Grand Friday Mosque : The Grand Friday Mosque is one of the main religious places in the Maldives, which is visited by millions of Muslim devotees every year. The Grand Friday Mosque is located right next to the main pier of Male, the capital of Maldives, from where one can also see amazing sea views. Apart from this mosque, there is also a religious centre, an Islamic library and conference hall which holds meetings of utmost importance such as SAARC meetings. The incredible architecture of the Grand Friday Mosque is also worth seeing which adds to its charm. And makes it one of the best places to visit in Maldives.
Maafushi Island, Maldives: Maafushi Island, one of the famous tourist places of Maldives, is one of those local Maldivian islands where tourists and locals go to spend quality time in solitude with their family, friends or even their couple, away from the hustle and bustle of cities. Maafushi Island is one of the top holiday destinations in Maldives that attracts thousands of tourists every year. The island is primarily known for its natural beauty, serene environment and other activities that are not only affordable but also extremely relaxing. Maafushi Island From historical monuments to sandbars, from diving agencies to restaurants, this beautiful island invites tourists to partake in a variety of activities.
Boduberu Show, Maldives: Boduberu is a musical form that was established in the Maldives in the early 11th century. Boduberu show is one of the major tourist attractions of Maldives which attracts hordes of tourists from different parts during this show. Boduberu show is very famous in Maldives which is set up and performed on almost all occasions. The show is attended by around 15-20 people, dressed in a traditional outfit and a white shirt. Boduberu is also often referred to as Baburu Lava by the local people. The Boduberu show always begins with dancing and clapping. This unique dance form is one of the few things that one must visit to understand the heritage of this island nation.
National Art Gallery Maldives: Established in 999, the National Art Gallery is one of the best places to visit in Maldives. This art gallery is a platform for showcasing local and international artworks. From conceptual works to paintings, the gallery organizes regular exhibitions and promotional events for people from the artistic niche. The National Art Gallery of Maldives houses a wonderful collection of Islamic items, local, royal and traditional Maldivian clothing, and works by international artists.
But this gallery does not have a permanent exhibition, which means that when there is no exhibition on display, there is nothing to see. That is why you must know about its programs before coming here.
National Art Gallery Timings is 9.00 am to 6.00 pm and and they have some fee for there entrys
Apart from these major tourist places, there is more than one island and other tourist places to visit in Maldives, which you are going to know below –
Male Friday Mosque, Islamic Center, Mulee’age Palace, Uthemu Island, Fuldhoo Island, Gun island, Thulusdhoo Island, Majide magu, Dhadimagi Kilhi,, Sultan park, Maradhu Island, Male Local Market.
Best Time To Visit Maldives
The best time to visit Maldives is from November to March. The weather during this time is dry and tropical which is ideal time for sunbathing, scuba diving and snorkelling in Maldives. The best time to go surfing in Maldives is from March to May when there are torrential rains, and rough seas. Sometimes there are bright days too. Budget travelers can visit during this time as the resorts offer attractive packages and offers.
Hotels in Maldives
If you are planning a trip to Maldives with your friends or family and are searching for hotels to stay in Maldives, then for your information, let us tell you that Maldives is one of the most beautiful country and top tourist destination in the world. Because of which there is a lot of luxury and budget hotels here. Which you can select according to your plan.
Local Transport in Maldives
Sea planes are the fastest way to travel from island to island but these seaplanes are more expensive and operate only during day time. Local boats, powered by diesel engines, are a relatively inexpensive option. However a more convenient option is Charter Launch, which can be hired from Male for a 10-hour trip equipped with a captain and crew members. These are arranged by travel agencies and are quite expensive. Metered taxis are not available here, but you can opt for fixed price taxis for local sightseeing.
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