Mira, first you need to find India on it. This is not difficult - the peninsula on which this state is located is located in the south of Asia and has the shape of a triangle. From herself southern point this exotic country it is necessary to mentally draw a line to the southwest. It is there that a large group of atolls is located - coral islands, which is called the Maldives.

Atolls are a closed or broken ring formed by a vent extinct volcano, that is, in the middle of such an "island" there is a lagoon filled with sea water.

The distance to India is approximately 700 km, it is worth noting that the atolls are located on a rather large area, so the southernmost ones are 1,000 km away. Washed by the waters of the Maldives indian ocean and due to their proximity to the equator they have a unique climate with almost constant temperature throughout the year and only two pronounced seasons - dry and rainy.

Due to their volcanic origin, the islands have a low altitude (only about two meters) and a rather poor fauna - only a few species of mammals live here. But undersea world very varied.

State of Maldives

All atolls located in this part of the Indian Ocean are united in the state of the Republic of Maldives. It is worth noting that its history began in 1965, when Britain, under whose protectorate the islands were, generously granted them independence, however, not just like that, but after violent uprisings of the population against the power of the empire.

However, much remained from the British, including the name, it is a distorted Hindi word: "" - the palace and "diva" - the island. The capital of the Republic of Maldives is the city of Male, by the way, it is the only locality having this status.

The Maldivians are Muslims, more specifically Sunnis. In the 12th century, a Muslim preacher landed on the islands, who founded a dynasty that ruled until the arrival of the Portuguese, the Dutch, and later the British.

How to get to the Maldives

Traveling to the Maldives will require the tourist not only to spend time and money, but also patience, because a direct flight from Moscow to the capital of Male lasts more than 8 hours. If a non-stop flight is not available for some reason, you will have to plan a route with a connection at an intermediate airport, usually Colombo in Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi in the UAE or Dubai in Saudi Arabia. In any case, it is worth considering that from Male to the desired island you will have to get to water transport or by seaplane.

This small country is located on 20 atolls in the equatorial Indian Ocean. More than 2000 km separates the Islamic Republic from India. The distance to Sri Lanka is much less: if you look at the Maldives on the world map, you can see that the states are about 700 km apart from each other.

Island Information

The state of Maldives is formed by almost 2000 coral islands. About 400 thousand people live here, and Islam is the dominant religion. The total area of ​​the Republic of Maldives is 90 thousand km 2, however, no more than 300 km 2 fall on the share of land from it.

Interestingly, the only city and port of the country is its capital, Male, located on the atoll of the same name. The remaining islets are almost uninhabited and only occasionally there are hotels on them.

The time in the Maldives is UTC +5, so when flying, you should prepare in advance for changing time zones.

Monthly weather in the Maldives

Climate features are determined by the location of the Maldives. It belongs to the subequatorial monsoon type, so the weather is drastically different in the dry and rainy seasons. Depending on the month of the trip, you have to prepare for the following:

January. A trip to the islands this month will definitely be successful due to the warm, sunny and calm weather and the calm that reigns in the ocean. Although technically January is the rainy season, there is a minimum of precipitation, which guarantees a wonderful beach holiday and diving opportunities. In the daytime, the thermometer rises to at least +24 °C, and the water temperature averages +27 °C.

February. At this time, crowds of tourists usually flock here. The ocean continues to delight with a comfortable water temperature of +25 °C, and the daytime air temperature rarely drops below +28 °C. There are practically no waves, and the sky is perfectly blue and cloudless. Therefore, even inexperienced divers can start learning the tricks of diving, and the almost complete absence of precipitation allows you to ride a yacht or a catamaran to your heart's content.

March. This month is also considered to be quite hot and dry, and the average air and water temperatures differ little from February. The sand remains very warm, and there are practically no tropical showers. In March, many local flora bloom, but be prepared for occasional sandstorms.

April. At this time, the southwest monsoon comes to the Maldives, bringing with it a change in weather. Storms in the ocean are rare, the heat intensifies, but the rains here are still infrequent guests. If you cannot stand stuffiness, it is worth postponing the trip: the air temperature is mostly +30 °C, and the water temperature reaches +28 °C.

May. Very strong winds begin to blow, sometimes turning into hurricanes. There is much more precipitation: about half of the days in May are rainy. At the same time, the weather constantly surprises. The sun is replaced by heavy rain and vice versa.

June. This month continues the May trend as the southwest monsoon takes over. There are very strong gusts of warm wind. In June, the maximum precipitation falls in the Maldives, typical for this region, but their number rarely exceeds 200 mm. Ocean waves sometimes reach gigantic proportions. The thermometer stays at an average of +30 °C, and the water temperature in the ocean is +27 °C.

July. At this time, the islands are not very comfortable due to frequent rains. However, they quickly end, and soon the sky is partially cleared and the sun peeps through the clouds. In July, approximately 160 mm of precipitation falls, and the air temperature is +31 °C. In water, the thermometer usually shows +27 ° C. Thunderstorms are possible during which coolness is felt.

August. This month is considered the most changeable on the islands. In early August, the sea is quite warm and calm, winds and hurricanes practically stop. It rains relatively infrequently, and the atolls are still hot. But already at the end of the month, the sky becomes more and more covered with clouds, it often rains, and the wind intensifies.

September. Both day and night, the weather is predominantly warm, and the exhausting heat recedes. Remains quite high humidity, and precipitation falls up to 200 mm. The average number of rainy days in September is 15-16. Rains are often accompanied by severe thunderstorms, but the ocean remains quite warm with water temperatures around +27 °C.

October. The air temperature drops slightly to +27-29 °C, and the water temperature drops to +26 °C, which does not interfere with swimming at all. It rains much less often: usually no more than 100 mm of precipitation falls.

November. This month, the northeast monsoon arrives in the Maldives, bringing with it warm and dry weather. Winds and rains rarely bother tourists, and the thermometer on average shows +28 ° С. Water warms up to +25 °C.

December. At this time of the year, everything blooms on the islands, so that they turn into a real tropical paradise. Daytime temperatures rise to +30-32 °С, and the water temperature in the ocean rarely drops below +25 °С.

How to get to the Maldives

In any guidebook, where you will find everything you wanted to know about the Maldives, it is indicated that the connection of the island state with the mainland is carried out exclusively by air. The country's only airport is located in the capital Male. You can get to it in the following ways:

Direct flight of Aeroflot from Moscow. New Airbus A-330-200 aircraft take off from Russian capital twice a week: on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If it is important for you to know how long it takes to fly from Moscow on such a direct flight, you will have to be patient: the flight duration is approximately 9 hours.

Please note that when returning from the Maldives, you will have to pay an airport tax of 10 USD - 15 USD, which is not always included in the airfare.

A flight with a transfer of Qatar Airways (transfer point - Doha), Singapore Airlines (transfer point - Singapore) or Emirates Airlines (transfer point - Dubai). The cost of tickets for airliners of these air carriers already includes the airport tax.

On a Srilankan Airlines connecting flight. To do this, you will first have to fly to Dubai or Colombo and purchase a ticket to Male for 180 USD - 250 USD at the local airport. This is the most budget flight option for those who want to save money.

The average cost of a flight between the capitals of Russia and the Maldives ranges from 570 USD to 720 USD one way.

Visa to the Maldives and customs clearance

There is no need for residents of Russia and the CIS countries to obtain a visa to travel to the Maldives, since there is a visa-free agreement between the countries. However, given the dramatic change in climate and the exotic nature of the region, it does not hurt to purchase a medical insurance policy. Weekly insurance will cost about 25 USD - 45 USD.

It is very important to comply with the rules of the customs legislation of the Republic of Maldives. They talk about the following:

• You can import and export foreign currency in unlimited quantities.
• 125 ml of perfume or cologne and 200 cigarettes, as well as no more than one personal item per passenger, are allowed without payment of duty.
• It is strictly forbidden to carry with you pork and meat products from it, salami sausages, pornographic goods, narcotic substances, shell souvenirs sea ​​turtle or dark coral, as well as antiques found at the bottom of the ocean.

Be sure to note that the import and export of any alcoholic beverages in the Maldives is prohibited. Violation of this rule may result in arrest.

The cost of holidays in the Maldives

Many Russian celebrities such as Volochkova are very fond of relaxing in the Maldives. This is due to the very comfortable climate and reasonable prices for accommodation. If you are wondering how much a standard ticket to the Maldives costs, please note that it depends on the following factors:

• duration of the trip;
• hotel category;
• the island on which the hotel is located;
• food and entertainment included in the price;
• season.

How more services for vacationers offers a hotel (SPA, swimming pools, animation, sauna and much more), the more expensive the rest will cost. If you are planning a trip for 7-8 days with booking a single or double room with half board and a minimum of entertainment, you will have to spend from 2600 USD to 5500 USD.

The wedding tour involves a romantic weekend for the newlyweds and will cost from 1750 USD to 2500 USD. The price includes decoration of the room, services of photographers and musicians, fruit, wine or champagne and a solemn wedding ceremony of an informal nature. An all-inclusive tour is suitable for those who want to completely relax during their trip. Its price - from 3500 USD to 7000 USD for a weekly stay in a 4 or 5 star hotel - includes three meals a day and free drinks throughout the stay.

Those who want to save money should pay attention to last-minute tours: they are usually 30% cheaper. Also on the most budget holiday in the Maldives for 8 days you will have to spend about 2000 USD if you book a room in an inexpensive three-star hotel without special amenities. The price includes airfare and medical insurance.

The Maldives is a real sunny paradise on earth, where you can easily recuperate after a long-awaited vacation.

(2 ratings, average: 4,50 out of 5)

The Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean. On the world map, they can be seen near South Asia. The islands are very popular with Russian tourists, but few know all the features of recreation on Maldives. The article will give actual information about tourism in the Maldives.

The Maldives on the world map are located in the Indian Ocean near the equator, which crosses them from the south side. The group of islands has coordinates: 1 degree south and 8 degrees north latitude, as well as 72 and 74 degrees east longitude. Closest to the Maldives is India and the island of Sri Lanka.

The islands belonging to the Maldives are grouped into atolls, of which there are 26. There are about 2000 islands in the Republic of Maldives.

How much to fly to the islands from Moscow. What to bring

The Maldives on the world map are located in the open ocean, so you can only get to the islands by plane. Navigation in the area of ​​the archipelago is not developed due to the structural features of the land of the Maldives. The flight takes from 9 hours to 1 day, depending on the chosen flight.

You can get to the Maldives from Moscow:

Another flight option charter flights organized during holidays or high season. Such flights can offer vacationers travel companies or special online services. The undoubted advantage of such flights is direct flights and a more affordable price compared to regular flights.

When vacationers land at international airport Ibrahim Nasir in Male, they go through customs. The border guards will record the personal data of the tourist and issue a temporary visa for 30 days. Since the Republic of Maldives is a country with an Islamic faith, personal belongings are searched at the border for the absence of anti-Islamic symbols, pork or alcohol.

After passing through customs, tourists go to the hall where they can exchange currency or clarify information on how to get to their atoll if the hotel does not provide a transfer. The hotel can be reached by ferry and by seaplane. Before departure, you should carefully prepare and collect the necessary things.

The tourist must have:

To make the flight and rest comfortable, you can take with you:

• leisure items (books, gadgets, headphones);
• charger for phone or tablet;
• universal adapter for sockets;
• drinking water;
• non-perishable foods for a light snack;
• hygienic and dry wipes;
• pocket first aid kit.

It is also worth taking with you:

• light clothing made from natural fabrics;
• clothes for swimming and sunbathing;
• headwear and sunglasses;
• sunscreen;
• means for protection against tropical insects;
• hygiene items;
• thin jacket in case of rain;
• beach slippers.

If vacationers come to the islands with a baby, it is worth stocking up on the necessary amount of diapers, as they may not be on sale on the selected atoll.

Climate and weather by months

The Maldives on the world map are located right on the equator, so a subequatorial monsoon-type climate prevails here. Depending on the direction of the wind, the seasons are divided into dry and wet.

Weather in the Maldives by months:

Month	Temperature	Precipitation
January	Warm windless weather with an indicator on the thermometer +25 degrees. In the ocean, the water warms up to +27, and there are no waves.	The month ends the wet season, so it does not rain very often.
February	The ocean still remains calm and warms up to +29 degrees. The air temperature is kept within 28 degrees.	Precipitation is practically non-existent.
March	The month differs from the previous one only in the appearance of rare sandstorms.	Rain is still almost non-existent.
April	The climate is gradually changing, it becomes very stuffy on the islands. There are no major storms.	Showers are very rare.
May	Although the indicator on the thermometer remains unchanged, the speed and strength of the wind increases dramatically, which even leads to hurricanes.	The rains are starting to fall more often. A clear sun can abruptly change rainy clouds. Precipitation falls approximately 10-15 days a month.
June	The temperature remains the same, the winds continue to blow with the same force, bringing high waves to the islands.	The rainiest month of the year. Precipitation falls almost every day.
July	The air temperature rises to +31 degrees, and water to +28.	Showers continue to go, but slightly less intense than in June.
August	At the beginning of the month it may seem that the climate is changing. However, after mid-August, the days become overcast with increasing frequency. The temperature continues to stay the same.	Precipitation falls in the second half of the month.
September	The temperature drops a little and stays within 27 degrees, stuffiness recedes.	It rains more than half of the days in the month.
October	The thermometer stays at around 25-26 degrees, the water also warms up to 25-26.	Precipitation intensity is reduced by almost half from the previous month.
November	The climate changes to north monsoon. The islands become warm and windless. The air temperature is kept around 28 degrees, and the water - 26.	Heavy precipitation is practically not observed.
December	The thermometer shows 30-32 degrees, the water heats up to 25-26.	Rain falls rarely.

Depending on weather changes in the Maldives, there will be a high and low tourist seasons.

Best time to go to Maldives

Since the islands have hot weather all year round, you can fly to the Maldives in any month of the year. However, the holiday can spoil the seasonal rains, which begin in April and end in December. However, rainfall during the low season does not differ in duration, and heavy thunderstorms can be abruptly replaced by clear weather.

Also in the second half of August, there is the so-called "Indian summer", which is typical for the dry season.

An additional plus of a holiday in the low season is the lower cost of flights and hotel accommodation. The high season is from December to April. A lot of tourists come here to take a break from the winter cold of their country, sunbathe and swim in clear water Indian Ocean or go diving.

Many fly to the Maldives to spend New Year holidays. In line with the high popularity of the Maldives this season, the prices for accommodation and flights are greatly increased.

Geographical characteristics of the islands

The Maldives is an archipelago of islands of volcanic origin. The islands are washed by the Laccadive Sea of ​​the Indian Ocean. The length of the archipelago along the equator is 120 km, and across it - 750 km, while the distance between the atolls varies from 25 to 80 km, and between the islands from 1 to 10 km.

The total area of ​​all the islands is almost 300 km. sq. Almost all inhabited atolls are designed for certain purposes.

For example, there are separate atolls:

• hotels;
• settlements of local residents;
• airports;
• farm or production;
• prisons.

On the territory of the islands, the locals speak Dhivehi and Indo-Aryan, the majority speaks Arabic and English. The republic recognizes the official currency - rufiyaa, but you can pay in a hotel or with sellers in dollars, or exchange them in any exchange office.

Administrative division, resorts

Total in Maldives there are 26 atolls, some of which are either not occupied at all, or occupied only by hotels. Of the 1196 Maldives islands, only 200 are inhabited by people, and the rest are wild places.

The most popular atolls among tourists:

• Lavian;
• Siena;
• Miemu Raa;
• Kaafu;
• Vaavu;
• Alifu;
• Daalu;
• Faafu.

All atolls are included in a specific administrative center.

There are 8 in total:

• Metropolitan;
• Far North;
• Northern;
• Central-northern;
• Central;
• Central-south;
• Southern;
• Extreme south.

Features of tourism in the Maldives

A distinctive feature of the Maldives from others popular resorts This is a quiet and peaceful beach holiday. There are no bright historical and architectural sights or noisy amusement parks and attractions. Location is great for family vacation with kids.

Cost of tours to the Maldives

You can go to the Maldives on your own without seeking help from a tour operator. In this case, you will have to book a hotel and plane tickets on your own. The travel agency will take its percentage, but tourists will no longer need to look for suitable conditions for living and spending time on the island, everything will be done by a travel agent.

The cost of tours to the Maldives primarily depends on the season of their visit. In the high season, a tour for two for a week will cost 300-400 thousand rubles. In the low season, you can buy a tour for 150-300 thousand rubles. A hot tour for 6 days with breakfast only can be bought for 90-100 thousand rubles.

Types of holidays in the Maldives

The Maldives on the world map are located in the ocean, so surfing and diving are well developed here. Tourists can also fish in the open sea. Surfing is well developed on the island of Male. There are many surf clubs here, mainly for professionals. The best time for boarding - from May to October.

Maldives - perfect place for active rest such as surfing.

Beginners should try surfing in the winter when the waves are relatively small. It is worth noting that with the huge popularity of surfing in the Maldives, there is not a single school for beginners.

Professional surfers in addition to Male can go to the islands:

• chickens;
• Coca Cola;
• Lhohi;
• Canifinol;
• Sultans;
• Honkies.

If the trip is from March to April, it is best to board the southern atolls. Unlike surfing, there are many schools for learning to dive on the islands. Diving and snorkeling is best from January to March. During this period, the water is clear and the underwater world is visible as in the picture.

One dive will cost about 3500 rubles. depending on the season, as well as the chosen hotel or diving center. If a tourist wants to look at the rare inhabitants of the ocean: tiger sharks and manta rays, then it is worth visiting the Maldives from October to November.

Fishing is one of the most popular species holidays in the Maldives. A tourist can fish from a yacht or donnie boat. You can do this in the morning or at night. Everyone can be taken to uninhabited islands for fishing safari.

Attractions of the Maldives, interesting places

The Maldives is primarily valued for beach holidays. However, for inquisitive tourists there is a small amount of sightseeing entertainment.

Vacationers can visit:

Tourists can also visit several famous atolls and picturesque islands.

Where to stay for a tourist: location and description of hotels

The Maldives are known to Russian tourists as an expensive pleasure. Due to the location of the islands right on the equator (you can see it on the world map), eternal summer reigns here, so vacationers fly to the Maldives all year round. Many hotels are located on the main atolls, others can completely occupy 1 island.

The high demand for recreation is clearly visible in the cost of accommodation, which can reach 200 thousand rubles. for two per day. However, this does not mean that there is no affordable housing on the islands. If a tourist wants to save on accommodation, you can safely go to the new, not yet fully built-up area of ​​the island of Male - Hulhumale, where you can rent decent accommodation in a guesthouse for little money.

Tourists will settle in good rooms with the necessary furniture and appliances, and pay for accommodation for two from 2500 rubles. per day. The area is located in close proximity to the main attractions of the capital of the Maldives. Vacationers can also rent rooms in similar guesthouses on other atolls. A common occurrence on the islands is a hotel occupying an entire island.

Such places provide guests with a wide variety of services, for example:

• private beach with the necessary infrastructure;
• surf school;
• spa complex or wellness center;
• gym;
• food items;
• playgrounds.

Guests will also be met at the airport and taken back. Tourists can use the services of a guide at the hotel.

Some of the most notable hotels are:

If the trip falls on the high season, you should think about booking accommodation in advance.

When planning a vacation in the Maldives, it is worth knowing not only official information, but also getting acquainted with interesting and important facts about the islands.

For example:

The Maldives is known worldwide as one of the best tourist spots with tropical beauty. The islands on the map are located in the equator region, so eternal summer reigns here, which can sometimes be ruined by heavy rains during the wet season.

Article formatting: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about the Maldives on the world map

Description of the islands and their location on the world map:

Where is the Maldives located?

Their location falls almost on the very equator, from which it follows that the islands are always warm and the temperature ranges from twenty-eight to thirty degrees.

The islands are elongated and, according to Wikipedia, extend 820 kilometers from north to south and 120 kilometers from west to east.

The Maldives are ordinary coral formations that lack mountains and volcanoes. The level of the world ocean is rising every year, and this factor threatens the complete destruction of this beautiful and a quiet place, where luxurious and rich hotels are located. Scientists agree that in the next thirty to forty years the Maldives will disappear from the face of the earth and completely sink into the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives are quite small and it is not so easy to find the archipelago on the map. They are located in the Indian Ocean, not far from Sri Lanka and India. In total, the area of ​​the islands is about ninety thousand square kilometers, but most of this is occupied by the sea. The archipelago consists of a thousand small islands, but not all of them are inhabited, and only eighty-eight are considered intended for recreation. The rest are inhabited by the indigenous people of the Maldives and tourists prefer not to appear in their area.

The journey from Moscow to the Maldives is eight and a half hours.

On the paradise islands you can stay no more than thirty days. You should be aware that customs will certainly check whether you comply with the rules by which the import of the following items is prohibited into the country:

• pork
• animals
• alcohol
• pornographic products
• anti-Islamic literature

Moreover, women who appear in public places should remember that in order to avoid trouble, their clothes should be matched so that their knees and shoulders remain covered.

Despite the many prohibitions that seem strange to us, but very important for local residents, this country remains a particularly attractive place to relax due to its solitude, tranquility and beautiful landscapes.

Many tourists are wondering: do they understand the Russian language in the Maldives and will life be hard there without knowing English in the country? There is really nothing to be afraid of. At the airport, you will be met by a Russian-speaking person representing the agency, who will help you with any questions. Moreover, in good hotels administrators are fluent in both Russian and English.

This piece of paradise is hard to spot on an ordinary world map. The island chain is located off the coast in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. Only zooming in allows you to clearly see the location of the Maldives.

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

About Maldives

The Maldives combines everything that a vacationer wants to get to the fullest from a vacation - relaxation on sandy beach, an even tan in the rays of the gentle sun, emotions from the opportunity to feel like a surfer or a diver, impressions from getting to know the local culture. The Maldives is a place where the maximum temperature is maintained throughout the season, many coral islands are connected in an ideal representation of paradise on Earth, and where the feeling of unity with the surrounding nature is very subtle. What is known about this unique country an ordinary tourist?

Maldives

Location of the republic

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

Everyone has heard about the best place beach holiday, but few people know where the Maldives are. But it is precisely the location that allows Maldivian resorts to stay in the top travel sales both in 2018 and earlier. It is not so easy to find answers to questions about where the Maldives are located, in which country, on which continent, because the islands are so small and so scattered that geographical map they are not immediately found. But if you look at South Asia near the equator, a whole range of islands will open up to the eye of a tourist in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. They are united under the common name of the Maldives, where initially it was the foot of the volcanic mountains-islands that formed the coral islands.

The volcanic past of the islands gave the whole world amazing beauty blue lagoons, endless beaches, unique vegetation and a rich underwater world. The opportunity to feel a sense of unity with nature, find out what kind of sea is in the Maldives, and also look at the endless and majestic ocean, all this gives every tourist a trip to the Maldives.

National features 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 care, provide the proper level of service, 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 use of alcoholic beverages especially in public places. In addition, before setting off on a journey, you should carefully consider the fact that it is forbidden to import alcohol into the Maldives.

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

Respect is also required for their national symbols. The Maldivians are especially reverent about 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, tuna, is under state protection.

The locals keep unique national characteristics speaking among themselves in a mixture of different languages, including Arabic. To national language Dhivehi, which is close to the Indo-Aryan group, is also referred to.

Note! Locals prefer to speak English with tourists.

The subtleties of tourism in the Maldives

A huge number of islands offer tourists the opportunity to have a good rest. Hotels, villas, bungalows offer vacationers everything they need for comfort. Even such a frequent travel problem as the issue of sockets will not disturb the tourist here, because everything is thought out in advance.

Everyone resort region The Maldives can show the tourist the perfect beach holiday, but you should not rely on a variety of attractions. In the Maldives, beaches are considered national treasure, their purity 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, excursion routes on iconic places, only the capital Male is highlighted. Often, travel agencies initially enter her visit into the itinerary.

Note! Maafushi Island, which belongs to the budget destination, is very popular among Russian tourists.

It is also called the Russian Maldives. Here is the opportunity to get good vacation, get to know the local traditions and life in the Maldives from the inside, bring home memories of the tastes and preferences of the Maldivians. You can feel the authenticity of the Maldivians with the help of local cuisine. how 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 to feel the sweetness of the rest: from well-known coconuts and bananas to exotic papaya, mango and guava.

It is also important for every tourist to have the opportunity to bring something memorable from their vacation. The Maldives, what a country - sunny, open and hospitable, so are the souvenirs filled with light and island color. Usually they bring for themselves or as a gift brightly painted clothes, water equipment, Jewelry, teas and delicacies. Under a strict ban, the export of corals and any items made from them, as well as turtle shells.

Important! Since the danger in the Maldives can only come from sea ​​depth tourists need not worry about their safety.

Undersea world

The main rule here is the observance of elementary rules. When diving, it is important to remember that you should not touch anything. This will help you avoid many problems. Widespread in the coastal waters of the Maldives, whale sharks 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 have to be very careful when swimming wild beaches. This is especially true for 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 definitely be done in special shoes that can protect your feet from injuries that can easily be obtained from coral fragments.

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

Most terrible tsunami happened in 2004. But on this moment, this natural disaster does not disturb 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 territory of 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 what time it will be in the Maldives upon arrival at the country's airport. Time in the Maldives is counted 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 the currency. The national currency in the Maldives is the rufiyaa. The current exchange rate of the rufiyaa against the ruble is 4.35, and against the dollar 0.065*.

It is interesting:

• It is important to remember that the Maldives is a Muslim country with a special attitude towards wealth. Demonstrating it for show is considered bad form, so there is an opinion that what easier man dressed, the richer he is.
• In the Maldives, there is something like a morality police, which stands to protect religious preferences, namely Sunni Islam. Other religious propaganda is subject to penalties up to a real prison term.
• Pigs are not bred on the territory of the country; moreover, dogs are also classified as “unclean animals”. An exception are shepherd dogs that serve in the police. Bringing a pet to the Maldives is strictly prohibited. Anyone who violates this rule can face not only a serious fine, but also placement in a sanitary zone at the airport.
• Unlike our generally accepted working week, the Maldivian differs in that weekdays are the period from Sunday to Thursday. The Maldivians rest on Friday and Saturday, these days are considered official days off.
• Since the supply of fresh water in the Maldives is negligible, even wealthy residents collect it in any free dish during the rain.
• It is interesting that the Maldivian airport is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean on an artificially filled island.
• On the territory of the islands it is forbidden to swim naked, not only local residents but also to guests. The only exception where you can do this is the island of Kuramachi.

Kuramati Island

Organizing independent travel in the Maldives, it is important to remember that it is not possible to rent a car here, it is even problematic to use a bicycle. Local transport will also not help you get to your destination, as it is not particularly developed. Some of the islands are so small that you can walk around them. To help tourists, 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 the purchase of tickets should not be delayed for months. On services for organizing flights very rarely, but still there are sales on popular destinations. The number of tickets is strictly limited, you should not hope for luck. Subscribing to the mailing list of services that offer discounts and early booking flights. 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 for the cost six months before departure. There are no direct flights, transfers are often carried out through the Turkish direction, but there are many other options. You can fly not only from Moscow, the flight takes an average of 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.