"It's hard to believe that today there is a region in the world, where anyone can find a taste of a desert island and settle there.
Yet these places are! And when a light boat, slipped safely through the surf belopennoe lace, squeezes through a narrow passage in the coral reef and is pale blue water lagoon, whose mirror-smooth surface does not wrinkle trivozhit no-wave, then puteshestvinnika necessarily shrinks the heart of sweet anticipation being accomplished a miracle: ten meters from the anchors of the vessel is a dazzling white strip of sandy beach, edged green wall of trees and pandanus, and the bottomless southern sky is reflected in the warm and clear blue lagoons, as if inviting you to enter into a fairy tale ... "
Maldives - an island nation that lies in the Indian Ocean on both sides of the equator, near the island of Sri Lanka. Millions of years ago during the global geological cataclysm many volcanoes erupted from the depths of the Indian Ocean. Subsequently, the volcano had settled, leaving only the coral reefs, which are then turned into a tiny island. Maldives is now world famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal lagoons and azure sky.
The name Maldives is derived from the Indian word mahal (palace) and diva (island). Maldives consist of two rows of atolls. These atolls are the result of the thousand-year growth of corals. Each year, the coral colonies grow by 1-4 cm, and finally come to the surface waters. The interior of the coral is dying, and after a certain (rather long) time begins to form a lagoon. It is always advantageous for the ocean, because it makes the erosion of coral in the most delicate white sand, which is so famous Maldivian beaches. A few years later (maybe a few hundred years) is formed a new island. Maldives is made up of 19 atolls, each and every one of these atolls belong to that meter or more of the islands.
Climate:
Tropical warm, even near the equator because, without significant variations in temperature throughout the year. The best weather is from December to early April (northeast monsoon): the sea is calm, the weather is sunny and dry. Since the end of April to November the weather is less predictable. South-west monsoon can bring short rains, high humidity and turbulent sea. However, in this period, the least hot. Storms and waves is particularly likely in June. The average daily maximum of 31 C. The average nighttime minimum 26 C. The water temperature +24-27 C all year round.
Geographical position
The country includes the islands in 1190 (mostly - uninhabited) located in 26 atolls. Of the 90 000 sq. m. km, corresponding to the area of the country's land mass is only 298 square meters. miles.
Drinking water
It should drink mineral water and drinks, bottled and packaged in bottles in factories. Open packages should be placed in the refrigerator. Local water because of the constantly high ambient temperature deteriorating rapidly.
Holidays and days off:
New Year - January 1
Eid al Fitr (End of Ramadan) - date not fixed
Eid al-Kebir (day of sacrifice) - March 15-18
Islamic New Year - April 6
National Day - June 4-5
Mouloud (Prophet's Birthday) - June 15
Independence Day - July 26-27
Republic Day - November 11-12
Huravi Day - September 1
Martyrs Day - October 28th
Memorial Day - November 3
National features: img123.jpg
Despite the fact that the Maldives is an Islamic state as a relatively liberal, the guests of the country must carefully observe the laws. In the Maldives, the use of alcohol is prohibited in public places (outside the resort), swimming naked (and topless) on all the islands of the archipelago, fishing close to shore, it is prohibited to catch and tear the living or dead coral in the ocean or near the coast ( fine - $ 500). Violation of the laws of the country could face imprisonment. Do not try to make contact with local women! To walk in the Male dress is recommended, in accordance with Muslim views on morality: long pants or skirt, shirt or blouse. The usual form of greeting Maldivians - shaking hands, greeting salaam alaikum officially, the word kihenen greet each other in an informal setting. Carefree and simple existence in harmony with nature - this is the Maldivian way of life. Artistic Maldivians complement the natural beauty of exotic coral islands. Fishing for them - it is a profession and leisure time. Particularly striking local hospitality. This trait is transmitted from Maldivians from generation to generation. Maldives - a place where tourists are always a welcome guest.
Things to do
The capital city of Male '- the commercial center, the location of the government and the most ancient monuments of the country. Here, an area of about 1.8 square meters. 60,000 km of living people, which makes it one of the Male the most densely populated cities in the world.
In the first place is to visit the largest mosque in the Maldives - Grand Friday Mosque - and its member Islamic Center. Also among the interesting sightseeing places - tombs of legendary saints, the Presidential Palace and National Museum in the Park Sultan.
For tourists coming to the exotic fruit, vegetable, fish and wood markets, illustrating the daily life of local people. Especially interesting to watch the fishermen turned the process of cutting the fish in a real art.
The main attractions of the Maldives are islands with their unique nature and coral reefs. The islands are divided into "tourist" and not "travel". Going to last, too, is possible, but must first obtain a special permit from the Ministry of Atolls Administration. For group tours, such permits are issued through a travel agency. At the same time landing on an island tourists, living in another place, is permitted only with the consent of the administration of the island or the hotel, and stay on this island are allowed only up to 6:00 pm.
What to do
In addition to the main occupation - a quiet and secluded beach holiday - visitors are offered guided tours to museums, boat trips on the boat between the islands, flying seaplanes, trips to fishing villages, familiarity with the traditions and crafts of Maldivians. Basic skills of local residents - is wood carving, stone carving, weaving mats and ropes, making skilled crafts and decorations that can be purchased directly from the masters.
For fishing activities must obtain a permit (you can ask for them in the administration of the hotel).
Lovers of outdoor activities offered parasailing, sailing, water skiing, snorkeling, canoeing and catamaran sailing, windsurfing, surfing and diving. If desired, you can contact the instructor, and equipment hire.
Numerous coral caves extend around the Maldives archipelago, therefore, presents a memorable diving. At the same time coral reefs protect coastal waters from predatory fish, so snorkellers can not be afraid for their lives.
Male - a good place for shopping. However, the shops recommended by guides - not the best place for shopping.
Shark jaws - favorite tourist souvenirs Male. Also popular handicrafts, light summer clothing, coconut oil, shells. Purchase souvenirs from natural materials (primarily black coral), you need to make only if the seller's license for this product, otherwise it will not allow export of the country.
Beaches
All beaches in the Maldives, sandy, here is pure water, secluded coves and large sections of the coast, surrounded by lush groves of tropical plants and flowers. Thanks to the glory of the local beaches are perhaps the most scenic on the planet.
Excursions:
Of the excursions is tempting to ride in a seaplane or helicopter. Short trips are designed for shooting from the air Maldivian beauty: islands, reefs, lagoons, in case of success - schools of dolphins. Long trips - to the distant atolls. Minimum stay in the air - half an hour.
Around the island on which your hotel is located, can walk on glass-bottomed boat - within an hour you will observe the life of the underwater world, cruising in the vicinity of a coral reef. This tour can deliver with what incomparable pleasure, not only children but also their parents, who prefer extreme diving relaxing holiday.
Excursion to the islands or in the fishing village will give a more complete picture of the traditional life of local people. The main occupations of Maldivians are making crafts and jewelry, weaving rugs, carving stone and wood. You can visit the neighboring island resorts, to get acquainted with life in other hotels, compare with their own living conditions, visit the souvenir shops and just relax.
Traditional cuisine
Maldivian cuisine is based on Arabic and Indian and consists of various fish, spices, sauces and rice. Maldivians favorite dish is tuna with rice and a drink - tea with lots of milk and coffee in Arabic. It is also common juices, local sweet milk "sarbat Cyrus' sweet palm juice and low-alcohol beverage" grad "of the fermented milk of palm.
The meat, mostly - chicken, used only on holidays or in special dishes.
Desserts in the Maldives is made from coconuts, areca nuts and fruits, puddings and cakes are popular. The most delicious traditional sweet - white coconut sticks "Bond".
Let's talk about transportation ..
Transport
Most tourists arrive in Male 'International Airport. The airport serves many trips to India, Sri Lanka, Dubai and other airports in Southeast Asia. The number of charter flights to Europe are also growing steadily.
The second international airport - Hahn - is located on the southern atoll of Adu.
Navigate in the Maldives are three basic ways: by boat, amphibian, and private yachts. Boats in the Maldives are the equivalent of a car.
And the boat and "amphibian" prefer not to work at night, so if you arrive in Male 'late at night, you may have to spend the night there.
The most popular overland transport are motorbikes and bicycles. Any island of Maldives archipelago can be crossed in 2 hours, and some islands you can completely bypass for 20 minutes.
Population
The population of Maldives, according to 2009 - 296 thousand people. Most live in the capital - Male. Maldivians, Arabs and Africans account for 99% of the population. Over the past 800 years the vast majority of residents are Muslim (Sunni Islam).
Visa ...
Visa
Tourists from Russia advance to issue a visa is not required. At the airport, Male visa issued free of charge with a valid passport, return ticket and money, sufficient to stay in the country at this time, or vouchers for travel services. The visa is valid till 30 days.
On the way back out of the country will be charged $ 10 airport tax.
"If you have absolutely no time to rest - then it's time to relax. - Sydney Harris"
