Maldives
- a clear blue ocean, white beaches, colorful corals and an amazing
underwater life - all this makes the rest of the Maldives tropical tale.
Maldives - the island paradise for diving. The
archipelago consists of more than 2000 coral islands, located near the
equator, just a few hundred kilometers from Sri Lanka. They occupy about 90 thousand square meters. km of the Indian Ocean, but only 300 square meters. km appear above the sea, forming an oval area of 820x120 km, within which are 26 atolls.
Things to do
Maldives
is well known, primarily, for its resorts, each of which - it is its
own unique world, surrounded by pristine golden sands and blue sea. Coral reefs protect coastal waters from predatory fish, so snorkellers can not be afraid for their lives. Numerous coral caves extend around the Maldives archipelago, and is an interesting place for diving and underwater exploration. Enthusiasts, endearing depths of the sea and dream of exotic experiences, see here a real paradise. Novice divers under the supervision of experienced instructors will be able to undergo scuba diving at one of the main atolls. Another remarkable feature of the Maldives - the picturesque green coasts. Groves of coconut palms and bananas, create cool shade, and are important elements of the landscape islands. The
harmonious combination of exotic and well-appointed holiday attracts an
increasing number of tourists to this wonderful piece of paradise,
devoid of city life, giving rest and bliss. Excursion to Male. Male - the capital of the Maldives, as well as commercial and administrative center. Once it was known as the Sultan of the island. Today Male - the most popular and busiest island in the Maldives archipelago, where more than six thousand people. This is the only settlement that can be called a city. There are no high buildings, and a lot more bikes than cars. In
Male 'is almost impossible to get lost, all the streets go to the big
three roads, one of which leads to the sea port "Marina Drayf." In the National Museum you can learn the history and culture of the Maldives. Friday's
Grand Mosque in Male - the oldest mosque in the country, there is a
plaque, decorated with beautiful ornate Arabic script. Excursion to the fishing village. Tour will help you get you a better idea about the life of Maldivians, their traditions and way of life. The
main activities of local residents - wood carving, stone carving,
weaving mats and ropes, making skilled crafts and jewelry available in
all the islands, and you're bound to get some unusual souvenirs here. A boat ride "Doni". Doni,
a traditional Maldivian boat will take you around the island between
the corals, or even help you to make a short trip to another atoll. Hundreds of colorful fish will accompany you during your walk. And maybe you will be able to see the dolphins. Maldivians
- excellent guides during safari, excellent sailors and divers will
accompany you on a walk, and gladly show off their possessions. Night fishing. You
will have the opportunity to participate in one of the exciting events
at the end of which is arranged each time an unusual outing at the
beach. You can eat fresh fish cooked on a fire, you have caught yourself. City tour. A fascinating tour of the island, which is your hotel, give you an unforgettable experience.
Nature and Climate
The
climate is equatorial in the Maldives, the northern part of the
archipelago is located in the subequatorial monsoon climate. Hot weather lasts all year round temperature ranges from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. From April to December there is the south-west monsoon, which brings frequent showers.
State structure and language
Maldives (Maldives) - an island nation located in 700 km. to the south-west of the island of Sri Lanka in the equatorial Indian Ocean. About 2,000 coral islands form the 26 island groups (atolls), most of which are uninhabited (inhabited by about 200 islands). Perhaps
it is the only country in the world with so many disparate patches of
land that are no good estimates, and there is still no consensus on how
much is actually in the archipelago of islands. Constantly there are some islands on the site of underwater reefs, while others disappear, destroyed ocean ridges. Official language - dihevi. At the Tourist Center said in English.
Holidays and days vyhodnyae
National
holidays in the Maldives: 1 January - New Year January 8-10 - Eid
al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), March 15-18 - Eid al-Kebir (day of sacrifice)
April 6 - Islamic New Year June 4-5 - National Day June 15 -
Mouloud (the Prophet's Day rozhleniya) 26-27 July - Independence Day
November 11-12 - Republic Day September 1 - Day Huravi October 28 -
November 3 martyrs Day - Victory Day
Customs regulations
Prohibited: - alcohol import - nudism - the collection of corals and their removal. When departing to pay airport tax of $ 10 per person.
Money, currency exchange
The official monetary unit - Maldivian Rufiyaa. The exchange rate of approximately 12 rufy for $ 1. The hotels accept credit cards. In Malé, banks and exchange offices are concentrated in the street Marine Drive. They
are open from 8.00 am to 13.30, Sunday through Thursday (as in many
other Muslim countries, Maldives holidays are Friday and Saturday). When leaving the remaining rufii allowed to change back to dollars. Currency
exchange can be performed not only in the bank, but also in some large
stores, which hangs a special mark next to the signs of international
tourist cards.
Transport
Almost all tourists who visit the island arrive here by air. Male
International Airport is located on the island Hulule, a distance of 1
km (10 min drive to the national boat "dhoni") from the capital of
Maldives - Male. On the islands there is no regular transport links. The airline "Air Maldives" makes regular flights for only a few distant islands. Hotels
offer shuttle service to the tourist boat dhoni (speed 7 knots per
hour), speed boats, helicopters, airplanes, or water, which bring
tourists to the most remote corners of the country. While vacationing on an island, you can always rent a dhoni (speed of 8 miles per hour) or high-speed boat. Any Maldivian island can be crossed for 1.5 - 2 hours. Bicycles and motorcycles are the most popular types of ground transportation. To move to Male operate a taxi. Price of one trip in either direction is 10 rufy. In Male 'Male' and other major islands you can rent a car.
Shopping
Maldives is not a shopping center, take out of the country especially something. As a souvenir you can buy shark teeth, shells and handicrafts. The capital Male '- a paradise for lovers of shopping. The most common souvenirs - T-shirts, scarves, sarongs, postcards, shells, handicrafts made of wood and coral, etc.
Tips
Tipping is generally account for 10% of the total bill. Mode of residence and movement: Restrictions on movement in the country for Russian citizens there.
Religion
The official national religion - Islam.
Population
Maldivians - mixed race, the formation of which had a major impact residents of Sri Lanka, India and Arab countries. The population is about 240 thousand people, a quarter of whom live in Male, the capital of the Republic of Maldives. In respect of anthropological Maldivians - Caucasians. The official national religion - Islam.
Food
Menu of most resorts in the Maldives includes both local, Asian and European cuisine. The
most popular local snacks fihunu mas - baked fish with chilli paste,
keemia - fried fish rolls, kulhi borkihaa - the most delicate fish pie. If you wish to taste the local sweets, try bondi - white coconut sticks - a heavenly delight! Local
cuisine usually includes rice, fish curry, cooked with the addition of
coconut milk, spicy dishes add lime, chili and a little bow. Very popular roshi - local bread, usually eaten with mas huni - fish cocktail, flavored with coconut, onion, chili and lime. If
you are accustomed to traditional European cuisine, do not worry - most
of the resorts category, and **** ***** in their restaurants offer
Indian, Continental, Oriental, Italian, Chinese cuisine. But if you enjoy Maldivian dishes, finish your dinner suji - delicious local drink
