The Facts
Capital: Malé
Currency: Rufiyaa
Time Zone: GMT +5
www.visitmaldives.com
Introduction
As you fly over the Maldives this remote island nation seems like a tiny speck, swimming in the vast blue of the Indian Ocean. With year round sunshine, average temperatures of between 29-32 degrees and 26 different atolls to explore it's no wonder that it features on so many people's dream destination list.
Overwater bungalows, private islands as well as boat safaris are some of the most common ways to experience its natural charms. Coral gardens, colourful fish life as well as reef breaks for surfing and warm winds for sailing and windsurfing make it a haven for watersports lovers. But even paradise can have its troubles. The Maldives holds the record for being the lowest country in the world, with an average of only 1.5 m above sea level. Over the last century, sea levels have risen about 20 centimetres meaning further rises of the ocean could threaten the existence of Maldives.
Where To Go:
Officially known as the Republic of Maldives it is an island nation consisting of a group of atolls about seven hundred kilometres southwest of Sri Lanka in the Laccadive Sea in the Indian Ocean. The twenty-six atolls of the Maldives encompass a territory featuring 1,192 islands and islets, of which two hundred and fifty are inhabited.
What To Eat & Drink:
- Mas Huni is a Maldivian breakfast dish made of tuna, onion, coconut and chilli served cold.
- Given its location its no wonder that fish plays a big part on the menu- tuna, grouper, octopus, jobfish and swordfish are widely available.
- For a snack try Fihunu Mas, fish pieces in a chilli coating.
- Roshi accompany many main meals and are pieces of unleavened bread, similar to an Indian chapatti.
- The coconut is bountiful and used in lots of dishes.
- Alcohol is not permitted for locals but visitors can drink in resorts
Unmissable Maldives
5 things you really should do in the Maldives
1. See below
With azure crystal clear waters teaming with aquatic life, diving or snorkelling in the Maldives is a must. Mushimasmingili Thila to the north of the Ari Atoll, is a great site for tropical reef fish whilst hammerhead Point on Rasdhoo Atoll can be the place for sharks.
www.scubascuba.com
2. Island Hop
Take a Dhoni, the traditional Maldivian sailboat and tour the many stunning islands and atolls. Stay at the luxury island retreat, Dhoni Mighili and your holiday includes use of your own boat complete with a captain and butler.
3. Sink deep
Take relaxation to new depths, unwind and let your mind wander in the world's first underwater spa. The treatment rooms at Huvanfushi allows you to watch ocean life as it passes by.
www.huvafenfushi.com
4. Catch a wave
Take a surf safari and head out onto some of the famous reefs. Live-aboard cruises take you to the best spots allowing you to drop in on some isolated waves.
www.surfmaldives.co.uk
5. See a mini-Manahatten
With its glistening skyscrapers towering over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Malé, the capital city, is a beguiling sight that almost seems to be floating. Visit the Malé markets on the waterfront and watch the faithful throng to prayer at the Grand Friday mosque. With its golden dome, it is one of the city's most impressive buildings.
www.mymaldives.com/attractions/capital.php
