Maldives, a tropical haven of immaculate beaches in the Indian Ocean south of Sri Lanka, is a natural archipelago of 1,192 atolls. Famous for water sports attractive 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 a drastic change in the last 10 years and the inhabited islands have been made better and more tourist friendly. Due to which it has now become one of the most visited tourist destination in the world.
If you too are searching for the best destination to go on vacation with your family, friends, then you should think about Maldives once for your trip. In this article, we are going to tell you about Maldives tourism in detail, so read this article completely once.
History of Maldives
Talking about the history of Maldives, it is known from the remains found in these islands that these islands were inhabited by Buddhist followers around 5th century BC. Situated on the main sea route crossing the Indian Ocean, the Maldives used to be a replenishment center for food, water, coir and other equipment. The Maldivians were followers of Buddhism, as evidenced by Buddhist ruins excavated in these islands. But it is also believed that Maldivians converted to 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, then by the Ceylon Dutch in the 17th century, and finally in 1887 after the British took over Ceylon under British protectorate. In 1953, the first republic was proclaimed, But in 1965 Maldives got complete political independence from the British. Ibrahim Nasser was appointed the first President of the Second Republic of Maldives. Thereafter, various countries took advantage of the economic opportunities and opened their doors to tourism.
Religion of Maldives
At the time of the establishment of Maldives, Buddhism was followed here, but gradually the roots of Buddhism weakened here and Islam spread, thus the present religion of Maldives is Islam.
Language of Maldives
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. Some common phrases in the local language are: Assalamu Alaikum – Hello on – Yes Noon – No Ran’galu – Good Shukuria – Thank you
Currency in Maldives
Given the tourist nature of the Maldives, USD is commonly accepted at resort islands, liveaboards, hotels, restaurants, travel agents and shops. Most activities can be arranged by your resorts and the accumulated payment can be made by cash or card towards 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.
Exchange 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 you bought them for. 24-hour money exchange facilities are available at the arrivals terminal of Malé International Airport. ATM withdrawals are also possible with a nominal fee.
Cost of going to Maldives and Daily Budget
If you are going on a trip to Maldives with your friends or your family and want to know the cost of going to Maldives before going on your trip, then let us tell you that Maldives is a luxury destination, so even a budget The tour itself will cost you around MVR 3000 for food and activities, while a one-day luxury tour will cost you an estimated MVR 7000 – 8000 for transportation, hotels, food and water sports activities.
Local Etiquettes to Know Before Traveling
Maldivian culture and customs are an infusion of elements from India, Sri Lanka and even North Africa, owing to the footsteps of traders passing through the Indian Ocean. Though life in the island resorts is quite relaxed, tourists visiting here are demanded to observe etiquette. That’s why if you are going to visit Maldives, then you must know these important things given below.
- Topless bathing and nudity are strictly prohibited for women in the Maldives, but wearing a bikini is acceptable.
- You need to be adequately prepared to have a meal.
- If you are visiting places inhabited by locals such as Males, be aware that Maldives is a staunchly Islamic nation. So make sure you are sensitive to local customs and dress conservatively.
- If you are visiting mosques, women should have their heads covered and neither men or women should wear shorts.
- Please tell that do not consume alcohol in the inhabited islands of Maldives. But yes there is no ban on drinking alcohol in the resort.
- Tipping is not mandatory here, but it is optional if desired. The 10% service charge usually levied is not given to the staff so you can give them some tip.
Best Places Visit in Maldives
Places To Visit In Maldives: 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, stroll through the streets of Malé, as well as do shopping in the shops here.
Banana Reef –Â Banana Reef, Maldives
Banana Reef is one of the oldest reefs discovered in Maldives which is adorned with stunning caves, majestic cliffs, beautiful coral growth and mighty swells. Banana Reef is one of the best places 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 vivid world beneath the water surface . If you are planning a trip to Maldives, then you must also include Banana Reef in your trip because it is a place where you can do scuba diving as well as snorkelling till the northern end of the reef. can try.
Vaadhoo Island , Maldives
Vaadhu Island is one of the most beautiful places in Maldives which has 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 shores. But the natural phenomenon that happens here – known as the Sea of ​​Stars is one that attracts the attention of people from all over the world. In fact the Sea of ​​Stars is such a phenomenon when Vadhu Island is immersed in the sea water at night and shines like the twinkling of stars in the sky. That is why the best time to visit Vadhu Island is at night when you can witness the incredible phenomenon of the shining sea with your own eyes.
Sunset Cruise Maldives –Â Sunset Cruises, Maldives
The Sunset Cruise of Maldives is quite famous for the amazing views of the sunset as well as dolphin and whale species which makes it one of the best tourist places in Maldives. This Maldivian cruise is home to a wide array of species of both dolphins and whales. These graceful creatures can be seen crossing the water from time to time while hovering over the liveaboard. If you are staying at resorts, you can ask your resort/hotel to arrange for a dolphin and whale watching tour on a boat. If you are on a trip to Maldives with your family or your life partner, then definitely feel these wonderful views of sunset from Maldives’ Sunset Cruise which will definitely attract you a lot.
Maldive Victory Maldive
Maldives Victory is a famous diving spot consisting of picturesque resorts. In fact, in 1981, a cargo ship named Maldive Victory sank at this place, whose wreckage is still present here. Built a decade before its unfortunate accident, the Maldive Victory was a huge cargo freighter with a displacement of 3500 tons. With a length of 110 meters and a width of 13 metres, it graces the sea with its grandeur. Within a few years of the accident, the ship was discovered by some dive operators after which it became famous as a diving spot named Maldive Victory. And today a large number of tourists from all over the country come here and see this huge ship while scuba diving. If you are going on a trip to the best tourist places in Maldives, then definitely visit Maldives Victory.
Grand Friday Mosque Maldives
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 jetty of Malé, the capital of Maldives, from where wonderful views of the sea can also be seen. Apart from this mosque, there is also a Islamic center, an Islamic library and conference hall, in which meetings of utmost importance like SAARC meetings are held. Also worth seeing is the incredible architecture of the Grand Friday Mosque which adds to its charm. And makes it one of the best places to visit in Maldives.
Boduberu Show Maldives
Boduberu is a musical form that was established in the Maldives as early as the 11th century. Boduberu Show is one of the major tourist attractions of Maldives which attracts hordes of tourists from different parts during this show. The Boduberu show is so famous in Maldives that it is set up and performed on almost all occasions. Around 15- 20 people participate in the show, dressed in a traditional dress and a white shirt. Boduberu is also often referred to as Babru 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.