Compare Maldives Holidays

Overview

The Maldives is a group of low-lying coral islands, forming anarchipelago of 26 major atolls, situated south west of Sri Lanka. Asmall percentage of the islands are inhabited and 87 areexclusively resorts, boasting tropical landscapes hugged bypicture-perfect beaches festooned with palm trees. The myriadislands are surrounded by coral reefs enclosing shallowlagoons.The Dhivehin people of the Maldives are descended from an ethnicmix of Aryan, Negroid, Sinhalese, Dravidian and Arab cultures. Thehistory of the area was dominated by a succession of bids forcontrol that began with Muslim rule in the 12th century. The Arabswere later supplanted by Portuguese then the British, until 1965when the Maldives finally achieved full independence as asultanate. All Maldivians are Sunni Muslims and their lifestylefollows the traditions of Islam. Traces of ancient beliefs haveendured in the form of superstitions centered on evil spirits.

Money

The Maldivian Rufiya (MVR) is divided into 100 laari. Theresorts in Maldives are generally expensive and travellers shouldensure they bring sufficient funds. There are no cash machines andtravellers cheques are rarely used, but there are foreign exchangefacilities available at resorts and banks. Major credit cards areaccepted at most resorts and hotels. US Dollars can be exchanged atthe airport, banks or hotels. Guests staying at resorts can settletheir accounts in hard foreign currency (US Dollars are best),credit cards or travellers cheques. Banks are usually closed onFridays and Saturdays.

Time

Local time is GMT +5.

Language

Dhivehi is the national language. English is widely spoken in addition to German, French, Italian and Japanese, spoken by the resort staff.

Climate

The temperature of Maldives is hot throughout the year andalthough the humidity is relatively high, the constant sea breezeshelp to keep the air moving. The best time to visit the Maldives isbetween December and April, during the dry season. However this isalso the tourist high season, and resorts are not only moreexpensive, but often fully booked. The wet season runs betweenApril and October, when strong winds can also be expected. Novemberand April are reported to be the best months for diving.

Current Weather Conditions for Male, , MV

Now 31°C Windchill: 31°C Mostly Cloudy

Location: Male, , MV Wind: 21 kph NE Humidity: 58% Visibility: 0.09 km Pressure: 1,010 mb steady Sunrise: 6:18 am Sunset: 6:19 pm

Thu High: 31°C Low: 27°C Mostly Cloudy

Fri High: 31°C Low: 27°C Mostly Cloudy

Compare Holidays in Maldives

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