Maldives

The national language here is Dhivehi, with varying dialects. It belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family and hence 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: Assalaamu Alaikum - Hello Aan - Yes Noon - No Ran'galhu - Good Shukuriyaa - Thank You

The archipelago was inhabited as early as 5th Century BC, by Buddhists believed to be from Sri Lanka and southern India. Located in the prime marine route while crossing the Indian Ocean, Maldives used to be the replenishment centre for food, water, coir and other equipment. Maldivians were followers of Buddhism, as told by the Buddhist ruins excavated from these islands. Ancient relics have also suggested traces of Hinduism and Paganism, since inception. It was in 1153 AD that Maldivians embraced Islam. Ibn Battuta, a North African traveller was known to have resided here. Maldives was not free from foreign aggressions - invaded by the Portuguese in 1558 who reigned for 15 years, followed by the Dutch of Ceylon in the 17th century and finally became a British Protectorate in 1887 after the British took over Ceylon. It was only in 1932 that a democratic regime was adopted. In 1953, the first Republic was proclaimed, but Maldives had absolute political independence from the British in 1965. Ibrahim Nasir was appointed the first President of the Second Republic of Maldives. Subsequent to this, the island nations have developed tremendously over the year, exploiting various economic opportunities and opening its doors to tourism.

Male is the main shopping site in the Maldives, with its lanes lined with boutiques selling international products. Majeedhee Magu is one of the most famous shopping destinations with clothing items, cosmetics, accessories, electronics and groceries on offer. Orchid Magu and Chaandhanee Magu are adorned with rows of souvenir shops selling varieties of local artefacts. The STO Trade Centre is also situated in Orchid Magu. Shops in the inhabited islands also sell souvenirs in the likes of authentic lacquer works, dhoni crafts (miniatures of traditional boats), wood carvings, mat weavings, coconut shell products, coir ropes and clothes. Do visit the Male local market and fish market, for more so an experience rather than making purchases. Fresh produce in vivid colours will meet your eyes, as you explore the markets on foot. Fruits, vegetables, dry fish as well as fresh fish, green coconut, spices are few things being sold and as a visitor, you will be more than welcomed to stock on local ingredients. Most resorts will afford the opportunity of shopping in boutiques selling internationally acclaimed brands. Essentials like food, stationery, medicines, cosmetics are also easily available.

Given the touristy nature of Maldives, USD is generally accepted by resort islands, liveaboards, hotels, restaurants, travel agents, local islands and souvenir shops. Most of the activities can be arranged by your resorts, and an accumulated payment can be made to the resort by the end of your stay, by cash or card. The capital city of Male affords payment by USD as well. Apart from USD, Euros and Pound Sterling can also be used. Major International Credit Cards like American Express, Visa Card, Master Card and JCB Card are all accepted.

• The Maldives does not serve alcohol to the locals, however, if you are a non-Muslim and above the age of 18, liquor will be served at some of the hotels but it will be at quite an exorbitant price.
• Accommodation, food as well as travel are also quite expensive.
• It is also recommended that you refrain from showing affection on the street since it is frowned upon and the country does not encourage the public display of affection.
• Friday and Saturday is considered as a weekend

The Maldives is recommended for people of any age be it a family vacation or a romantic honeymoon. A great destination for aqua lovers to try out different water activities, recommended for history lovers, for a great experience.

The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season from December to April. The dry season is characterised by the bright sun, clear skies, calm sea and only sporadic rainfall at times, thus making it the ideal time for sunbathing, scuba diving and snorkelling. This time tends to be relatively more expensive owing to peak season.

The Maldives with its sun-kissed beaches is a tropical island that witnesses a dry spell, 'Iruvai', between December - April and a wet spell, Hulhangu, from May - November. There is a negligible change in temperature amidst the two seasons.

Surfing enthusiasts should head to the Maldives during the monsoon from late February - Mid-November, with the best time being March to May, when there is torrential rainfall, and the seas are rough. There are occasional bright days as well. Budget travellers can visit during this time since resorts offer attractive packages and offers.

Traditional Maldivian cuisine comprises three staple ingredients - fish, coconut and starch. The cuisine here is influenced in palates by Sri Lanka and Kerala, with its own distinct flavours. Eating in Male affords the best opportunity to try the local food and you must try the 'hotaus' or cafe which serves the traditional fare. As an island nation, fish is no doubt the source of all protein and nutrition, tuna being the favourite. Sometimes the fish is flaked or pounded to be added as a condiment for flavouring or alternatively stuffed in a dough pastry, 'short eats'. Curries prepared with coconut milk and a curry paste blended from roasted onions, chili peppers, herbs and spices are a usual fare. Mas Riha and Kukulhu Riha are the popular curries made with fish and chicken respectively, and a blend of spices. Roshi or flatbread is the common accompaniment to the Rihas. Garudiya, yet another popular dis is a fish broth made from such cured tuna, while Rihaakuru, a fish paste consumed with rice daily is made by concentrating the fish broth, while Kulhi Boakibaa is a fish cake made from tuna and coconut. Begin your day with some Maldivian breakfast, Mas Huni, for the fish eaters and Barabao Mas Huni, a pumpkin based alternative for the vegans; gorge on some curries over the day and end with Dhonkeyo Kajuru, a fried banana cake flavoured with vanilla or rose water. The locals in Maldives do not consume alcoholic beverages, however alcohol is served in the resorts. Sip on to some tender coconut water or try the Raa, which is toddy tapped from palm trees, while you bask in the sun. There is yet another irresistible dining option on this island - underwater dining, amidst the fascinating under water world. Sea Restaurant, Ithaa, Conrad are some of the popular ones. This is inevitably an expensive affair, an approximate meal for two being US $ 400. The resorts generally serve the popular global cuisines. So for all those who do not wish to venture with the local cuisine, there is no cause for worry.

The packages for Maldives start at INR 10433 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages

The top things to do in Maldives are Male, Banana Reef, Diving in Maldives, Island Hopping, Water Sports, Artificial Beach. You can see all the places to visit in Maldives