REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives

The Republic of Maldives consists of 1,190 coral islands in the Indian Ocean. These islands are grouped into a double chain of 26 Atolls which stretch 900 kilometre north to south. Approximately 200 of these tiny low lying islands are inhabited. The Maldives are well known for the abundance of marine life in and around the coral reefs which border each island. Innumerable species of Fish, Sharks, Pelagic and Crustaceans make the Maldives a perfect destination for divers or those who love to snorkel. Other travellers value the relaxation and seclusion provided in the exclusive island resorts and their range of land and over-water accommodation. The equatorial location makes the Maldives an all year round, warm destination, its beaches make it paradise. The Maldives has a wet season is between May and August, which reduces visibility and may restrict the number of accessible dive sites. The hottest air temperatures are from April to June. December to March has the lowest humidity and the clearest water, so may be a good time of year to visit. However, a plankton bloom in early May causes lower visibility, but attracts whale sharks and manta rays. Civilization on the Maldives was set up by people from southern Asia and changed greatly when, in the 12th century, Islam came to the islands; before that it is believed that the peoples were Buddhist. But European influence came in as well, mainly from Portugal until the British used the islands for a time as a military base. But it was the ad-Din dynasty that ruled the Maldives from the 14th century with a slew of various Islam leading sultans, until 1965 when it became a republic. Modern communications are minimal in Maldives. Most people use citizen-band radios on the islands and in boats. Telephone service between Male and the islands is limited. However, most of the resort islands can be contacted directly by telephone, and administrative atoll offices are linked both to Male and each other by radio-telephone. Modernization efforts of the government have resulted in a steady increase in the number of telephones. The 1984 number of 1,060 telephones increased in 1992 to 2,804. There is good international telephone service through a satellite ground station in Male, the capital of Maldives. The lifestyle on the islands is quiet, slow-pace and simple, and there is not much to do on the surface other than relax on the beach when you are not diving, except for the possibility of indulging in other water sports such as windsurfing or sailing. Accommodation is generally basic and in the form of bungalows located close to the waters edge. A short swim from the beach will get you onto the fringing reefs. However, there are over one hundred resorts to choose from on the islands so you should be able to tailor your holiday to suit your requirements whether you are after something luxurious or something simpler. Food is to western standards as it is mostly imported. Travel times to the Maldives may make a holiday worth a two-week trip. Getting between the islands is possible either by boat or by seaplane. The best currency to take with you is US dollars.

HOW TO GET THERE & TRANSPORTATION

Maldives has two airports with permanent-surface runways more than 2,440 meters long, one located adjacent to Male on Hulele Island, known as Male International Airport, and the other on Gan Island in the southernmost Addu Atoll, which is scheduled to become an international airport. Since 1981, after the runway was widened and expanded, the airport on Hulele has been able to handle direct charter flights from Europe. The airport on Gan was used only for domestic traffic. Two additional domestic airports cater to foreign tourists. One on Kadu Island in Haddummati Atoll opened in 1986, and the other on Hanimadu Island in South Tiladummati Atoll opened in 1990. A further domestic airport on Kodedu Island was scheduled to open in 1994. Maldives has an active merchant shipping fleet used for import and export purposes, including ten cargo vessels, one container ship, and one oil tanker. The government-owned Maldives National Ship Management, Ltd. is the largest of several Maldivian shipping firms. Male, the only port that can handle international traffic, has been improved by the First Male Port Development Project completed in late 1992. The Second Male Port Development Project, partly financed by a loan from the Asian Development Bank, began in late 1993 and is scheduled for completion in 1996. The fishing dhoni is the traditional all-purpose vessel in Maldives. Although dhonis have sails, most are also engine-powered. Dhonis are used mainly within the sheltered waters of each atoll. Travel through the open sea from one atoll to another is usually by vedis, larger, squareshaped wooden cargo boats. The primary form of road traffic in Maldives is the bicycle. Motorcycles are the most common form of motor vehicles, of which 4,026 were registered in 1990. Passenger cars on Male are primarily status symbols for the Maldivian elite; however, the larger inhabited islands and resort islands have limited taxi services for transporting people to and from wharves and airfields. In 1992 there were 691 registered passenger cars, and 379 trucks and tractors.

Things to Do in Maldives

One of the prettiest destinations of the world, Maldives - in all its beauty and glory, has a lot to offer you during your tours to Maldives. There is no end to the list if Things to Do in Maldives. Making full use of its coastline, Maldives serves as a perfect destination to try some Watersports. Your Maldives travel will be considered if you remain dry, which is almost impossible with sea all around. From snorkeling to surfing, from submarine dive to excursion, Maldives won't let you feel bore for a single moment. Other things to do in Maldives include going on shopping, excursions and checking out the tourist attractions of Maldives.

Diving Maldives with a variety of under water creatures and beautiful marine life is a diver's paradise. Having some of the top diving locations, Maldives welcomes all to go on different types of diving like Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, and Submarine Diving. The fact that all resorts have diving schools is proof enough to show the popularity of diving in Maldives.    Excursion / Surfing Get an insight in to the lives of people of Maldives and about their culture by going on excursions in Maldives. Visit popular attractions of Maldives by going on excursions in the land of sea and sun, Maldives.  Night & Day Fishing Whenever you think about the things to do in Maldives, you can't ignore fishing, one of the most popular activities in Maldives. Choose to go for night or day fishing tours. Get the satisfaction of savoring upon your on catch in the evening after a day spent in fishing.