Maldives is a tourist destination famous for its lucrative beauties accompanying the hearts of those seeking for the paradise in life and taking their desires and dreams to a reality. Maldives islands located in the Indian Ocean are the most beautiful tropical islands in the world where the Maldives enjoyed for its massive lagoons with different depth and infinite shades of blue turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens.

Maldives is best known as the ultimate romantic destination offering the perfect balance in natural combination of more than thousand tropical islands surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and sparkling ocean full of magic. Not only divers and snorkeling enjoy the abundant underwater resources, but also beach tourists are attracted by the nature of the beaches and the climatic conditions as well. This environment really guarantees relaxation and recreation

Tourism in Maldives was first introduced in 1972 only and has successfully developed so far. Proof is given by the rapidly growing number of tourists and tourist resorts (islands) currently in the Maldives.

How many Islands are there in Maldives?
Maldives consist of about 1190 Islands scattered into naturally formed 26 atolls. For administrative purpose the atolls were counted as 20 regional atolls. About 200 islands are inhabited and the rest includes the tourist resort islands, uninhabited islands. Some of the uninhabited islands are used for drying fish or other agricultural activities by the locals.

What is an Atoll?
A ring like coral formations enclosing a lagoon is called an atoll. Atolls are formed when coral reef grows around a volcanic island that later subsides into the ocean. The atolls are seen as group of islands and shallow lagoons when you are flying to the Maldives. The word Atoll comes from the Maldivian language, Dhivehi (where it says Atolhu').
Maldives resorts

Maldives offers resort islands which is a one hotel per island concept. The resorts of Maldives range from super luxury spa resorts to unique local style islands with world class facilities and excellent services. Hotels in Maldives includes world well known brands, such as the Hilton Maldives Resort, Four Seasons Resorts in Maldives, One & Only Maldives resorts, W hotels, and there are so many others. Some of the resort hotels are all inclusive, where as there are some Maldives resorts specialized on luxury specialties and spa facilities.

Travelers choose Maldives for its exotic environment of tropical nature blended with the glimmering sunshine over the shiny white sandy beaches and the tall palm trees making the scene of the paradise, the exciting water sports activities along with the waves and the undersea beauty of its marine life for the divers.

Cruising in Maldives
A unique way to experience the Maldives, is to float on a cruise boat mainly called as safari boats by the locals. The cruising vessels in the Maldives can take you island-hopping in the atolls. Avid divers, water enthusiasts, nature lovers can discover remote shores and rarely visited diving spots and snorkeling sites among the untouched reaches of the exotic atolls. Cruising in Maldives can be a memorable adventure in itself for diving, surfing, excursions and a lot more.

There are no other Holiday destination that can match the white soft sandy beaches of Maldives islands, the crystal clear seas or can get as close to paradise as the Maldives. That's why travelers do arrange their bookings so well ahead of arrival since Maldives resorts at most of the high season, they all get full.

MAP OF MALDIVES

Location: Maldives is situated in the Indian Ocean Southwest of the Southern tip of India and Sri Lanka. Maldives Map

Number of Atolls: 26

Number of Islands: 1192 (Approximately)

Number of Resorts: 87

Area: 115,300Km2 (only 1% is land)

Capital: Male’

Population: 289,480 (census 2004)

Language: Dhivehi but English is widely spoken

Climate: (Average 1994 – 2003) Max - 31oC, Min - 25oC

Major Income: Tourism & Fishing

Major exports: Apparel and clothing accessories, Skipjack Frozen & Dry, Canned Tuna fish

Hours of sunshine: 10 hours per day

Time Zone: GMT +5

Electricity: 240 Volts & 110 Volts – 3 Pin Square plugs.

Religion: Islamic

Currency: Rufiyaa - Notes and Laree – Coins, Dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted in resorts and in Male. You can also exchange all other major currencies.

Visas: You do not require a visa to enter the Maldives. All nationalities are given an automatic 30 day tourist visa on entry.

Customs: The import of Alcoholic beverages, drugs, narcotics, weapons, pornographic material, and idols of worship are strictly prohibited.