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Maldives Travel Guide: Best Places & Time to Visit, Delicacies

Indian Embassy in the Maldives

Indian High Commission
H. Athireege Aage, Ameer Ahmed Magu, Malé 20125, Maldives
Contact Number: +960 332-3015

Visa Process for Indian Visitors to the Maldives

The following documents are required to get a visa to the Maldives

  • Original passport with 6 months validity from the date of travel.
  • Appropriately signed and completed Form
  • 1 latest passport sized colored photograph (35mm in width and 44 mm in length)
  • Confirmed hotel reservation
  • Photo copies of important documents such as bank statements

About the Maldives

The Maldives is one of the world's most geographically dispersed countries, as well as the smallest Asian country by both land area and population. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India. The Maldives is one of the world's most geographically dispersed countries, as well as the smallest Asian country by both land area and population. Male is the capital and most populated city of Maldives; it is traditionally called the "King's Island" for its central location. The Maldives is blessed with incredible beauty and splendour of nature. With 1200 islands and 26 atolls, this island country holds a great enticement for tourists across the globe for its exotic islands, clear blue seas, magnificent beaches, and a variety of water sports. Though not exhaustive, the following are the major places to visit in the Maldives:

  • Male: It is the largest city, and the major attractions are- The Grand Friday Mosque, Scuba diving and snorkelling, Male Fish Market, Male’s National Museum, Tsunami Monument, Dive Club Maldives, and Underwater Scooters.
  • Sun Island: Also, famous as the Sun Island, Nalaguraidhoo Island in South Ari Atoll has stunning beaches, beautiful tropical flowers, and lavish greenery that pulls a great number of tourists wanting to bask in the lap of nature.
  • Banana Reef: Located in North Male Atoll, Banana Reef is globally renowned for being one of the best diving sites in the world and famous places in the Maldives.
  • Alimatha Island: Alimatha Island is in Vaavu Atoll. With its azure, crystal clear waters — apt for diving, snorkelling and boating, the island is a perfect spot for a family vacation and honeymoon.
  • Artificial Beach: The carnival beach: Situated in North Male Atoll, this beach is the favourite haunt of the swimming enthusiasts and among the top tourist places in the Maldives. The Artificial Beach is an open area and has certain restrictions on clothing as per the local law.
  • Utheemu Ganduvaru: Located in the Northern part of the Maldives, Utheemu is a small island and one of the historically significant tourist places in the Maldives.
  • Biyadhoo Island: Another popular island among the best places to visit in the Maldives, is the Biyadhoo Island, stationed in South Male Atoll it is called “the Scuba-diving Island”.
  • Veligandu Island Beach: Located in North Ari Atoll, Veligandu Island is a reasonably small island with astonishing greenery.

How to Reach Maldives from India

Male International Airport (MLE) is the primary airport, which connects the Maldives to all major countries in South-East Asia including India, China and Sri Lanka. It is connected well to the major hubs in India including Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Delhi.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal weather is between November and April. The high season falls between December and March. The monsoon prevails from May to October, peaking around June.

What to Pack?

If you are planning to visit the Maldives, please carry sunscreen lotions, beachwear and sunglasses. When packing for your Maldives holiday, fill your suitcase with loose dresses that you can throw on over your bikini or beach wear. Women can carry kaftans. Also, do not forget to pack essential medicines and oral hydration packs.

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The Maldives is one of the world's most geographically dispersed countries, as well as the smallest Asian country by both land area and population.

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Top Delicacies

If you are in the Maldives, do not forget to taste the local dishes. The use of coconut in Maldivian recipes is significant. Fish is cooked in several ways including boiled, smoked, sun-dried or processed. Processed tuna, or Maldive fish, is produced in the Maldives and is a staple of Maldivian cuisine. Pork and alcohol are banned except for the resort islands. The most popular Maldivian breakfast is Mashuni. It is a smoked tuna dish with coconut. You can also try the popular breadfruit curry Banbukeylu Harisa.

Indian Restaurants in Antalya

Bombay Darbar Restaurant

  • Located at: Nirolhu Magu, Hulhumale, Hulhumale 23000
  • Cuisine: Indian, Asian
  • Contact No. : +960 993-8696

Tandoori Flames

  • Located at: Lot No 10398 Ahigas Maghu, 20026, Maldives
  • Cuisine: Indian, Pakistani
  • Contact No.: +960 335-0627

The Indian House

  • Located at: Lot 10056, NIrolhu Magu - Goalhi 06, Hulhumale 20057
  • Cuisine: Indian, Italian
  • Contact No.: +960 335-7788

Shopping List Essentials

Shopping may not be one of the definite things to do in the Maldives but it surely is a great place to buy mementoes that will remind you of your beautiful Maldivian trip. So while you’re not lying on the beach, you can surely visit some sites to satisfy your shopping needs. Male Local Market is a huge market and one of the most popular street markets in the Maldives. Majeedhee Magu, situated at the heart of the city, is a sprawling street market in the Maldives. You can also explore Le Cute – A fancy duty-free beauty shop, STO Trade Centre – A bustling shopping hub in the Maldives, Island Bazaar – An elegant European style boutique. Bargaining is essential while shopping in the street markets.

Healthcare Centers

Most resorts have medical facilities including a resident doctor. However, if you are incredibly unwell, it will be necessary for you to go to Male. The Maldivian health service relies heavily on doctors, nurses and dentists from overseas, and facilities outside the capital are very limited. The country’s leading hospital is the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male. Male also has the ADK Private Hospital, and it offers excellent quality treatment at a high cost. Travelling with medical insurance to the Maldives is essential.

Basics of Local Communication

The official and common language are Dhivehi, an Indo-Aryan language having some similarities with Elu, the ancient Sinhalese language. English is extensively spoken by the locals of the Maldives it is the unofficial second language. If you have already reserved a room at a resort, there would be no problem when it comes to speaking with them as they can converse in English. Here are some basic phrases you can learn before your most awaited summer getaway:

English Dhivehi
Hello Assalaa mu alaikum
How are you? Haalu kihineh / Kihineh
Please Adhes kohfa
Thank you Shukuriyaa
You’re welcome Maruhabaa
Sorry Ma-aaf kurey

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