Maldives

The best months to indulge in a trip to Maldives is from November to March. Just for your information, you will find below the breakup for every season. The Maldives has a sunny weather all year round, you can choose the best time as per your priority. Like any other tropical country, Maldives witnesses dry and wet season. The hot and humid weather is well complemented with soothing sea breezes and surprising drizzles.

November to March: This is the peak time with many travelers travelling to this end of the world. These months are favorable with less humidity, little rain and cool clear sky.

March to April: The temperature starts soaring from the mid of April. However, March to October is the finest time for surfers.

May to November: This is the season to find resorts at their cheapest. Storms and rains are very likely this time of the year.

Also Read: Best Things to Do in Maldives with Family

- By Air: If planning a trip to Maldives then taking a flight is the best option as many flights from other parts of the world are fully connected to Male Airport, which is the largest airport of Maldives.

There are only two international airports in Maldives one of which is the Male Airport which is located on the Male Island and the other one is the Gan Airport in the Addu City. Airlines including the Etihad Airways, Jet Airways, Air India, British Airways, Cathay Pacafic and Emerald connect multiple parts of the world with this beautiful country.

- By Sea: Since Maldives is a group of small beautiful islands, reaching here by a cruise is also possible. You can easily find cruises towards Maldives from various countries which are all inclusive and offer stay, food and activities on the board too. However, most of these cruise journeys do not end in Maldives and only stop there for a while, thus providing you with a proper transportation option through the sea.

Legally, if you are not a Muslim and over 18, you can purchase and drink alcohol. However, given the fact that Maldives is majorly an Islamic nation, alcohol here is effectively banned for the locals. However, the bars, resorts and clubs always stock alcohol.

Maldives is pretty liberal in this sense. The government issues a 30 day stamp to any landing visitor who holds a passport of their home nation. Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Nepalese citizens are allowed a 90- day stamp. If you wish to stick around for a longer period of time, you might as well extend the 30 day stamp or leave when the 30 days end and return after few days.

Please be well versed about the country rules and remember the name of your resort/ hotel and produce your return ticket out of Maldives, if enquired by the immigration authorities. Visas are not required for travelers who plan to stay here for less than or equal to 30 days. Just a valid passport shall do.

Official currency is Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) which is non-convertible. The US dollar is accepted across Maldives. You can exchange other international currencies on arrival, at the Bank of Maldives Foreign Exchange located in the arrival hall. This bank is the dedicated functioning body for currency exchange in Maldives. It is advised not to exchange your money in Male banks, as travelers commonly end up facing long queues at the counters.

The exchange receipt is an important piece of document which can later support you at the time of departure, to change MVR back to your home currency. Please note the banks in Maldives take greater care about the condition of the notes under exchange. They generally refuse old style US$ and damaged notes.

1. Majeedhee Magu: Majeedhee Magu is one of the important places in Maldives that is home to a number of shopping destinations. Coming over to this place, you will be able to purchase a wide range of products such as electronics, accessories, perfumes, watches, cosmetics, bags, and shoes. This place can be considered to be catering to all kinds of shoppers who look out to go for international brands.

2. Island Bazaar: Despite the fact that it is a newcomer to the shopping scene in Maldives, this place offers the customers with a beautiful blend of style products that will surely capture the Maldivian life. Visiting this place, you will be able to get hand printed cushions and many other home decor products that are designed with ocean blue prints, and tropical leaves.

3. Le Cute: Le Cute is one of the best places in Maldives where you can get duty free items. Tourists visit this place to stroll across shopping malls and complexes dealing with scent and perfumes, beauty products, and toiletries. This place is also famous for its herbal healthcare products. The island emphasises on the use of the herbal products so that the coral reefs are not damaged. Getting herbal products of high quality will also be beneficial on your part.

4. Male Local Market: Male local market is one of the top shopping spots in Maldives because of it being jam packed with shops dealing with loads of products. This place is widely famous among the tourists because of the quality of the offerings at a budget friendly pricing. Visiting this place, one would be able to check into various shopping malls selling vibrant souvenirs and gifts. 

Food in Maldives has become purely global with the advent of tourism in this country. The resorts/hotels/restaurants/bars serve some of the best alternatives in terms of gourmet food and casual eating. Many international cuisines sort your days out in Maldives. Fresh sea food is undoubtedly appetizing but vegetarians need not worry, as the island nation has food for all. The original cuisine of Maldives is primarily influenced by Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan and Oriental recipes. However, you will spot trendy restaurants and cafes serving the best of cuisines across the islands.

You cannot miss their traditional Garudhiya, which is a plate of rice served with fish broth, lime, chilli and onions, the popular breakfast item called Mas Huni, which is made out of shredded smoked fish with crushed coconut and onions or try getting your hands on some Fihunu Mas, barbequed fish marinated with chili paste. Naming a few restaurants for you to check:

• 5.8 Undersea Restaurant: This restaurant is a masterpiece in itself. Situated 5.8 meters below Huravalhi, it is the world’s largest all- glass underwater restaurant. It is a discovery in every sense. Satiate your taste buds and titillate your senses.
• Bombai Darbaar: For some awesome Indian food head to Bombai Darbaar in Hulhumale. It serves enormous portions and offers high value for money. Fantastic service is their commitment.
• Just Veg by Atmosphere: A Gastronomic haven for vegetarians in Kanifushi Island. This is a fine dining experience and the chefs have curated a combination menu of Indian and Asian food.
• Muraka Restaurant: Located by the water at Mirihi, this restaurant has some spectacular seafood and Asian menu. This place is artsy, classy and contemporary and of course vegetarian friendly.
• SeaSide Grill: Hulhumale is home to this budget restaurant serving great grilled fishes and meats. One must try their lobsters, juicy burgers and pastries. It is a prim and proper casual eating zone.
• Edge: This waterfront restaurant in Niyama is surely to take your breath away with every serving of food cooked to perfection. They have specialized Vegan and Vegetarian menus. You must not overlook this option, if near or in Niyama.

The best public transport in Maldives is definitely the boat/ ferry rides for obvious reasons. The transportation can be fast and expensive or slow and reasonably priced. Whatever the case may be, you will enjoy every bit of the ride in this region.

Air: There are couple of internal flights which connect Male to 9 local airstrips almost every day. One expensive yet convenient and exclusive mode of transport is the seaplane run by Trans Maldivian Airways. You can book your seats in one of these seaplanes and get transported comfortably, saving on time, to your resort directly from the Male Airport.

Boat: As mentioned earlier, due to obvious reasons, boat rides or ferry rides or cruises become a great way to enjoy the Maldivian shores. Speedboats are a fast medium and those who are looking around for a cheaper set of options, must hop onto one of the public ferries.

Car: A lot of islands have kept themselves car free. You will find cars only in Male and other larger islands. Local taxis will take you around in smaller islands and of course in case you choose not to drive on your vacation, these cabs will take you places.

Local language of Maldives is Dhivehi. Following are the most commonly used greetings you can take note of:

• Hello= Assalaamu Alaikum
• Welcome= Maruhabaa
• Thank You= Shukuriyaa
• What is your name? = Kon nameh tha kiyanee?
• My name is= Aharenge Namakee_______
• Goodbye= Vakivelan/ Dhanee
• Help= Salaamai Kure
• Good Morning= Baajjaveri hendhuneh
• Good Evening= Baajjaveri haveereh
• Good Night= Baajjaveri Reygande

Maldives is a secret garden of mesmerizing beaches. Most of the resorts have private beaches. This place has several atolls that are world famous and a tremendous marine life. Some of the popular names are:

• Beaches of Northern Maldives like North Kaafu Atoll, North Ari Atoll and Haa Alif (the northernmost atall)
• Beaches of Southern Maldives like South Ari Atoll, Seenu, South Kaafu Atoll, Nalaguraidhoo Beach, Banyan Island, Nika beach and beaches of Cocoa Island.
• Reethi Beach, Baa Atoll of the Western side beaches of Maldives.
• Gaafu Atoll is the world’s largest atoll.
• Gnayivanu Atoll is the tiniest one in Maldives.
• Other attractions like Raa Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, Faafu Atoll, Meemu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll are also amongst the ‘must visit’ places in Maldives.
• The islands to look at if you wish to spot bioluminescent beaches are Kuredu, Finalholi, Veligandu, Athuruga, Mirihi, Vilamendhoo, Komandoo, Kandolhu, Filitheyo, Kuramathi, Meedhupparu, Ellaidhoo, Angaga and the much talked about, ‘Vaadhoo Island’.

Locals do not drink alcohol so the pubs will usually have tourists. The place loves to be peaceful without much happening in the night. You can retire in your resort lounge or go to some local bar. Clubbing is existent in Maldives but restricted to few islands and there are a set of really entertaining and fabulous names to check out in this category.

• Sangu Beach Bar: Located in Velassaru Resort.
• Nautilus Bar: Located in Vilu Reef Resort. You can attend their Bodu Bera (big drum) concerts which happen once every week.
• Crab racing events take place in many bars. These are crazy events and turns your night into a fun activity.
• Club Med Kani in Kuredu Resort puts up a great show every night.
• Islands like Niyama, Huvafenfushi offer fabulous clubbing experiences. However, the clubs are only frequented by travelers mostly.
• If you wish to visit a cozy ‘hang out bar’ in the evenings, you can certainly check with Reethi.

Shopping at certain places in Maldives are a bit on the higher side such as shopping at the souvenir shop in the resort or at the Male International Airport. If you have a good amount of the time to spare on shopping, then it would be better if you can stroll through the markets in Male which are affordable. 

There are various reliable and famous names involved in this business. And the tourists are kept superbly entertained over the cruise journeys.

• Four Seasons Explorer
• Chartered boat tour to the South Atolls
• Sunset cruises and Dolphin spotting
• Lagoon tours in Maldives
• Dive Master Cruise
• Maldivian Luxury Dhoni Hariyana
• 7 day cruise at Northern Atolls
• Safari cruise with adventure activities for 7 days in Maldives

If you enjoy sports over your vacation, snorkeling is a great sport to have fun with. Some of the best places to Snorkel in Maldives are as below:

• Angaga
• Fihalhohi
• Biyadhoo
• Ellaidhoo
• Madoogali
• Athuruga
• Vilamendhoo

Your trip to Maldives is incomplete without surfing and if you are a good swimmer then more so. The best months to surf are April to October. For your life’s best surfing experience, you got to check out the following in Maldives:

• Surfing spots at Male Atolls: Cokes, Guru’s, Honky’s, Chickens, Jailbreaks, Lohi’s, Kate’s, Natives/Foxys, Pasta Point, Ninjas, Sultans.
• Surfing spots at Central Atolls: Veyvah, Adonis, Finnimas, Malik’s, Muli, Mahibadhoo, Yin Yang.
• Spots at South Atolls: Castaways, Five Islands/ Gani Point, Tiger Stripes or rockets, Gakuen Bridge, Two Ways/ Twin Peaks.

• Follow the rule book. There is a list of items you cannot afford to carry along with you to this country like alcohol, drugs, pornographic elements, pork, dogs, and idols of worship. You cannot carry more than one Bible for your personal use.
• Alcohol is prohibited for locals in Maldives. This is an Islamic nation so Alcohol is taboo to the natives. Foreigners who are 18 and above are allowed to drink. You will find alcohol only in the bars/restaurants/hotels and resorts.
• Sunscreen is a must have in this island nation.
• Waves can be unpredictable at times. Read about the weather conditions before you head to the sea.
• You must take assistance from experienced and qualified instructors before indulging in any kind of water sports.
• Do not litter. Keep the environment clean.
• Do carry a good pair of sandals or flip flops for the beach walks.
• Wear light cotton clothes.
• You cannot shoot videos in some areas without prior permission.
• Carry a first aid kit.
• Thrillophilia highly recommends visits to Fua Mulaku, Grand Friday Mosque, Mirihi Island, and National Museum of Maldives.
• Maldives will strike the perfect note and rise you to a certain trance with a sweet hangover.

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