Maldives holiday
Located just off the coast of Sri Lanka, the Maldives are associated by many with luxury holidays.
Located just off the coast of Sri Lanka, the Maldives is a collection over 1,000 coral islands grouped into 200 inhabited islands associated by many with luxury holidays.
By and large this assumption would be correct. Turquoise waters and golden bays have tempted celebrities such as Sadie Front to holiday on its shores in the past.
Historically, the islands have been under Dutch and English rule although are now independent and more recently were effected by the Tsunami of Christmas 2004.
Popular with those seeking golden beaches, the Maldives is also a top spot for diving and surfing with its underwater wildlife and giant waves providing the perfect conditions for each sport.
Traditions and culture in Maldives
The Maldives is a primarily Muslim region, so eating pork and dogs is banned for many inhabitants, as is drinking in public. However, once inside a holiday resort many of these traditions will not be observed.
Another cultural difference is that in this nation weekends fall on Fridays and Saturdays and on these days banks, government offices and any other useful establishment holidaymakers might be wishing to visit will be closed.
Those who live on the island full time will most likely be involved in the tourist trade, but it is still important to respect their customs. Most inhabitants are of South Indian, Sinhalese and Arab backgrounds.
Recommended in Maldives
Visitors to the Maldives will most likely have chosen the destination for its beaches and be looking for a week or two of relaxation. However, on those days where the beach has been done it is well worth venturing out to see the local sights.
The Banana Reef for example is a protected marine area with coral growths, sharks, barracuda and a wealth of caves for snorkelling fans to explore.
The Wreck of the Maldive Victory and Fish Head are two other diving spots worth a visit.
For those wanting to understand the Maldives' culture, the Old Friday Mosque may be a good place to start. The oldest of its kind in the nation, the religious building dates back to 1656 and is made from coral-stone, which is carved intricately with Arab script.
Furthermore, the National Museum houses artefacts once owned by the sultans of the land, such as beautiful fabrics, ancient weapons and stone carvings recovered from all over the nation.
Weather in Maldives
The Maldives enjoys hot temperatures all year round.
However, between May and November in the south west of the nation it is the monsoon season and this is when the most rain falls and storms are at their highest frequency.
For the north east the monsoon is between December and March and often this season is more moderate than that in the south west.
On average temperatures reach 30 degrees Centigrade all year round, with lows typically at 20 degrees Centigrade.
Destination checklist for Maldives
The Maldives' official currency is the Rufiyaa. Cheaper flights to the nation are available if holidaymakers book on the internet far enough in advance.
The Maldives is five hours ahead GMT and uses the international dialling code +960.
