Maldives Tourism

Ques. Which are the best islands to visit in the Maldives?

Ans. Here are the best islands that you can visit in the Maldives.

1. Biyadhoo Island: Lying in the South Male Atoll, the serene Biyadhoo Island is managed and owned by India’s reputed Taj Group. Spread across an area of around 10 acres, this photogenic island is known for its rich vegetation that includes home-grown coconut, cabbage, tomato, banana, and mango plantations. The shimmering waters of this exotic island allow adrenaline junkies to indulge in umpteen varieties of watersports, such as snorkelling, canoe paddling, windsurfing, sailing, and scuba diving.

2. Alimatha Island: Set in the Vaavu Atoll, on the eastern periphery of the Maldives, Alimatha Island is known popularly for its aquamarine lagoons, tranquil spa retreats, sun-kissed beaches, rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages, and azure waters. One of the star attractions of this island is the lavish Alimatha Aquatic Resort that offers travellers luxury accommodation options in its exquisite overwater villas and beach bungalows. Some of the most exciting things to do on Alimatha Island are scuba diving, snorkelling, a couple's massage, and short boat trips.

3. Utheemu Island: Nestled in the northern part of the well-known Haa Alif Atoll, Utheemu is known popularly among travellers for its rich historic significance. In the bygone times, this beautiful island served as the residence of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, the legendary personality who is believed to have expelled the Portuguese invaders from here back in the 16th century. In addition to sheltering picturesque blue waves and shimmering white sand beaches, Utheemu also has a plethora of heritage sites, the most popular among which is Utheemu Ganduvaru, a beautiful palace made up of timber.

4. Feydhoo Island: Feydhoo Island was formed when the locals of Gan Island were dropped to reside here during the British invasion when Gan had to be transformed into an important airbase. The leafy streets and the tight-housing blocks on this island make it the best place to explore the traditional Maldivian lifestyle. While you are here, you can utilize your time in strolling through the calm walkways and savouring the flavoursome seafood curries.

5. Thulusdhoo Island: Oozing out typical Caribbean vibes, Thulusdhoo Island is one of the least discovered Maldivian islands that is covered with gigantic coconut trunks vegetating from underneath the sandy floors. With live seafood barbeque set on them, the picturesque beaches of this island pledge to offer a real treat to your eyes. Tourists visiting the enchanting Thulusdhoo Island usually spend time engaging in exhilarating water activities, such as fishing, surfing, swimming, and paddle boating. You can also enjoy seafood barbeque nights and go on sandbank excursion trips while you are on this island.

6. Ukulhas Island: Considered to be the cleanest island of the Maldives, Ukulhas Island attracts couples for a memorable honeymoon experience. This enchanting island is known for its rich culture, which can be easily explored by interacting with the friendly locals. Packed with popular top-class restaurants including Olhumathi Restaurant and Retro Royal, this island also makes for the best place to savour delicious authentic Maldivian cuisine and seafood.

Ques. What kind of water sports can be done for Maldives tourism?Ans. Here is a list of the most popular water sports you can try in the Maldives.

1. Snorkeling: The most important attraction of Maldives tourism is exploring the rich marine life of the archipelago by snorkelling in its azure waters. Spot brain corals, sharks, anemonefish, hawksbill turtles, bannerfish, eagle rays, and fusiliers at sites like Maafushi Island and Alimatha Island. These make the Maldives one of the best snorkelling destinations in the world. Starting from just INR 600 per head, snorkelling makes for an inexpensive water sport anyone can experience in the Maldives.

2. Kite Surfing: The warm weather and the constant tropical winds in the Maldives between June and October make the island nation one of the best places to engage in kite surfing. This sport demands the kite surfers to balance themselves on a longboard while holding tightly onto a triangular sail. Available in Hulhumale and Male, the water sport of kite surfing starts from INR 2,100 per person.

3. Parasailing: Available on almost every island in the Maldives, parasailing is one of the most favourite and safest water sports that can be tried by adventure enthusiasts of all age groups. Parasailing will let you glide in the deep blue sky over the vast ocean while a motorboat keeps you towed down. As you enjoy gliding in the sky at high speeds, you can feel the cool sea breeze hitting your face and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean waters. Parasailing in the Maldives starts from INR 14,000 for 2 and is best enjoyed at Reethi Beach, Cocoon Beach, and Finolhu Beach.

4. Fishing: The rich marine world of the Maldivian archipelago makes fishing one of the most enjoyed water sports in the country for people of all generations. The country offers two kinds of fishing experiences - night fishing and morning fishing. Also referred to as ‘Big Game Fishing’, morning fishing is the easy one that lets you catch big fishes, such as barracuda, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, marlin, and wahoo. Believed to be a bit challenging, night fishing requires you to find fishes, such as squirrelfish, reef fish, jacks, emperors, and snappers, under the star-studded sky!

5. Water Skiing: Water skiing is one of the most enjoyable and easiest water sports available in the Maldives, which can be enjoyed even by beginners. This sport can be performed in 2 ways - while in one method a cable ski installed on the waters is used, in the other method, the participant is pulled across the waters by a speedboat. Water skiing generally starts from INR 2,800 per head in the Maldives and can be done at various locations including Hulhumale and Ari Atoll.

6. Scuba Diving: Scuba diving in the Maldives offers divers the chance to swim with innumerable exotic marine creatures underneath the Indian Ocean. While you dive here, you can spot over 700 fish species and 70 coral reef species. Starting from INR 3,900 per dive, scuba diving is best done at Banana Reef in the Maldives.

Ques. Which are the famous food markets in the Maldives?

Ans. Here are a few top food markets in the Maldives.

1. Male Local Market: Male Local Market happens to be one of the most exciting food markets in the Maldives. This popular street market in the Maldives is located on the northern waterfront and here you can get farm-fresh products, marine foods, as well as many other street food delicacies. Apart from being a famous food market in the Maldives, it is also known for selling good quality local handicrafts, gift items, and mementoes. Tourists love to head out to the kiosks selling local snacks, which happens to be the major highlight of the market. During your visit, you must get bottled local pickles, packaged sweetmeat, fresh coconut milk, souvenirs like miniature boats and home decor made of seashells.

2. Male Fish Market: Male Fish Market is one of the top markets that deal with seafood and fresh fish. The best part of this place is that one can find almost all varieties of fresh fish as well as other seafood. It is certainly one of the best places to watch the way of living of the Maldivian people closely. Many tourists come over to this place to capture the wonderful snaps of the activities being carried out.

3. Majeedhee Magu: Majeedhee Magu is a popular food market in the Maldives that is very well known for its local snacks and street food stalls. During your visit, you can relish some of the locally prepared seafood dishes like dry fish chips and canned smoked fish. All the delicacies are prepared using locally sourced ingredients and the style of the famous Maldivian cuisine. You will come across several dining options in this market like Caf- Asiana which cater to all the needs of the tourists. Apart from being a major food market in the Maldives, it also happens to sell garments, accessories and electronic goods.

Ques. Which are some romantic places for Maldives tourism?

Ans. Here is a list of the top romantic places where honeymoon couples can enjoy themselves in the Maldives.

1. Kuredu: Offering breathtaking ocean views, Kuredu is a top-rated island destination among couples. Honeymooners visiting this island love to spend their time relishing delectable delicacies on the ocean edge while soaking in the mesmerizing sunset views. The most famous attraction of Kuredu is the enthralling aircraft ride over this stunning island, which is sure to leave the lovebirds amazed and awestruck. Couples visiting Kuredu also make it a point to experience fine dining at its lavish underwater restaurant for a unique celebration of their love.

2. Majeedhee Magu: Lying in Male, Majeedhee Magu is the best street shopping destination in the Maldives for couples as well as families. Here, you can find shops selling the latest fashion and local handicrafts at cheap rates. This place is also packed with a plethora of food stalls selling out flavoursome local snacks for you to relish while you enjoy your shopping spree. Majeedhee Magu remains open till 11 PM to offer the shopaholics a unique and even exciting night shopping experience.

3. HP Reef: The protected marine site of HP Reef is home to multi-coloured corals, vibrant fishes, amazing overhangs, and beautiful caves. The place offers extreme care for the marine animals and the divers and swimmers are only let into the ocean when it’s very secure. HP Reef is usually visited by couples who want to enjoy a good underwater photoshoot with exuberant marine creatures.

4. National Museum: Making for an important heritage site in Maldives tourism, the National Museum offers the couples a walk through the glorious history of the island nation. This quaint building is home to a vast collection of interesting artefacts, whose components date back to the early days of the establishment of the country. This museum is a segment of the majestic Maldivian Royal Palace of the 17th century and shelters the breathtaking Sultan Park within its premises. Some of the top attractions of the National Museum include the 11th-century artefact of Alifu Todd and the coral stone head of Gautama Buddha.

5. Banana Reef: Nestled in North Male Atoll, the famous Banana Reef is one of the top diving sites in the world. This place also makes for the very first Maldivian diving spot to get recognized as a licensed site for diving and professional training. Resembling the shape of a banana, this reef is home to mesmerizing cliffs, intriguing caves, breathtaking corals, and flamboyant marine life. Couples visiting Banana Reef love to engage in underwater activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and jet skiing.

6. Artificial Beach: As its name suggests, Artificial Beach is a man-made beach on the North Male Atoll. Making for one of the most favourite destinations of Maldives tourism for couples, this beach is the perfect site for enjoying a tranquil swim in the archipelago. The beach even organizes many carnivals and offers peaceful walks and several watersports. Many music groups head to the beach during the evening hours to perform and jam for the visitors who enjoy being a great live audience.

Ques. Which are the best shopping places in the Maldives and what are they famous for?

Ans. Some of the interesting shops and marketplaces you must visit in the Maldives are:

Male Local Market: This place is the hub of shopping. The market has many interesting souvenirs for the tourists like slippers made of palm leaves, miniature boats, mats and artistic household products, jewellery and decorative items made from seashells, wooden vases, & coconut milk and oil. You must try the street food in this area. Snacking here can be a delight. The local currency in hand is very essential while you are shopping in this marketplace. There are hardly any money exchange centres here.

Majeedhee Magu: If you love street shopping, you must rush to Majeedhee Magu. This prominent street shopping area in the Maldives is a favourite amongst tourists. You will get everything here, right from clothes to fabrics to electronics to food to locally crafted accessories. This is a shopaholic’s dream!

Chaandhanee Magu: Street shopping is a great way to introduce yourself to the commercial culture of the land. Shopping areas like Chaandhanee Magu are quite famous for the gift shops, miniatures of the Maldivian sailboat called Dhonis, mats and handicrafts, locally manufactured clothes and local snacks. Natives of the Maldives are ever smiling and helpful. In such street markets, you will find yourself amidst regional people and several tourists, exchanging greetings and notes and celebrating shopping as a festival. Shopping experiences of this sort are not less than an event.

Ques. When is the best time for Maldives tourism?

Ans. The best months to indulge in a trip to the Maldives are from November to March. The Maldives has sunny weather all year round, you can choose the best time as per your priority. Like any other tropical country, the Maldives witness dry and wet weather. 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 travellers travelling to this end of the world. These months are favourable with less humidity, little rain and a cool clear sky. March to April: The temperature starts soaring from the middle 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 at this time of the year.

Ques. Are US dollars accepted in the Maldives?

Ans. Yes, US dollars are widely accepted in the Maldives, and you do not need to carry much local currency. From resorts to numerous hotels, almost 80 per cent of the businesses there deal in US dollars and Euros. In the case of small vendors like shop owners or roadside stalls, you might have to use the Maldivian Rufiyaa to buy anything you want.

Ques. Do I need a visa for Maldives tourism? How does one get a Maldives visa?

Ans. The Maldives is liberal in this sense. The government issues a 30-day stamp to any landing visitor who holds a passport of their home nation. Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Nepalese citizens are allowed a 90-day stamp. If you wish to stick around for a longer period, you might as well extend the 30-day stamp or leave when the 30 days end. Please be well versed about the country's rules and remember the name of your resort/ hotel and produce your return ticket, if enquired by the immigration authorities. Visas are not required for travellers who plan to stay here for less than or equal to 30 days. Just a valid passport shall do.

Ques. What is the currency of the Maldives and where can I get my money exchanged?

Ans. The official currency of the Maldives is Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) which is non-convertible. The US dollar is accepted across the 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 the Maldives. It is advised not to exchange your money in Male banks, as travellers 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 the Maldives take greater care about the condition of the notes under exchange. They generally refuse old-style US$ and damaged notes.

Ques. What is the local food of the Maldives? Which are the best places to taste this food?

Ans. Food in the 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 the Maldives. Fresh seafood is undoubtedly appetizing, but vegetarians need not worry, as the island nation has food for all. The original cuisine of the 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 from shredded smoked fish with crushed coconut and onions or try getting your hands on some Fihunu Mas, barbequed fish marinated with chilli paste.

Muraka Restaurant: Located by the water at Mirihi, this restaurant has some spectacular seafood and an Asian menu. This place is artsy, classy, contemporary and of course vegetarian friendly. Seaside Grill: Hulhumale is home to this budget restaurant serving great grilled fish and meats. One must try their lobsters, juicy burgers, and pastries. It is a proper casual eating zone. Edge: This waterfront restaurant in Niyama is sure 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.

Ques. Which are some famous beaches in the Maldives? Which is the bioluminescent beach in the Maldives?

Ans. The Maldives is a secret garden of mesmerizing beaches. Most of the resorts here have private beaches. This place has several atolls that are world-famous for their 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 atoll) 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 and Baa Atoll of the Western side of the Maldives Gaafu Atoll, the world’s largest atoll Gnayivanu Atoll, the tiniest one in the Maldives Other attractions like Raa Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, Faafu Atoll, Meemu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll, amongst the ‘must visit’ places in the 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’.

Ques. What is Maldives tourism best known for?

Ans. The Maldives is best known for its serene natural environment that includes the azure blue ocean, clean air, and white sandy beaches. It is also very much famous for its water-based adventure sports like swimming, scuba diving, fishing, water skiing, kiteboarding, snorkelling, and windsurfing. Luxury resorts and water villas also make the Maldives a hit destination amongst travellers.

Ques. Can we use Indian rupees in the Maldives?

Ans. Indian currency is not accepted in the Maldives. You can use US dollars to buy anything. Any food and drink you buy will be subject to a 10% service charge and a general sales tax of 6%.

Ques. How many days are enough for a Maldives tourism trip?

Ans. 4 to 5 days are usually enough for a holiday in the Maldives. You can easily explore the major places in 5 days.

Ques. How far is the Maldives from India by flight?

Ans. An average direct flight from India to the Maldives takes 9 hours 30 minutes, covering 1781 km. The most popular route is Mumbai - Malé with an average flight time of 2 hours 40 minutes.