Overview

The Maldives is a nation of islands in the Indian Ocean, that spans across the equator. The country is comprised of 1192 islands that stretch along a length of 871 kilometers. While the country covers an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers, only 298 square kilometers of that is dry land. The islands are grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls.

The beauty of the Maldives is not only above the water. The Maldives is home to about five percent of the planet’s reefs that comes with an explosion of color contributed by soft and hard corals that form them. The reefs are home to a thousand species of fish. Lured by the rich nutrients that flow in with the currents, large pelagic fishes such as manta rays and whale sharks also make the Maldives their home.

Important information:

TIME: 5 hours ahead of GMT.

INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE CODE   +960

ELECTRICITY :  240 volts

MOBILE SERVICES:   Prepaid SIM cards are available from two mobile service providers at the airport. The SIM cards can be used for local and  international call and for data.

CURRENCY:  The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency. All major credit cards are accepted in the country.

VISA:  All nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival, provided that you have a valid passport, an onward to ticket to continue your journey and a reservation at a tourist facility or enough funds to cover your stay in the country.

TAXES:  A Tourism Goods and Service Tax (TGST) of 12% is levied on all goods and services at all Hotels. A Green Tax of US$ 6.00 per person a day is payable for guests staying at tourist accommodation except guest houses where the Green Tax is US$ 3.00 per person per day.

TRAVEL AND TRANSFER:  Speedboat transfer is the norm to resorts close to the International Airport. The rest is covered by seaplane or domestic flight. If you are travelling to Male’ you can take a taxi from the airport. Several daily flights operate from Velana International Airport to the 12 domestic and international airports in the country. Scheduled ferries also operate from Male’ to many of the atolls.

ALCOHOL:  Import of alcohol by individuals is not permitted. However, alcohol is available at all the resorts.

WEATHER:  Year-round temperature hot tropical climate. The average high temperature is 31.5 degree Celsius and the average low temperature is 26.4 degree Celsius. 

CLOTHING: Cotton clothes suits well with the hot tropical climate of the Maldives. Tourist are expected to respect local culture and dress modestly when visiting or staying on inhabited islands. Sandals are ideal, as you may often want to slip them off and go barefoot.

MEDICAL SERVICES:  The main public hospital Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and private hospitals ADK and Treetop are located in Male’. Each Atoll has at least one hospital and most resorts have their own clinics and in-house doctors.

The Maldives is a picture-perfect archipelago, situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and home to 1,190+ tiny coral islands. The country is famous for the beauty it carries and is celebrated as one of the best travel destinations in the world. 

For first-timers, traveling to the country will be very exciting but at the same time, there is so much more to look forward to and understand beyond the exotic lifestyles.

You can also travel at affordable prices and still get to live the ultimate beach-life dream by staying at a guest house or boutique hotel on a local island. This ensures an opportunity to experience the island lifestyle whilst experiencing the Maldivian culture and heritage. The islanders are hospitable and will be more than happy to have you over for meal times and other activities.

Sea-travel is not the only thing that exists in the country but that is about half of the reality. The transportation from the main airport, Velana International Airport, to your desired local island or resort is either done by speed boat or seaplane. The speed boat is used to transit tourists to islands in close proximity whereas a seaplane is used for far and remotely located islands and resorts. Traveling by a seaplane is a unique experience by itself – you can see islands and atolls as a whole and take lots of lovely pictures on the way! Most of the time, you can always get a resort representative to escort you – this makes things a lot easier. Everything can be easy if you do your research and plan well.

Package Includes:

• Airfare: India – Male – India
• 3 nights accommodtion at 4* Spa Resort Hotel
• Airport transfers by Speed boat
• Breakfast  on all days in Maldives.

Package Excludes: 

• Lunch and dinner on all days 
• GST & TDS