Arguably among the best beach getaway destinations of the Southern Asian region, Maldives is one of the most ravishing and delightful getaways in the world. Known as a perfect place for beach holidays and marine adventures, Maldives has been gathering all the deserving fame since last a couple of decades. People enjoy taking Maldives holiday packages from around the globe and witness the captivating beauty and charm this island country has to offer. Nestled on the Indian Ocean, this spectacular destination is visited by many newlywed couples who have taken honeymoon packages to Maldives and witness the glorious natural bliss this region has to offer.
The Maldives Frequently asked Questions -
When to visit the Maldives?
The Maldives has spectacular Scenery, Islands and Blue-water, It is one of the best Tropical adventures to experience throughout the year, Maldives’s warm temperature is preferred by every traveller year around, Ideal weather to visit the Maldives is from November to February. March to April is also a good time to visit especially for Surfers and learning deep-sea diving. May to October is the wet season.
How Easy is it to get to the Maldives?
This Tropical Island is about 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka, and is well connected to all major Airports from India, From 2- 4Hrs depending on where you are flying from. Once at Maldives Airport ( Malè) you have an option given by the Resort/Hotel to travel via Seaplane or Speedboat, Travelling to your resort be it by Speedboat or Seaplane is an experience in itself.
Is the Maldives a good destination to take Children?
Maldives is known to be a Romantic Destination, and still is an amazing destination for families to spend some quality time. It is blessed with tropical weather. One of the worlds best resorts, with spectacular beaches and plenty of Sun, There are a lot of activities for kids offered by resorts, However, some of the resorts might ask you to sign a form to take responsibility for the children if you choose to stay in any room or villa close to the Sea.
How Expensive is the Maldives?
This Beautiful Island has the tag Luxury Holiday and it carries that name pretty well. Dining can be expensive, All-Inclusive Resorts provide amazing Value for Money, where you can forget your wallet in your locker, Usually its all paid trips to the Maldives, in case you forgot to add something, Maldives resorts charge around $30-$50 per meal, around $10-15$ a beer and anywhere around $15-$20 for cocktails.
What to pack and wear for Maldives Vacation?
As it is Muslim Nation, it is polite to dress conservatively at the Airport, If you are staying on Malé Island or any other locally inhabited island, it is advised to get respectable clothing to cover your legs and shoulder. If you are at any Island resort or private island owned by the resort, you can wear your best beachwear. Do not forget to carry sunscreen and do check which SPF suits your skin the best, It is always recommended to buy Beachwear, Sunscreen, Hats, Sunglasses, Slippers, when you are packing your bags, these items can be purchased at the resort or airport too however at a much higher price.
Are there ATMs in the Maldives, Can I use my Credit Card?
ATM machines can be found all across Malé Island and at International Airport, However, they are limited and even non-existent at most of the Island Resorts, You can use your credit card across the resorts.
What are the restrictions on buying Alcohol in the Maldives?
As the Maldives are Muslim Country, Purchasing Alcohol in Malé and locally inhabited islands is illegal, However, all the resorts in the Maldives have a special alcohol licence and hence you can sip in your favourite one at any of the resorts.
Do Indians need Passport and Visa for the Maldives?
A passport is required by all Indians wanting to visit the Maldives. it should be valid for a minimum of 30 days from the date of arrival at the Airport. Tourist Visa valid for 30 days is given on Arrival to Indian Passport Holders, few things to keep in mind are, Must have a return ticket, must have a hotel/resort confirm booking.
How is the network connectivity of the Indian Sim Card in the Maldives?
The Maldives is dotted with Masts on various islands and nearly all the Indian Cellular Provider works smoothly on most of the resorts. Alternate options are to purchase a Local Sim card at the arrival airport or use the WiFi service of the Resort.
Do I need a travel charging adapter to charge my laptop, Mobile phones and Camera?
The Maldives uses a variety of plug sockets including type C/D/G/J/K/L, which has a standard voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz, However taking a risk of the charger not working to capture beautiful memories or missing an important call or email, we recommend taking a Universal travellers charger with you.
Do I need Travel Insurance for the Maldives?
It is not mandatory or required, however, due to a series of unexpected events in 2019, we recommend travellers to get a good Travel Insurance during your next visit to the Maldives,
The Maldives Dos and Donts -
Do’s
Do try local cuisines such as Garudhiya and Baiy, Rihaakuru and Masburi Riha.
Do watch traditional and cultural dance shows.
Do visit the local market and the fish market in the morning to experience the daily life of the locals.
Do take a walk around Malé and take lots of photos and selfies.
Do remember to take off your shoes before entering a Maldivian home.
Do dress properly when visiting a Mosque or religious site. Enter barefoot, leave your shoes outside the entrance. Your bottoms should be knee-length and shoulders covered.
Do buy authentic Maldivian souvenirs before returning to your home country.
Do visit an inhabited island to explore their traditional and cultural values and eat homemade savoury and delights.
Do smile a lot.
Do try and learn a few basic phrases in Dhivehi such as:
– Hello –As-salamu alaykum
– How are you? – Haalu Kihineh?
– Good – Rangalhu
– I am going – Aharen Dhanee
Don’ts
Don’t sunbathe topless – Public nudity is strictly prohibited in the Maldives and wearing bikinis on the inhabited islands is restricted. You can wear it at your holiday island resort that you confirm your accommodation with.
Don’t purchase or sell turtle shells and black corals, they are protected species in the Maldives.
Don’t bring liquor or alcoholic products into the Maldives – The import of alcohol and consumption in the local islands are strictly prohibited. Only permit holders such as resorts and safari boats are allowed to import alcohol into the Maldives. However, alcoholic beverages are available for consumption in tourist resorts.
Don’t get involved in possession or consumption of narcotic drugs. Drug trafficking and possession carries harsh penalties in the Maldives, including life imprisonment.
Do not litter the streets.
Do not touch or pick corals when diving or snorkelling. Be conscious of the delicate local environment.
Do not dispose of plastic bags into the sea, it can be hazardous.
Don’t hug or kiss in public – the Maldives is conservative when it comes to expressing physical displays of affection.
Do not bring:
– Dogs (Prior permission and communication are required with your local agent in the Maldives, dogs are only allowed in boats and liveaboards, it will not be allowed on land, except during arrival and departure at the airport.
To make the best out of your trip to the Maldives is to shed off all remains of supremacy from your actions and think as the locals do. To earn respect, you should also show respect to others, it’s a two-way street, so make your trip to the Maldives special by adhering to the above Do’s and Don’ts.
