MALDIVES

MALDIVESofficially the Republic of Maldives, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean–Arabian Sea area, consisting of a double chain of twenty-six atolls, oriented north-south, that lie between Minicoy Island (the southernmost part of Lakshadweep, India) and the Chagos Archipelago. The chains stand in the Laccadive Sea, and the capital, Malé, is about 600 kilometres (370 mi) southwest of India and 750 kilometres (470 mi) southwest of Sri Lanka.

Capital : MaleAirport : Male International AirportCurrency : Maldivian Rufiyya (MVR) Language - Dhivehi is local language of Maldives. However English is commonly spoken.Visa : All nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival in Maldives (Arriving by air). Entry permit is granted to visitors on arrival, FREE of COST. Indian nationals need to procure POE if passport reads ECR.Religion : IslamGovernment : Unitary Presidential Constitution RepublicPresident : Abdulla YameenPopulation : 341,356

FLAG OF MALDIVES

Red Rectangle represents the boldness of the nation's heroes, and their willingness to sacrifice their every drop of blood in defense of their country. Green Rectangle in the center symbolizes peace and prosperity. White Crescent Moon symbolizes a state of unified Islamic faith.

CULTURE

The customs and social behaviour of the Maldivians have been greatly influenced by the Indians, Sri Lankans, Arabs and North Africans who visited the Maldives while traversing through the trading routes of the central Indian Ocean. The Maldivian culture is rich and vibrant due to the infusion of various other cultural elements.Though Maldives was culturally influenced by other traditions, Maldivians have built and preserved an exclusive cultural identity.Accordingly the Maldivians converse using a language of their own; called Dhivehi. In 1153 AD Maldivians converted to Islam and the religion has transformed and introduced new fundamentals to the Maldivian culture.

Traditional and Modern Clothing

CUISINE

Traditional Maldivian breakfast "Roshi &

Mashuni"

Dhon Riha 'fair curry' - Maldivian tuna with

pandan & curry leaves, tamarind, coconut,

fennel seeds, turmeric & chillies

ATTRACTIONSNational Museum 

The three-storied museum (old building) is located in the Sultan Park in Malé, which is part of the site of the Maldivian Royal Palace compound dating back to the 17th century. The two-storey Us-gēkolhu is also the only remaining structure of the palace demolished by fire in 1968.The new building of the museum is also located in Sultan Park. The building was designed, built and financed by the Chinese government. The building was presented to the Maldives by the Chinese government on 10 July 2010, but was officially opened and declared as the national museum two weeks later on Maldives' Independence Day, 26 July 2010.The interior of the museum has been retained from the days of the Sultanate, including the handwritten Qur'an engraved on the walls of the building.

Malé Friday MosqueMalé Hukuru Miskiy or Malé Friday Mosque is an ancient decorated mosque located in the city of Malé, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. The mosque was originally constructed in 1658 under the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I over two years time, and was constructed mostly out of coral stone. The building is surrounded by a 17th-century cemetery, whose coral stone headstones are intricately and uniquely carved. The site also includes a coral stone minaret.Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque) has a perimeter of 199 ft. The main building which is still used for conducting the daily prayers is divided into three sections:Mihuraabuge: The room or section used by the Imam in leading the prayers.Medhu Miskiy: The middle Mosque.Fahu Miskiy: The back Mosque.

Vakarufalhi Island Resort

One of the best Four Star Maldives resorts, tucked away in the remote corner of South Ari atoll, 90km away from the airport, Vakarufalhi is among the pearls that make up the amazing Maldives Islands.Vakarufalhi, better known as Vakaru is a tropical island enhanced by swaying coconut palms and white sandy beaches. Surrounding the island is a pristine lagoon enriched by a stunningly beautiful living house reef. These features combined with traditional Maldivian building concepts, makes Vakarufalhi a haven of nature and tranquility. Almost a quarter of a square kilometer of land area with 50 sea front Beach Villas spread evenly around the island and 25 Water Villas creates an atmosphere which rejuvenates your body and mind.

ACCOMMODATIONKAM Hotel Malé, Maldives

FestivalsNational DayThe National Day celebrates the great victory of Mohamed Thakurufaanu over the Portuguese in 1573. The National Day is celebrate on the 1st of Rabee ul Awwal, the third month in the Islamic Calendar.

RamadanRamadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar, a month during which Muslims mark 30 days of fasting. The working hours altered for the month, the government offices being open from 9.00a.m. to 1.30p.m. and the private sector also closing for the day at 3.00 in the afternoon.

THANK YOU