Maldives: A Paradise of Islands

Maldives is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and luxury resorts. It is a dream tourist destination for travelers worldwide, ideal for breathtaking beauty, relaxation and adventure. Let's dive deep into everything about Maldives including its history, significance, location, communication system, cost, top attractions, accommodation, food, best time to visit and warnings.

                                           Top 10 Tourist Spots in Maldives

History of Maldives

The history of Maldives goes back more than 2,500 years. Early settlers came from India, Sri Lanka and other parts of Southeast Asia. Due to its strategic location for ancient maritime trade, the Maldives became an important center for traders. The islands were influenced by various cultures including South Indian, Arab and African.

Conversion to Islam: The Maldives converted to Islam in the 12th century, and today is known as a Muslim-majority country. Islam is a fundamental part of Maldivian culture.

Colonial Period: Maldives was colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, followed by brief periods of Dutch and British rule. Maldives gained independence from the British in 1965.

Modern Era: In 1968, Maldives became a republic, and since then, it has become a world-class tourist destination. Tourism is the main pillar of its economy, with millions of visitors visiting the Maldives every year.

Global Influence of the Maldives

Maldives is important for many reasons:

Tourism Industry: Maldives is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts and vibrant marine life make it a paradise for tourists.

Marine Biodiversity: The country is home to some of the most diverse coral reefs in the world, attracting scuba divers and snorkelers.

Environmental Challenges: Maldives is highly vulnerable to low altitude, climate change and sea level rise. Today, it has become the focus of global climate talks.

Cultural Heritage: Despite its small size, the Maldives has a rich culture, with traditions deeply rooted in its history and religion.

Area and Location of Maldives

Area: Maldives consists of about 1,190 coral islands, spread over an area of ​​about 90,000 square kilometers. Despite its vast area, with a total land area of ​​only 298 square kilometers, it is one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of land area.

Location: Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It lies along the equator, providing a year-round tropical climate.

Atolls: The islands are divided into 26 atolls, each with a coral reef surrounding a lagoon. These corals are known for their unique geography and rich marine ecosystem.

Distance from Dhaka to Maldives

Maldives is located about 2,900 km from Dhaka, Bangladesh. It usually takes around 4-5 hours to travel from Dhaka to Male (Capital of Maldives) by air.

Communication System

By air:

Velana International Airport in Male is the main gateway for travelers. The airport is well connected to major cities of the world including Dhaka, India, Sri Lanka, Middle East and Europe.

Maldives Airlines, Bangladesh Biman and other international carriers offer direct and connecting flights to Male.

By sea:

There are no direct passenger ships from Dhaka to the Maldives, but some ships include the Maldives in their journey as part of Indian Ocean or South Asia routes.

Local Transport:

Upon arrival, tourists can travel to their island resorts using seaplanes, speedboats or domestic flights. Most resorts ensure safe and comfortable travel.

Cost of Travel to Maldives

The cost of traveling to the Maldives can vary depending on the type of accommodation and activities you choose.

Here is a rough estimated cost:

Flight Cost: Round-trip flights from Dhaka to Male range from $300 to $600 (USD), depending on season and booking time.

Accommodation:

Budget: Guesthouses on local islands cost around $50 to $100 per night.

Mid-Range: Resorts from $200 to $500 per night.

Luxury: Private overwater villas at luxury resorts can cost upwards of $1,000 per night.

Meals: Dining at local restaurants costs about $10 to $20 per meal, while dining at luxury resorts can be more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 per person.

Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling and water sports can cost between $50 and $200 depending on the package and service provider.

Top Attractions in Maldives

Male: Male is the capital city of Maldives with a rich history. Attractions like Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque), Male Fish Market and Sultan Park will impress you.

Banana Reef: One of the most famous diving spots in Maldives, Banana Reef is rich in colorful corals and marine life.

Sun Island: Located in South Ari Atoll, Sun Island is known for its beautiful beaches, lush vegetation and luxury resorts.

Barros Island: A small but luxurious island resort that offers stunning underwater experiences, Barros is a top choice for honeymooners.

Maafushi Island: A popular local island where tourists can experience local life while enjoying affordable accommodation and activities such as snorkeling and dolphin-watching.

Veligandu Island: Known for its primitive beaches and clear waters, Veligandu is perfect for relaxation and water activities.

Alimatha Island: Located in Vaavu Atoll, Alimatha is famous for its crystal-clear waters, great diving sites and marine life.

HP Reef: A popular diving site in the North Male Atoll, HP Reef offers an opportunity to explore the colorful underwater world of the Maldives.

Fihalhohi Island: Located in South Male Atoll, this island is famous for its tranquil environment, a favorite with couples and nature lovers.

Vadhu Island: Famous for its bioluminescent beaches, Vadhu Island offers a magical experience where the waves glow in the dark due to bioluminescent plankton.

Safe and reliable accommodation in Maldives

The Maldives has plenty of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Some of the best options are:

Luxury Resorts:

Soneva Fushi: A luxury eco-resort known for its private villas, primitive beaches and sustainable practices.

Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort: Offers overwater villas with stunning ocean views.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: Has an underwater restaurant and several luxury villas.

Mid-Range Resorts:

Kurumba Maldives: Known for its proximity to Male, Kurumba offers beautiful beach villas and a variety of dining options.

Sun Island Resort & Spa: A popular mid-range resort in South Ari Atoll, perfect for families and couples.

Budget-friendly guesthouses:

Kani Village & Spa (Maafushi Island): Offers comfortable accommodation at affordable prices.

Arena Beach Hotel (Maafushi Island): A budget-friendly hotel with good amenities and proximity to the beach.

Notable Foods of Maldives

Maldivian foods  are a blend of South Indian, Sri Lankan and Arabic flavors. 

Here are some must-try dishes:

Garudhiya: A traditional fish soup served with rice, lime, chilli and onion.

Mas Huni: A breakfast dish made with tuna, coconut, onion and chilli, served with flatbread (roshi).

Fihunu Mas: Fried fish marinated in a mixture of spices and served with rice or bread.

Vashi Mashuni: Salad made with banana flowers, coconut, lime and spices.

Hedhika: A variety of traditional Maldivian snacks including fish cakes, samosas and fried dumplings.

Kulukki Sarabat: A refreshing drink made with lemon juice, spices and basil seeds.

Best time to visit Maldives

Dry season (November to April): This is the best time to visit Maldives. The weather is warm, sunny and dry. It is the perfect place for beach activities, water sports and diving. The temperature is usually between 25°C and 30°C.

Monsoon season (May to October): The wet season brings more rain and occasional storms, but it can be a good time to visit if you want fewer crowds and better deals on accommodation. Diving enthusiasts may also like this period due to increased marine activity.

Warning for Tourists in Maldives

Respect local customs: Maldives is a Muslim country, and it is important to respect local customs, especially when visiting local islands, dress modestly and avoid alcohol in public places.

Stay hydrated: Tropical climates can be hot and humid, so be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Sunscreen and sun protection: The sun can be intense in the Maldives, so wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn.

Marine Life Warning: Be careful when snorkeling or diving. Avoid touching coral reefs and marine life to protect fragile ecosystems and prevent injury.

Health precautions: Although the Maldives is generally safe, ensure travel insurance and first aid supplies.

Weather Monitoring: If visiting during the monsoon season, keep an eye on weather updates to avoid any disruptions caused by storms.

                                         Top 10 Tourist Spots in Maldives

Maldives is a breathtaking tourist destination that offers something for every type of traveller, from the luxury to the budget adventurer. Its rich history, stunning natural beauty and diverse marine life will give you the feeling of paradise. Whether you're relaxing on white sandy beaches or exploring vibrant coral reefs, Maldives promises you an unforgettable experience.