Maldives — a dreamy Indian Ocean paradise known for turquoise waters, luxury resorts, and overwater villas.

Maldives: Overview

Capital: Malé

Location: Southwest of India and Sri Lanka

Population: ~500,000

Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) — USD widely accepted in resorts

Language: Dhivehi (English is widely spoken)

Religion: Islam (strict Muslim country, especially on local islands)

Time Zone: GMT +5

The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,190+ coral islands grouped in 26 atolls. Only about 200 islands are inhabited, and 150+ are private resort islands.

Why Visit the Maldives?

Overwater bungalows and luxurious private island resorts

Incredible diving & snorkeling with coral reefs, manta rays, whale sharks

Romantic escapes and honeymoons

World-class spas and wellness retreats

Unplugged relaxation with stunning sunsets and pristine beaches

Top Places to Visit

Malé

Capital city; densely populated and busy

Visit Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque), Sultan Park, local markets

Not a tourist highlight but worth a short stop if you arrive early

Resort Islands

Each resort sits on its own private island, offering:

Overwater and beachfront villas

Fine dining, spa treatments, and private pools

Water sports, diving centers, and excursions

Famous Resorts (examples only; many luxury and budget options exist):

Soneva Fushi / Soneva Jani – ultra-luxury, eco-friendly

Baros Maldives – romantic and close to Malé

Hurawalhi – known for its underwater restaurant

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – mid-range, family-friendly

Centara Ras Fushi – adults-only, value for money

Local Islands

These offer budget travel and local culture:

Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Dhigurah – guesthouses, diving, beach bars

Dress modestly and no alcohol is served on local islands

Top Activities

Snorkeling & Diving – reefs, shipwrecks, manta rays, whale sharks

Island Hopping – day trips to sandbanks and picnic islands

Sunset cruises, dolphin watching, and traditional Dhoni boat rides

Spa & wellness – overwater spas with ocean views

Water sports – kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing, jet-skiing

Underwater dining – several resorts have glass restaurants or bars

Best Time to Visit

Season Months Notes

Dry Season (High) Nov–Apr Best weather, calm seas (especially Dec–Mar)

Wet Season (Low) May–Oct Lower prices, possible rain/storms, but still warm

Tip: April is ideal — shoulder season with great weather and better deals.

Getting Around

Speedboat: For resorts close to Malé (30–60 mins)

Seaplane: For remote resorts – scenic but expensive

Domestic Flights: Small aircraft to regional airports, then a boat transfer

Ferries: Between local islands – slow but cheap

Travel Tips

Visa: 30-day visa-free for most nationalities on arrival

Health: No vaccines required; bring sunscreen, reef-safe products

Customs: No alcohol, pork, or religious items allowed in luggage

Dress Code: Swimwear OK at resorts; modest clothing on local islands

Internet: Wi-Fi available in most places, especially resorts

Sustainability: Choose eco-conscious resorts to protect reefs