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Travel to Maldives

Pictures by drago.a
 Where is Maldives

Even though geographically isolated the Maldives is easily reachable by air from anywhere in South east Asia, Europe and Middle East. The Capital of Sri Lanka - Colombo is an hour’s fly absent by air, from Singapore and Dubai it takes approximately four hours and from Europe it uses 9 to eleven hours to reach Male. The area of Maldives consists of 1190 islands and isles collected into 26 natural atolls scattered over an area of 90,000 sq. km straddling the equator between latitudes 7°6” north and 0°42” south and longitudes 72°32” and 73°46”east.

The atolls of the Maldives are twisted from coral reefs structures. The atolls are part of a larger structure recognized as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge, which stretches over 2000 kilometers. The islands are inaudible lying with the highest point at about eight feet above water flatten. Ring-shaped reef structures form the atolls and these coral reefs offer the genuine defense to prevent wind and wave impact on these delicate islands. Weather and Climate

the Maldives has a tropical environment with warm temperatures all year round and a brilliant deal of sunshine. The warm tropical climate results in relatively small changes in daily temperature the whole time the season. The weather is determined largely by the monsoons; the South west monsoon starting May to November and the North east monsoon from December to April. The hottest month on average is April and the coolest, December. February is the driest with December to April being somewhat dry. The Maldives is in the equatorial area and therefore severe storms are rare.

The local money in Maldives

is the Rufiyaa. A Rufiyaa is 100 Laari. The Rufiyaa is in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 Rufiyaa notes, 1 and 2 Rufiya coins and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Laari coins. The exchange rate as of september 2013 is MRf. 6.5 against the United States Dollar. Every major resorts, hotels, most major shops and eating places are authorized money changers and be able to accept payment in most foremost currencies and by credit card. The Bank of Maldives Airport Branch positioned at the arrivals terminal also provides money changing services. Whether you are in need of Rufiyaa while in Malé, banks would be the most practical selection.

Cover yourself properly when visiting populated islands and Male’. For men shorts and a shirt are suitable. Females are expected to cover their bodies and thighs. While swimming trunks, bikinis and other beachwear is the norm on the resort, they are not acceptable on inhabited islands. Remember that nudism in public places is forbiden. Traditionally Maldivians eat with their fingers. If you wish to follow the local practice keep in mind that it is considered unclean to touch food with the left hand. In doubt take a spoon. Be conscious of the frail local environment. You should not pick corals when you scuba dving or snorkeling. The Maldivians take the Islamic greeting “Assalaam Alaikum” to greet friends and strangers alike. “Shukuriyya” means thank you.