ATOLL TRAVELER
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Maldives Winner of multiple awards for the best beaches and known as a favorite hotspot for tourists from all the world, the Maldive islands offers you all you ever dreamt on a exotic holiday. Maldives is world famous for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and luxury hotels based exclusively on pearl like islands. In addition to this it is also one of the best surfing and diving areas and has been the prime choice for international celebrities.
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A tourist visa of thirty days will be granted on arrival to all visitors with valid travel documents, A confirmed hotel reservation is required for immigration clearance, visitors without hotel reservations should seek assistance at the airport tourist information counter right outside the arrival hall.
The summer never ends in the Maldives. Although it is warm throughout the year there are slight variations in the temperature during certain periods determined by the monsoon; from November to April is mostly dry with very little wind, while the Southwest monsoon from May to October brings some rain and the temperature varies very little. The annual average daily temperature is between 30.4 and 25.4 degrees Celsius. The average rainfall is below 2mm per annum.
A chain of 1190 little coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean that forms the archipelago of the Maldives in 80- 120 km wide, stretching 860 km from latitude 7° 6"N to 0° 41"S and lying between 72° 32" and 73° 45"E. Out of the 1190 islands, only 201 islands are inhabited. Almost 99% of the country being the ocean, it is one of the most unique nations in the world.
Despite it's geographical isolation, Maldives is easily accessible. Many airlines offer regular schedule and charter flights from Asia, Europe, Middle East, and South Africa. Male' International Airport is located on an island of its own which is just over a kilometer long. The island is for the exclusive usage of the airport and is only 10 minutes from the capital by boat.
Strict laws prohibit the import of pornographic materials, weapons, and drugs, into the country, and the penalties are severe. Alcohol cannot be imported without a license. It should be declared at the customs and will be returned to you on departure. The export of coral, shells, and other objects removed from their marine habitat is prohibited in the Maldives. Please assist us in preserving the environment by taking only photographs and memories with while leaving only footprints.
The local currency is the Rufiya, and US$ 1.00 is equivalent to approximately 12.75 Rufiya, all major currencies are accepted widely in the country. The most commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB, and Euro Card.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at any authorised moneychanger at the banks in Male'. It can be exchanged at the airport on arrival or at the resort islands.
The Maldives has a population of about 270,000 people. (2000). The Maldivians have beautiful and harmonious blend of features from a mixture of Arabic to African, and Asian. The people live in simple, laid back, and contented life-style. With ready smiles, and always willing to lend a helping hand, the Maldivians are a friendly people and make visitors feel very welcome. Native language of the Maldivians is "Dhivehi", but almost every where in the Maldives English is used widely.
Archaeological and historical discoveries indicate that the islands have been inhabited for over three thousand years. Being on an important trade route, Maldives was visited by people from all over the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These visitors left a strong influence on the people, their religion and the culture of the Maldives.
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