One of the main holidays celebrated in Maldives is Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide. This holiday usually falls in May or June and involves special prayers, feasting, and exchanging gifts with family and friends.
Another important holiday is Independence Day, which is celebrated on July 26th each year to commemorate the country's freedom from British rule in 1965. The day is marked by parades, speeches, and other patriotic events.
Maldives also celebrates National Day on November 11th to honor the birth of the first president, Ibrahim Nasir. The day is marked by cultural programs, parades, and street performances.
Other festivals celebrated in Maldives include the Islamic New Year, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, and Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, which is a celebration of the prophet's life and teachings. These holidays are observed according to the Islamic lunar calendar and involve special prayers and gatherings at mosques.
Finally, Maldives also celebrates traditional cultural events such as the Bodu Beru Festival, which is a music and dance festival that showcases the country's folk traditions and heritage. These festivals typically take place throughout the year and provide an opportunity for locals and tourists alike to experience the unique culture of Maldives.
The Maldives has two main tourist seasons:
1. High Season (November to April): This season is marked by sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and calm seas. The peak season runs from December to February when prices are at their highest. It's recommended to book well in advance during this season to secure good deals.
2. Low Season (May to October): The low season is characterized by occasional rain, strong winds, and rougher sea conditions. Prices and crowds are lower during this period, making it an excellent time for budget-conscious travelers. However, it's important to note that some resorts may close during this season for maintenance or renovations.
It's recommended to pack light, breathable clothing for both seasons, as the Maldives has a warm and humid climate year-round. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also essential items to bring. Additionally, be sure to check weather updates before traveling and plan accordingly if there are any significant weather events.
As of my knowledge cutoff date, September 01, 2021, citizens of all countries are eligible for a tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives. The only requirement is to have a valid passport and proof of onward travel.
However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there may be additional entry requirements to enter the Maldives, such as a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination. It is important to check the most up-to-date information from the Maldives Immigration website or consult with a Maldives embassy or consulate.
As an AI language model, I do not have access to real-time data on the cost of visa processes. Visa fees can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of visa, country of origin, and processing time. It is best to consult with the Maldives embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information on visa costs.
1. Local Handicrafts - such as woven baskets, mats, and wooden carvings. Prices range from $10 to $50, and they can be bought at local markets or souvenir shops.
2. T-shirts and Sarongs - featuring Maldives' picturesque scenery or national symbols. Prices range from $10 to $30, and they can be bought at gift shops or beachside vendors.
3. Seashells and Coral - collected from the pristine beaches of Maldives. Prices depend on size and rarity, and they can be found at specialty shops or beachside stalls.
4. Thudu Kuna - traditional Maldivian boat models made out of coconut timber. Prices range from $20 to $100, and they can be purchased at local handicraft stores or souvenir shops.
5. Maldivian Spices - including dried fish, chili peppers, and lime. Prices vary depending on the type of spice and quantity, and they can be bought at local supermarkets or souvenir shops.
It's important to note that prices may vary depending on the location and specific store.
Great choice on picking the Maldives as your location! Here's a one week itinerary for you to enjoy:
Day 1-2: Maafushi
Maafushi is one of the best islands in the Maldives to experience local culture and affordable tourism. You can start by visiting the beautiful Bikini Beach, followed by strolling around the streets to witness the daily activities of locals. You should also explore the gorgeous reefs around the island through snorkeling or diving.
Day 3-4: Vaavu Atoll
Vaavu Atoll is home to some of the most unique dive sites in the Maldives. You can explore Fotteyo Kandu, one of the most famous channels in the world, which offers breathtaking views of marine life including grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and sometimes even hammerhead sharks. Afterwards, you can relax at the white sand beach and enjoy the sea breeze.
Day 5-6: Baa Atoll
Baa Atoll is known for its vibrant coral reefs and amazing underwater life, with Hanifaru Bay being a popular spot for manta ray sightings. Take a day trip to snorkel around the area, or enjoy a scenic flight over the atoll to appreciate the natural beauty from above.
Day 7: Male
Before departing back home, take a day to explore the capital of the Maldives, Male. Visit the historic Hukuru Miskiy mosque, stroll around Sultan Park or visit the National Museum to learn more about Maldivian history and culture.
This itinerary provides a great mix of relaxation and adventure while allowing you to experience different parts of the Maldives. Enjoy your trip!
[đź”’CLASSIC] The Maldives is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and coral reefs in the world. There are plenty of activities to do in the Maldives, such as island-hopping, water sports, or simply relaxing on the beach. Let me know if you want any more recommendations on places to visit or things to do!
Great to hear that you're located in Maldives! Here is a two week itinerary for you:
Week 1:
Day 1-3: Maafushi Island - This beautiful island is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. You can spend your time sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving while taking in the breathtaking views of the ocean.
Day 4-5: Male - The capital city of Maldives is a bustling metropolis that is worth exploring. Visit the historic Hukuru Miskiy mosque, stroll through the colorful local market, and enjoy some delicious Maldivian cuisine at one of the many restaurants.
Day 6-7: Baa Atoll - One of the most popular tourist destinations in Maldives, Baa Atoll is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world. Spend your days lounging on the sand, swimming in the warm waters, and exploring the nearby islands.
Week 2:
Day 8-10: Addu City - This southernmost city in Maldives is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. However, it is a great place to explore if you want to experience the local culture and way of life. Visit the historic landmarks, try some traditional dishes, and interact with the friendly locals.
Day 11-12: Banana Reef - One of the best diving spots in Maldives, Banana Reef is home to an incredible variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sharks, and rays. Take a scuba diving or snorkeling tour and discover the amazing underwater world.
Day 13-14: Alimatha Island - This island is a true paradise, with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush vegetation. Relax on the sand, take a dip in the ocean, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Why you should visit these places: Maldives is a stunningly beautiful country with so much to offer. From its world-renowned beaches to its vibrant cities, there is something for everyone here. By visiting Maafushi Island, Male, Baa Atoll, Addu City, Banana Reef, and Alimatha Island, you will get to experience the best that Maldives has to offer. You'll be able to relax on the sand, swim in the crystal-clear waters, explore historic landmarks, try traditional cuisine, interact with locals, and discover the incredible marine life that lies beneath the surface. These destinations are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for years to come!
The culture of the Maldives is influenced by the cultures of the people of different ethnicities who have settled on the islands throughout the times.
Since the 12th century AD, there were also influences from Arabia in the language and culture of the Maldives because of the conversion to Islam and its location as a crossroads in the central Indian Ocean. This was due to the long trading history between the far east and the middle east.
Reflective of this is the fact that the Maldives has had the highest national divorce rate in the world for many decades. This, it is hypothesised, is due to a combination of liberal Islamic rules about divorce and the relatively loose marital bonds that have been identified as common in non- and semi-sedentary peoples without a history of fully developed agrarian property and kinship relations.
After the long Buddhist period of Maldivian history, Muslim traders introduced Islam. Maldivians converted to Islam by the mid-12th century. The islands have had a long history of Sufic orders, as can be seen in the history of the country such as the building of tombs. They were used until as recently as the 1980s for seeking the help of buried saints. They can be seen next to some old mosques and are considered a part of the Maldives's cultural heritage.
Other aspects of tassawuf, such as ritualised dhikr ceremonies called Maulūdu (Mawlid)—the liturgy of which included recitations and certain supplications in a melodic tone—existed until very recent times. These Maulūdu festivals were held in ornate tents specially built for the occasion. At present Islam is the official religion of the entire population, as adherence to it is required for citizenship.
According to Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta, the person responsible for this conversion was a Sunni Muslim visitor named Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari, sailing from Morocco. He is also referred to as Tabrizugefaanu. His venerated tomb now stands on the grounds of Medhu Ziyaaraiy, across the street from the Friday Mosque, or Hukuru Miskiy, in Malé. Built in 1656, this is the country's oldest mosque.
The largest ethnic group is Dhivehin, i.e. the Maldivians, native to the historic region of the Maldive Islands comprising today's Republic of Maldives and the island of Minicoy in Union territory of Lakshadweep, India. They share the same culture and speak the Dhivehi language. They are principally an Indo-Aryan people, having traces of Middle Eastern, South Asian, Austronesian and African genes in the population.
In the past, there was also a small Tamil population known as the Giraavaru people. This group has now been almost completely absorbed into the larger Maldivian society but were once native to the island of Giraavaru (Kaafu Atoll). This island was evacuated in 1968 due to heavy erosion of the island.
Some social stratification exists on the islands. It is not rigid, since rank is based on varied factors, including occupation, wealth, Islamic virtue, and family ties. Instead of a complex caste system, there was merely a distinction between noble (bēfulhu) and common people in the Maldives. Members of the social elite are concentrated in Malé.
The population doubled by 1978, and the population growth rate peaked at 3.4% in 1985. At the 2006 census, the population had reached 298,968, although the census in 2000 showed that the population growth rate had declined to 1.9%. Life expectancy at birth stood at 46 years in 1978, and later rose to 72. Infant mortality has declined from 12.7% in 1977 to 1.2% today, and adult literacy reached 99%. Combined school enrolment reached the high 90s. The population was projected to have reached 317,280 in 2010.
The 2014 Population and Housing Census listed the total population in the Maldives as 437,535: 339,761 resident Maldivians and 97,774 resident foreigners, approximately 16% of the total population. However, it is believed that foreigners have been undercounted. , there were 281,000 expatriate workers, an estimated 63,000 of whom are undocumented in the Maldives: 3,506 Chinese, 5,029 Nepalese, 15,670 Sri Lankans, 28,840 Indians, and (the largest group of foreigners working in the country) 112,588 Bangladeshis. Other immigrants include Filipinos as well as various Western foreign workers.
After the long Buddhist period of Maldivian history, Muslim traders introduced Islam. Maldivians converted to Islam by the mid-12th century. The islands have had a long history of Sufic orders, as can be seen in the history of the country such as the building of tombs. They were used until as recently as the 1980s for seeking the help of buried saints. They can be seen next to some old mosques and are considered a part of the Maldives's cultural heritage.
Other aspects of tassawuf, such as ritualised dhikr ceremonies called Maulūdu (Mawlid)—the liturgy of which included recitations and certain supplications in a melodic tone—existed until very recent times. These Maulūdu festivals were held in ornate tents specially built for the occasion. At present Islam is the official religion of the entire population, as adherence to it is required for citizenship.
According to Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta, the person responsible for this conversion was a Sunni Muslim visitor named Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari, sailing from Morocco. He is also referred to as Tabrizugefaanu. His venerated tomb now stands on the grounds of Medhu Ziyaaraiy, across the street from the Friday Mosque, or Hukuru Miskiy, in Malé. Built in 1656, this is the country's oldest mosque.
The official and common language is Dhivehi, an Indo-Aryan language closely related to the Sinhala language of Sri Lanka. The first known script used to write Dhivehi is the eveyla akuru script, which is found in the historical recording of kings (raadhavalhi). Later a script called dhives akuru was used for a long period. The present-day script is called Thaana and is written from right to left. Thaana is said to have been introduced by the reign of Mohamed Thakurufaanu.
English is widely spoken by the locals of the Maldives: "Following the nation's opening to the outside world, the introduction of English as a medium of instruction at the secondary and tertiary levels of education, and its government's recognition of the opportunities offered through tourism, English has now firmly established itself in the country. As such, the Maldives are quite similar to the countries in the Gulf region .... The nation is undergoing vast societal change, and English is part of this."