Back to Home page   Maldives Weddings   Maldives Honeymoon resorts   Maldives Info and Tours   Maldives Specials   Contact Us

Indian Ocean Islands - Maldives

Sun, sand and sea, a thousand ‘Robinson Crusoe’ islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical wedding, honeymoon or holiday  destination. However there is more to the Maldives than just that.

Male’ would certainly count as one of the smallest capitals in the world in terms of its physical size. A third of the country’s population, about 75,000 live in Male’. Different from any other island in the country, Male’ is a city of high-rise buildings and paved roads. While the government offices are located in one area, the main streets are lined with shops and offices. In the old bazaar area which still houses the country’s hub of wholesale and retail trade, the lanes are so narrow that a single vehicle would find it difficult to navigate through, especially with its throngs of busy people.

There are no beaches on Male’; instead seawalls surround all its sides. However, a newly landscaped artificial beach area and adjoining breakwater stretching all the way round to the harbour in the southwest of the island provide a pleasant jogging route, especially popular in the evenings when it is cooler. Male’ is still relatively green and pleasant. The streets in the residential areas are shaded with trees, at places forming an arch overhead. A fair number of main streets are lined with big trees providing shade on both sides. Even a stroll around it would offer interesting sites and shots for the memories; the fish market and the local market at the northern waterfront, the new harbour in the south-west corner and the 400-year old Friday Mosque, to name a few. A stroll around the residential areas or shopping streets would provide an insight into the life and livelihood of the residents of the capital. Or simply sit down and relax at one of the small parks dotted around the capital and just observe the pace of life.

You may be surprised at the large number of motorized vehicles in Male’. If you prefer, you could make a tour of the capital by taxi. Many taxi centers operate a number of comfortable, well-maintained taxis. The maximum rates that can be charged are set by the government; the basic fare for a single journey for four persons or less, from one point to another is MRf.15.00, luggage carried in the trunk is charged at the rate of MRf.5.00 per item, the basic charge increases to MRf.20.00, from 12.00 midnight to 06.00 in the morning and charters cost MRf.85.00 per hour.

Maldives is a very popular destination so it is highly important to book at least 8 months to a year in advance in order to avoid disappointment. 

Maldives can be visited throughout the year as the sun shines all the time.  There are no health requirements. Although Dhivehi is the language, English is widely spoken.  The Rufiyaa and Laaree are the currency for the Maldives.  Maldives is GMT +5 hours.

Hospitality has been an inherent part of Maldivian culture and a part of island life. It has always been a land where visitors are welcomed with open arms, where people are ready to share.

An awesome destination for couples wanting a really different wedding, honeymoon or getaway.