Discovering Paradise on Earth – Maldives Travel Guide
Breathtaking, picture-perfect, heaven on earth – there are endless ways to describe the Maldives’ dozens of lush islands, yet none do it credit. This breathtaking location has long been a favorite of jetsetters, celebrities, and vacationers from all over the world. It’s also a popular honeymoon location, with Bora Bora, Bali, and Venice. But do you know where the Maldives are located? Could you locate them on a map? Don’t be concerned if you can’t! Continue reading to discover out where the Maldives are, as well as other important information and Maldives resort recommendations that can come in helpful if you’re planning a trip to paradise.
Where are the Maldives located?
The Maldives, formally known as the Republic of Maldives, is made up of a chain of 26 atolls and over 1200 coral island sandbanks, only around 200 of which are inhabited – 110 of which are home to Maldives resorts. The government divides these atolls into 21 administrative divisions. The Maldives are located southwest of both Sri Lanka and India’s southern point. The Maldives cover an area of 297km2, making it a fairly dispersed country.
The Maldives are known for its low elevation of roughly 1.5 m above sea level, making it the world’s lowest country. The Maldives are located in both the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, with atolls stretching from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to Addu City in the south.
Distance Between the Maldives and Other Locations on Earth
Have you ever wondered how far it is from the Maldives to other popular destinations across the world? Here are some distances to think about:
Maldives to Kuala Lumpur – 3133km
Maldives to Mombasa – 3812km
Maldives to Paris – 5149km
Maldives to London – 5292km
Maldives to Perth – 6003km
Maldives to New York – 8725km
Maldives to Lisbon – 9085km
Maldive to Rio Di Janeiro – 12,835km
Maldives to Los Angeles – 15,692km
How to Get There
If you’re flying internationally, the only option is to fly to Male International Airport (MLE), which is located on the island of Hulhule. This island isn’t much of a vacation magnet because it lacks the calm desert island atmosphere that many other resort islands in the region do. If you need to stay here, we recommend the Hulhule Island Hotel (click the link to get the most recent rates). You will almost certainly need to take a seaplane or a boat to your resort. Your resort will inform you of the necessary connecting transportation, and many will even book it for you when you book online.
The closest resorts to the airport can be reached by boat. But if you have the opportunity or an option between flying or flying over water, we always recommend flying over water, as you will see some beautiful views and it’s all part of the holiday experience. Because of the ever-changing weather, there are no scheduled seaplanes; nonetheless, a variety of planes fly throughout the day, and you can even rent a private plane if your budget allows.
What Time of Year Is Best to Visit the Maldives?
There are two primary questions that frequently arise while arranging a trip to the Maldives: should I purchase an all-inclusive package and when is the best time to travel there? The beaches will always be lovely and the weather will always be pleasant, so any time of year is the greatest time to visit. The high season, which lasts from December to March, and the low season, which lasts from May to October, are the two main seasons. You should anticipate significantly more rain and maybe even stormy weather during the low season. However, this rain normally only lasts for a few hours before giving way to gorgeous weather for the remainder of the day. The average annual temperature ranges from 25 to 31 degrees Celsius.
Having said that, there are a few factors you should think about when determining when time of year to travel to the Maldives. If you truly adore clear sky and sunshine, aim to travel during the peak season to experience the greatest weather. You may need a greater budget to cover your trip, though, because the finest weather frequently coincides with the busiest crowds and the most expensive costs. A trip in the off-season makes sense if you enjoy calm beaches, are on a tight budget, or don’t mind a little afternoon rain. For your entertainment during the rainy season, all of the finest Maldives resorts have a variety of activities and events planned. Even swimming in the ocean while the heavens open or listening to the pitter patter of rain on your best roof water villa can be pretty cozy experiences.
Popular Activities
Most people visit Maldives resorts for pure passionate R&R, that is, to get away from their hectic life back home. Having said that, there are a variety of activities and excursions available to keep visitors of all ages entertained. You can go out on a boat and watch dolphins play, or you can go snorkeling in the magnificent marine-life-filled waters. If you prefer to stay on dry land, most Maldives resorts will offer a wide range of exercise classes, including yoga, tai chi, and meditation. And, of course, there’s always the spa to visit: One of the most peaceful things you can do on any island is have a relaxing massage while listening to the beautiful sounds of the ocean lapping. Some Maldives hotels host special activities such as traditional Maldivian dancing, art lessons, and so on, so check with the concierge to see what’s happening during your visit.
Many individuals choose to spend their time at their resort, but others wish to learn more about the local culture. Concierge will be able to arrange for a seaplane to take you to one of the larger islands, where a tour will show you through traditional Maldivian cities and villages. If you choose to do so, make sure you obey the local norms so that you don’t insult anyone or breach any taboos, as they can be considerably different from those in the West. We recommend trying some of the traditional cuisine, which is a delightful fusion of Asian favorites. Samosas, banana flower salad, and a fresh, boiling, and fragrant coconut curry are all must-orders.
Top Tips for Finding the Best Maldives Vacation Deals
The Maldives aren’t exactly known for being a cheap holiday destination, but excellent value bargains have been popping up over the years, and if you follow a few of these tips and methods, you can snag yourself some affordable Maldives accommodation and airfare.
The biggest one is to go during the off season when prices are significantly lower. Of course, the lower prices will come with a larger possibility of rain, but while you’re in a tropical wonderland, that won’t seem to be an issue. It goes without saying that you should aim to avoid major holidays, especially Christmas and New Year’s, because costs will skyrocket during these times.
You can also be flexible with your travel dates to find cheaper flight rates. Skyscanner has an excellent feature that allows you to look for tickets for an entire month, and if you have the luxury of flexibility, you can often swap them for cheap flights. Another flight advice is to look into connecting flights, especially if you’re flying from Europe or the United States. You can even use this as an excuse to stop in another gorgeous place like Dubai or Singapore and make your holiday a multi-stop journey.
If you like to save money, look into cashback sites that will refund you a portion of your Maldives resort or flight purchase that is generally given to advertisements. This is useful if you are buying your Maldives hotel and flights separately, as it is usually between 1% and 5% of the entire transaction value. While it may not appear to be much, it can rapidly mount up if you are traveling with the entire family. Make sure to use a reputable cashback site, such as TopCashback.
Half board and breakfast only are other choices to explore if all-inclusive isn’t your style. Check out this post for information on what you should know before booking an all-inclusive package holiday to the Maldives.
Best Deals
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