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Maldives
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Location |
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The Maldives consists of 1190 islands grouped into 26 natural atolls scattered over
an area of 90,000 sp. km. crossing the equator between latitudes 7° 6” north and
0° 42” south and longitudes 72° 32” and 73degrees 46” East. Located in the structure
of Laccadives Chagos Ridge which stretches over 2000 kilometers? All Islands are
low lying with the highest point approximately over two meters above sea level.
Ringed shape coral reef surrounding the 1190 island act as a natural defensive barriers
against wind and waves for these fragile islands.
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Weather and Climate |
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The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round and a great
deal of sunshine. The warm tropical climate results in relatively minor variations
in daily temperature throughout the year. The weather is determined largely by the
monsoons; the southwest monsoon from May to November and the northeast monsoon from
December to April.
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The hottest month on average is April and March and the coolest December.
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Annual Rainfall:
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2473mm
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Average Daily Sunshine:
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8hr
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Maximum Temperature:
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32° C
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Minimum Temperature:
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24° C
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Humidity
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81%
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Light, cotton and linen wear is ideal. Pack lots of tee shirts, beachwear, and wraparound
skirts, the items will be available from all souvenir shops in all resorts and in
capital. Most parts of the resorts are not paved; sandals are easy to walk. Some
essential items include swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat or a cap.
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When Traveling to Maldives |
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Although geographically isolated the Maldives is easily accessible by air from anywhere
in Southeast, Asia Middle East and Europe. Colombo is an hour’s journey away by
air, from Singapore and Dubai it takes about four hours and from Europe it takes
nine to eleven hours to reach Male.’
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Air Port |
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Male’ International Airport is on a single island about 10 minutes boat drive from
the Capital of Maldives. The airport complex houses terminals for arrivals and departures
shops and duty free shops. The Island also houses an airport hotel.
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Tourists are issued a 30 day tourist visa on arrival. A valid travel document is
necessary. Visa extensions are granted by the Department of Immigration and Emigration
in Male’.
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The import of firearms, pornography and idols of warship are prohibited. Dogs, pigs
and portk products are also prohibited for import by tourists. Alcohol imported
under a special license is available in all the resorts. If you bring in alcohol
to the country it will be confiscated by the customs staff and will be returned
when you depart from the country.
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An International certificate of inoculation against yellow fever and cholera is
required by visitors arriving from infected countries.
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Snorkeling |
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You do not require a license for snorkeling, but it is advisable to always snorkel
always with somebody as a buddy. All reefs are home of a variety of colourful fish
and coral life. You will be able to see turtles, napoleon, eagle rays and even sharks.
Most common sharks found in the Maldives are white tip reef shark. There is no known
history of shark attacks in the Maldives. While snorkeling you must make precautions
not to step on the corals, this has not only cut your self but also damages the
delicate corals which take a long time for them to grow.
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