Location

Maldives is a group of coral islands that stretch along the 73rd meridian between latitudes 0°42' south and 8°10' north. The shortest distance from the mainland of India is 350 km and from Sri Lanka 740 km. The islands lie in the northern Indian Ocean and the sea area is approximately 107,500 sq km. There are some 1,200 islands in the country, 202 of which are inhabited. The archipelago is 823 km long and 130 km at its greatest width. The islands are formed into 26 natural atolls but they are divided into 19 administrative regions, also known as "atolls."

Climate

Generally, the year is divided into two monsoon periods: the northeast monsoon or Iruvai lasts from December to March, which are the drier months; the southwest monsoon or Hulhangu lasts from April to November, which are wetter, with more storms and occasional strong winds. Daytime temperatures are about 28°C throughout the year. The humidity is slightly lower in the dry season but on most days, there is a cool sea breeze.

HISTORY

Since Maldives was strategically located along the ancient marine trade routes from the West to the East, it was inevitable that early explorers and traders found themselves stopping either willingly (for supplies) or unwillingly (as a result of shipwrecks on the many reefs), and their influence can be seen to this day. Their records serve as a useful guide to the history of these islands. Among these travelers were the Chinese historian, Ma Huan and the famous Arab traveler, Ibn Batuta.

Maldives became an important stop for Arab traders on the way to the Far East, and along with these traders came the influence of Islam. The legend of the conversion to Islam remains a matter of controversy. It is believed that a Moroccan traveler, Abu Barakaat Yusuf al-Barbary was responsible for this conversion, but another version credits Sheikh Yusuf Shamsuddin of Tabriz, a renowned scholar.

From very early times, these islands were famous for two products, the money cowrie (cyprea moneta) and Maldive fish. The cowrie was prized as a form of currency in many areas of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, and the Maldives was the mint of the region. Large quantities of the cowrie were exported all over the world, and traders would call over to collect shiploads in exchange for rice, spices and luxury items.

Pirates and other powerful invaders of the day often disturbed the tranquility of the islands. A Portuguese invasion resulted in their capture of the Maldives for a period of fifteen years after which they were overthrown by a mixture of early guerilla tactics and the difficulty of logistical support for the occupying forces. With the growth of British influence, the Maldives became a British protectorate—an odd arrangement where the British ensured the defense of the islands, yet were not involved in any way with the running of the country. The close relationships with the British ensured a period of peace and freedom from foreign interference. The Maldives became a fully independent nation on July 26, 1965, and a Republic on November 11, 1968.

Fairs & Festivals

Most Maldivian holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the dates vary from year to year. The most important religious event is Ramadan (known locally as rorda mas), the Islamic month of fasting. Other notable festivals are Kuda Id, the sighting of the new moon (celebrated at the end of Ramadan), and the Prophet's Birthday, which commemorates the birthday of the founder. The National Day is observed on the first day of the third month of the lunar calendar and marks the day Mohammed Thakurufaan and his men overthrew the Portuguese from Malé in 1573, while the Republic Day is celebrated on 11 November, commemorating the formation of the current Republic in 1968. The Victory Day marks the victory over Sri Lankan mercenaries who tried to overthrow the Maldivian government on 3 November 1988.

Cuisine

Fish and rice are the staple diet of Maldivians, with meat and chicken eaten only on special occasions. National dishes include fried fish, fish curry and fish soup. The spiny backed lobster is a delicacy. Areca nut is the equivalent of an after-dinner mint. Maldivians, being Muslims, are prohibited by law from consuming alcohol; hence, there is a strict restriction on the alcohol available in inhabited islands. Nevertheless, all tourist resorts and hotels, as well cruise ships and yachts have alcohol for consumption of guests. The local brew is raa, a sweet and delicious toddy, tapped from the palm trees. In fact, fish and coconuts are about the only products that do not have to be imported. Apart from coconuts, there are very few fruits and vegetables grown on the islands; so most of the food served at tourist resorts is imported.

SITES TO VISIT

Malé, the capital of the Maldives, is the commercial center, seat of government and the location of many important historical and religious landmarks. It was known as the Sultan's Island in the past. The Grand Friday Mosque, Masjid-al-Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaan-al-Azzam is the biggest mosque in the Maldives. It also includes the Islamic Center. This grand mosque with its dominant golden dome decorates the façade of Malé. It can accommodate over five thousand worshippers at a time. The old Friday Mosque, with its unique minaret and the tombs of national heroes and members of royalty resting in the quietness of its compound, gives the visitor a glimpse of the past. The art in the mosque and royal burial grounds are exclusive and priceless. Other important sites in Malé include the tombs of legendary saints, the Presidential Palace, the National Museum in the Sultan Park, which shows the glories of a different era, and the Singapore Bazaar. All these are within a ten-minute stroll.

A few locations worth visiting in the Maldives are Seenu or Addu Atoll, Fuamulaku, Kuahuvadhoo, and Baa Atoll.

HOW TO REACH

Almost all visitors to the Maldives arrive by air. Malé International Airport, situated in Hulhule Island, is just over a kilometer or about ten minutes by boat from Malé, the capital. There are regular flights to Colombo (Sri Lanka), Thiruvananthapuram (southwest India), Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), as well as many chartered flights from European centers.