PARADISE ON EARTH
The Republic of Maldives is an archipelagic state in the Indian Ocean, about 750 km (466 miles) southwest of Sri Lanka and India. The nearly 2,000 islands are grouped together into a double chain of 26 atolls, including the Dhaalu Atoll, where you’ll find the island of Maagau and Baglioni Maldives.
ABOUT THE MALDIVES
Quick Facts:
- Only 200 islands in the Maldives are inhabited.
- Culture The Maldivian people are descendants of settlers from the Indian subcontinent, who arrived in several waves over thousands of years.
- The Maldives is home to 5% of the world’s coral reefs and thousands of species of fish and marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, and several species of dolphins
- Capital Malé
- Religion: Islam
- Language: Dhivehi (Indo-Aryan language related to ancient Sanskrit)
- Currency: Rufiyaa (Rf)
- Climate: The Maldives is characterized by a warm and humid tropical monsoon climate year round. There are 2 monsoon seasons: “wet season” (mid-May - November), and “dry season” (January - March). December and April are transitional months.
TOP THINGS TO DO
TYPICAL MALDIVIAN DISHES
Garudhiya
A fragrant fish soup made with chunks of yellowfin tuna or skipjack, and flavored with ginger, garlic, black pepper, lemon juice and chili, all topped with grated coconut.
Kukulhu Riha
A delicious, spicy curry made with braised chicken in a coconut-based sauce, spiced with cardamom and fiery scotch bonnets.
Handulu Bondibai
A Maldivian rice pudding flavored with rose water, coconut, cinnamon, and pandan leaves, usually served as a dessert.