Are you looking for a serene vacation post-lockdown? Wanting to go far away from the hustle-bustle and daily monotonous routine? Are you looking for adventure and new experiences? Look no more! We’ve brought you a series of travel destinations and all that you need to know before planning out your vacation.

Republic of Maldives, is an independent island country in North Central Indian Ocean.The tropical bliss, low-lying coral islands and warm waters of turquoise blue lagoon is a living paradise and indeed a sight to behold.Maldives is known for its luxurious markets and hotels.pretty much every resort owns a private land equipped with all the facilities, from personal butlers to in-room massages.Such magnificence is craved by honeymooners, who revel in the possibility of escaping to a romantic haven.

By now you must have delved into your imagination, daydreaming about the heavenly beauty of Maldives. You must be wondering about the legal procedures that you need to go through before making a visit? Worry not, we’ve got your back!

The Maldives government issues three different types of visas for foreign nationals visiting the country. These are the tourist visa, business visa and family/friend visit visa.Since you’re planning a tour, you need to go for tourist visa.The Maldives government issues a visa on arrival to nationals of all countries which is valid for a period of 30 days. Foreign tourists can get an extension of another 60 days on request on the tourist visa but the application for the same needs to be submitted at least 2 days before the tourist visa expires.

Documents that you require beforehand are as follows:-

The passport should not expire for at least 6 months from the date of the travel.
The visitor must have an air ticket to fly out of Maldives.
The visitor must have enough money for the duration of his or her stay in the country.
The visitor must have proof of his or her stay in the country.

Documents that you require after visa approval:-

A passport that does not expire for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
Two photographs of the applicant may be required.
Proof of accommodation in the country.
Air tickets to fly out of Maldives.

Without Flight

Enjoy great deals on land-only (flights not included) packages for Maldives with FREE Cancellation and Date Change!

South Palm Resort :-

It has a domestic flight transfer facility, hotels and various other activities.It costs 49,021 per person.

Meeru Island Resort:-

It offers speedboat transfer,snorkeling trips,hotels and other activities.This resort charges 39,745 per person.

Adaaran Hudhuranfushi:-

It offers you facilities like speedboat transfer, snorkeling trips,non-motorized water sports and sunset cruise, along with hotels and activities.It costs 44,042 per head.

Male City is the capital of Maldives.rich heritage, pristine beaches, bustling markets, narrow lanes, and opulent restaurants.It’s lush island canopy and picturesque scene is a sight to behold.If you're a food lover, then you're in for a treat as the city has some of the most lively cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a wide array of tasty cuisines. It also houses the Old Friday Mosque that is the oldest mosque in the city and is known for its splendid architecture.

This popular atoll comprises a myriad of well-known and beautiful islands including the Gan Island. Other places of tourist interest on Addu Atoll include Meedhoo Island, Hulhudhoo Island, Hithadhoo Island, Maradhoo Island, and Feydhoo Island.Addu Atoll is the southernmost atoll of Maldives.

It is one of the most beautiful islands in Maldives with iconic landscape and jaw-dropping beauty.When the sun goes down at Vaadhoo Island, the sea waves lapping the shore light up like a shimmering field of blue dots giving the sea the appearance of the starlit night sky.

If you’re planning to make a visit then the best time would be anytime from November to April. The island nation is warm and sunny year-round, but consists of a dry season and a wet, rainy season.Travelers experience the best weather in the Maldives between November and April, thanks to little precipitation and warm temperatures. Unfortunately, this is also the busiest time of year and, as such, the room rates at resorts are expensive. However, if you’re looking for cheap travel, March is the best time for you to visit.

Every country has its own unique cuisines and foods.Maldives is no exception in this context.The country possesses a rich variety of foods and cuisines.A blend of Indian and Srilankan flavour can be easily noticed in the traditional flavours of Maldives.Since Maldives is mostly sea, fish is the main staple food. Coconut is another major part of Maldivian food used in different forms like milk, oil or grated on top of dishes. The traditional Maldivian cuisine is known as the Dhivehi Cuisine that provides a smorgasbord of flavours.

The food in Maldives has a mild spiciness and a delicate sweetness and is prepared using techniques passed down from generations.Since most of the resorts own their private islands , you get a plethora of options to choose from.

If you plan on visiting Maldives then you must try this traditional dish, which is one of the basic foods of the locals and the country’s most common cuisine knitting the people together.Garudhiya is a fragrant fish soup that is usually cooked using fish, water and salt. It is served with lime, rice, chilli and onions.

WHERE TO GET

Iberry Café, Hulhumale (opens 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM); Jazz Café, Male (Opens 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM on Fridays and 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on rest of the days); Muraka, Mirihi Island Resort (Dinner 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM).

APPROXIMATE COST

It basically depends on the place, might cost you anything between MVR 50 - MVR 200.

This food is eaten in almost every part of the country and is a popular breakfast in Maldives.A prevalent food in Maldives, Mas Huni - shredded smoked Tuna is served with grated coconuts, lemon and onions is a must-try.It is eaten with chapati bread called Roshi.

WHERE TO GET

The Sea House Maldives, Boduthakurufaanu Magu (Opes 4:30 AM to 12:00 AM); Crystal Sands, Maafushi (Opens 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM); The west harbour area in Male, now known as Raaveribe Maizaan has many small restaurants on a line which serve Maldivian breakfast, just reach on breakfast time.

APPROXIMATE COST

It solely depends on the kind of place you’re visiting.It might cost you somewhere between MVR 50 - MVR 250

This is a stuffed chapati which consists of coconut and tuna, flavoured with curry leaves and other spices.The added flavour of curry leaves and spices adds richness to the food, giving it a nice aroma.

WHERE TO GET IT

Café Rio, Male (Opens 5:00 AM to 1:30 AM); Findhandi Restaurant, Komandoo (Opens 7:30 AM to 12:00 AM); Lonuveli Restaurant, Hulhumale (Opens 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM).

APPROXIMATE COST

It will cost you somewhere between MVR 5 - MVR 50.

Bees Keemiya is more like a fusion of Samosa and Spring Roll. Bis Keemiya is an interesting dish that makes for a good snack. It's a pastry filled with tuna/hard boiled egg, sliced onions and gently sautéed, shredded cabbage. The authenticity of the flavours makes it a must-try food of Maldives.

WHERE TO GET IT

Eat Bis Keemiya in the street cafes of Male and Hulhumale, usually open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

APPROXIMATE COST

It costs you around MVR 5 to MVR 10.

Yams are one of the few crops that is found in the magnificent island nation.Fried Yams are a must try this popular snack if you ever visit Maldives.Crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside, the snack is served with sauces that make the experience worth all the pennies you spend.

WHERE TO GET IT

Cafes in Raaveribe Maizaan, the west harbour area in Male, usually open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

APPROXIMATE COST

It will cost you somewhere in between MVR 10 - MVR 35.

If you’re looking for a list of some nice resorts for your stay, then worry no more. We got you sorted.We’ve prepared you a list of resorts that you must take into consideration while planning out your trip to Maldives.

Not just another five star resort in the Maldives, at Milaidhoo, they like to do things differently: it’s called reinvented luxury. They don’t think of their guests as holidaymakers but as story writers, crafting their dream holiday, and this is where your story of a small island begins. Opened in November 2016, Milaidhoo is a boutique luxury resort in the Baa Atoll UNESCO biosphere reserve, close to Hanifaru Bay, 126km northwest of Male. We’re perfect for nature lovers as our own coral reef, which encircles the island, is a protected area and noted as an outstanding snorkelling and diving site in its own right. This tiny beautiful island, abundant with tropical greenery, measures just 300m by 180m and is fringed by soft deep white sand beaches.

Long sandy beaches facing onto perfect sunsets, a sprawling gazebo, and a vaulted living area make the ideal home for your most meaningful occasions, while quiet spaces abound for your own private moments.Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, this secluded one-bedroom beach front villa allows for an absolute solitude experience.

It is a gorgeous private island luxury resort near the airport.It has a rustic sophistication and a laid-back,romantic atmosphere.Its normous overwater villas have spacious decks, freestanding tubs and beachfront infinity pool and gorgeous stretch of sand lined with loungers.

Gili Lankanfushi is widely considered to be the top resort in the Maldives, and for good reason. This stunning, 45-villa, eco-friendly resort just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the airport succeeds in delivering truly unpretentious, relaxed luxury. Bare feet are encouraged (shoes are removed as soon as guests get on the boat from the airport), and each guest is taken care of by a personal butler with the title Mr. Friday. The spacious, charmingly simple overwater bungalows are made of several types of wood, and have outdoor (and rooftop) decks with views that might induce tears of joy. Also standard are freestanding tubs, Nespresso machines, Bose sound systems, and free Wi-Fi. On land, the beautiful island with 683 palm trees offers a beachfront swimming pool, small spa, a range of activities such as yoga, and well-regarded restaurants and bars.

Mirihi Island Resort is a small and precious gem of white sands and fringed palms swaying in the gentle breeze. Surrounded by the endless azure of the Indian Ocean, eco-friendly Mirihi is one of the smallest resorts in Maldives, allowing guests to enjoy the special feeling of being on their own private island.

With no motorized water sports, no discos or nightlife disturbing you with loud music and noise, a haven of serenity and tranquility.

Soneva Fushi is one of the top luxury resorts in the Maldives, and the lush jungle interior and charming Robinson Crusoe-style decor make the private island feel like a camp for wealthy castaways. Beautiful beachfront villas and overwater bungalows feature butler service, outdoor bathrooms, upscale amenities, and perks such as slides to the sea and/or private pools. The spa is a highlight here, as are the observatory, the outdoor movie theater with free screenings, and the top-notch diving and snorkeling. Rooms and food are among the priciest in the Maldives, but an all-inclusive package covering local alcohol is available. Guests should be prepared to bicycle barefoot through the wilderness and get a little dirty.

Thousands of people visit this Indian Ocean paradise each year, but safety should always be your number one priority. The relaxed atmosphere does tend to lull some visitors into forgetting their common sense. Here are a few things to keep in mind for your holiday in the Maldives.

ISLAM IN MALDIVES

The Maldives is an Islamic country, and if you've never traveled to a Muslim country, you may be unaware of local laws and etiquette. It's a bit more than simply respecting customs like you would in Buddhist countries – in many Islamic countries, not observing certain rules can carry a fine or prison time.You must not carry any weapon, ammunition or drugs.In addition to this, importation of any religious materials, books or idols of worship is strictly prohibited.You must dress modestly if you’re outside the resort, among the Maldivians.Alcohol is generally prohibited under Islamic law, and in the Maldives it is only allowed on the resort premises and really should not be taken off a resort island.

Islamic law encourages modesty of dress so, nude or topless sunbaking is prohibited everywhere in the Maldives including on resort islands. Bikinis are perfectly fine in the resort areas.

CIVIL UNREST IN MALDIVES

It is true that there was a terrorist bombing in 2007 that injured twelve foreign tourists, but it's considered an isolated incident. While there was also great damage from the 2004 tsunami, recovery and rehabilitation has come a long way.

Since then there has been a smattering of civil unrest incidents largely isolated to the capital, Malé, after the arrest of the Maldivian President in February 2015.If you find yourself in Malé and a public demonstration breaks out, stay well clear and listen to media reports for more information.

ISLAND HOPPING SAFETY TIPS

Tourists are discouraged to speak or befriend general public of Maldives due to the strict laws of Islam.They prohibit tourists from visiting islands where general public resides, in order to avoid Maldivians getting influenced from the western culture.

TRANSPORT SAFETY IN MALDIVES

Travel to and from the different islands is by either boat or seaplane. Safety standards are often different from what you may expect back home. Most of the boats and planes are in fairly good condition, but some of them are, unless you're a licensed marine or aviation engineer and have brought your coveralls and a flashlight, you'll have to use 'gut feeling'. If it looks leaky or in disrepair, it probably is.

KEEP YOUR BELONGINGS SAFE

Crime rates are low but theft of belongings left unattended either on the beach or in hotel rooms does happen. It will probably come as a shock to you, but thieves have worked out the trick of ‘hiding' your money under your towel or in your smelly sandshoe. Use the safe deposit boxes back at the resort.
Since we are in the middle of a pandemic you need to know the covid-19 norms and protocols and take care of it while you visit the country.

• Resorts, hotels and liveaboards located in uninhabited islands are to resume operations on 15th July 2020
• Hotels and guest houses located in inhabited islands are to resume operations on 1st August 2020
  96hrs prior to departure from India 48 hrs prior to departure from Maldives RT PCR test varies from resort to resort
• Child under age of 1 no test needed.
• All tourists must have a confirmed hotel reservation for their entire stay in one hotel (no change of address allowed). Proof will need to be submitted at immigration.
• Passengers must complete and submit a Traveller Health Declaration 24 hours before arrival at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/
• It is advisable to download the Maldives contact tracing app ‘TraceEkee’ before travelling to Maldives.
• It is mandatory to wear a face mask while in public.
• Tourists can stay in multiple resorts except for the guesthouses and hotels in local islands (current restrictions for the Southeast Asia Market)