The Maldives is comprised of 26 gorgeous tropical atolls in the Indian Ocean, which allow
visa-free travel for Indians. The official language is Dhivehi, but English is also spoken across the country and the currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, and the only religion is Islam, with all other forms of worship being illegal in the country. Maldivian culture is a mix of the traditional as well as being influenced by Arab, Indian, North African and Sri Lankan culture and Shari’ah law influences the legal system. The Maldives have a rich tradition of folk tales about sea demons and spirits as well as music and dance such as the famous “Bodu Beru” where dancer wear colourful sarongs and dance to the pounding sound of drumbeats. The country is famous for its live coral reefs, which are a home to over 1100 types of fish, such as Eels, Oriental Sweetlips, Angelfish, Unicornfish, Lionfish, Batfish, Pufferfish and Glassfish, 21 species of dolphins and wales and 5 types of sea turtle, as well as shrimp and crab, making this a diver and fisherman’s paradise.
Tourism and fishing are the two main economies in the Maldives, with tourists to the Maldives having no need for a visa, just a passport, a return ticket and enough money to be able to support yourself on holiday. The airport is at Malé International Airport, on Hulhulé Island, next to the capital Malé and is served by
flights from India and South-East Asia; there is also a smaller airport at Gan, on the Addu atoll.
Most resorts are on islands devoted to tourism and feature nightclubs, including an underwater nightclub and parties and barbecues on the beach as well as a fabulous selection of restaurants. Alcohol is forbidden in the inhabited islands, so if you want wine with your dinner, then you have to stay on a resort island. The Maldives is very popular for beach weddings and for honeymooners, due to the romantic setting and offers a diverse range of activities for holidaymakers from India and beyond.