Travel Guide to Maldives from India

Indian Embassy in the Maldives

Indian High Commission

H. Athireege Aage, Ameer Ahmed Magu, Malé 20125, Maldives

Contact Number: +960 332-3015

Visa Process for Indian Visitors to the Maldives

The following documents are required to get a visa to the Maldives

• Original Passports with 6 Months Validity from date of travel
• Appropriately signed and completed Form
• 1 latest passport sized colored photograph (35mm in width and 44 mm in length)
• Confirmed hotel reservation
• Valid tickets return tickets or for onward destination
• Photo copies of important documents such as bank statements

About the Maldives

The Maldives is a South Asian island country, located in the Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India. The Maldives is one of the world's most geographically dispersed countries, as well as the smallest Asian country by both land area and population. Male is the capital and most populated city of Maldives; it is traditionally called the "King's Island" for its central location. The Maldives is blessed with incredible beauty and splendour of nature. With 1200 islands and 26 atolls, this island country holds a great enticement for tourists across the globe for its exotic islands, clear blue seas, magnificent beaches, and a variety of water sports. Though not exhaustive, the following are the major places to visit in the Maldives:

• Male: It is the largest city, and the major attractions are- The Grand Friday Mosque, Scuba diving and snorkelling, Male Fish Market, Male’s National Museum, Tsunami Monument, Dive Club Maldives, and Underwater Scooters.
• Sun Island: Also, famous as the Sun Island, Nalaguraidhoo Island in South Ari Atoll has stunning beaches, beautiful tropical flowers, and lavish greenery that pulls a great number of tourists wanting to bask in the lap of nature.
• SUN SIYAM OLHUVELI : From stepping off your flight, this expansive island of Olhuveli is just a 45 minute speedboat ride away. With no need for a seaplane, jump straight into exploring our three islands, or simply sink into blissful relaxation. This time together is all yours.
• Banana Reef: Located in North Male Atoll, Banana Reef is globally renowned for being one of the best diving sites in the world and famous places in the Maldives.
• Alimatha Island: Alimatha Island is in Vaavu Atoll. With its azure, crystal clear waters — apt for diving, snorkelling and boating, the island is a perfect spot for a family vacation and honeymoon.
• Artificial Beach: The carnival beach: Situated in North Male Atoll, this beach is the favourite haunt of the swimming enthusiasts and among the top tourist places in the Maldives. The Artificial Beach is an open area and has certain restrictions on clothing as per the local law.
• Utheemu Ganduvaru: Located in the Northern part of the Maldives, Utheemu is a small island and one of the historically significant tourist places in the Maldives.
• Biyadhoo Island: Another popular island among the best places to visit in the Maldives, is the Biyadhoo Island, stationed in South Male Atoll it is called “the Scuba-diving Island”.
• Veligandu Island Beach: Located in North Ari Atoll, Veligandu Island is a reasonably small island with astonishing greenery.

How to Reach Maldives from India

Male International Airport (MLE) is the primary airport, which connects the Maldives to all major countries in South-East Asia including India, China and Sri Lanka. It is connected well to the major hubs in India including Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Delhi. Importing alcohol, pork or pornography (very broadly defined) into the Maldives is forbidden, and luggage is scanned on arrival.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal weather is between November and April. The high season falls between December and March. The monsoon prevails from May to October, peaking around June. It is worth paying higher prices and sticking to the dry season as there is nothing to do on a rainy day except drink, work out or scuba dive.

What to Pack?

If you are planning to visit the Maldives, please carry sunscreen lotions, beachwear and sunglasses. When packing for your Maldives holiday, fill your suitcase with loose dresses that you can throw on over your bikini or beach wear. Women can carry kaftans. Also, do not forget to pack essential medicines and oral hydration packs. Since it is a Muslim country, there are a few essential and strictly enforced rules regarding dressing and other things. Women are barred from wearing bathing suits or revealing clothing (i.e. nothing revealing the elbows, shoulders, or knees), but many rules do not apply on resort islands.

Top Delicacies

If you are in the Maldives, do not forget to taste the local dishes. The use of coconut in Maldivian recipes is significant. Fish is cooked in several ways including boiled, smoked, sun-dried or processed. Processed tuna, or Maldive fish, is produced in the Maldives and is a staple of Maldivian cuisine. Pork and alcohol are banned except for the resort islands. The most popular Maldivian breakfast is Mashuni. It is a smoked tuna dish with coconut. You can also try the popular breadfruit curry Banbukeylu Harisa.