Capturing the Magic of the Maldives

Holiday resorts in the island chain that is the Maldives woo tourists with easy to believe promises of being 'the last paradise on earth'. If your idea of paradise is a pristine, tranquil tropical island with swaying palm trees, pure white beaches and brilliant turquoise lagoons, then the Maldives won't disappoint.

This distinct chain of islands is one of the earth's most spectacular natural beauty spots and for travellers an opportunity not to be missed.

The Maldives, a group of some 1190 coral islands is also a major destination for scuba divers and adventurerers.

They come to the Maldives for the fabulous submerged reefs and the wealth of fantastic marine life.

However the Maldives is not a place for low budget backpackers or amateur anthropologists who want to travel independently and live as the local islanders do. Find out how to get around in the Maldives .

When to Go
If you're looking for a few extra hours of sunshine then you should visit the Maldives between December and April, which is also the brilliant height of the dry season. However, this is also the main season for tourism - resorts can be fully booked and prices are higher than the rest of the year.

The Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive part of the high season, when many of the all-inclusive package tourists arrive from Europe and America. Between May and November it's still warm, but the skies can be cloudy, humidity is higher and rain squalls and tropical storms blow in on the southwest monsoon.

This is the official low season - prices are lower and there are fewer tourists but some resorts close for annual repairs. The transition months of November and April are said to be associated with increased water clarity and better visibility for divers.

Climate in the Maldives
While it's always hot and humid, the southwest monsoon period from May to November see the most rain, storms and the least sun. The other monsoon period is perhaps more friendly: the northeast monsoon or ruvai lasts from December to March, which are quite dry and slightly cooler months.

Daytime temperatures hit about 30°C (86°F) all year round and lows average in the low 20°Cs (low 70°Fs). Daytime sea breezes also help take the edge off but nights can be quite muggy.

Local Events in the Maldives
Most 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 noteworthy events 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 Prophet Mohammed.

Fixed holiday dates include: National Day (the day Mohammed Thakurufaan and his men overthrew the Portuguese on Malé in 1573, the first day of the third month of the lunar calendar); Victory Day (victory over Sri Lankan mercenaries who tried to overthrow the Maldivian government on 3 November 1988); and Republic Day (which commemorates the current republic, founded on 11 November 1968).

Tourism & Getting Around
Tourism is strictly regulated, and independent travel is discouraged because it is seen as disruptive to traditional island communities. Those wanting to see the Maldivian way of life can visit Malé, the intriguing capital city, and make daytime visits to island communities close to resort islands.

It's not impossible to visit the outer islands, but it's difficult enough to deter all but the most dedicated and determined.

An Inter Atoll Travel Permit is required to visit islands outside the tourist zone, and the Ministry of Atolls.

Administration will only issue them to those whose visit is sponsored by a resident of the island concerned. Even charities working in the country after the 2004 tsunami were unable to get around this rule.

Flying & Getting Around the Maldives
Air Maldives, the small national airline, has regular and very scenic flights to the four air strips in the outer atolls, while seaplane resort transfers are operated by Maldivian Air Taxi. Helicopters and seaplanes are used to transfer guests to some of the remoter resorts.

The main form of local transport is the dhoni , a traditional all-purpose vessel now usually powered by a diesel engine. Larger boats called vedis are used for longer trips to outer atolls. Safari cruises in modified, live-aboard dhonis are increasingly popular, especially with dive groups who want to reach more remote sites.

Most safari trips cruise around the tourist zone, but it is possible to arrange longer trips to the outer atolls - the operator will have to obtain the necessary permits. Most islands are so small that transport is not a problem, but there are taxis, motorcycles and bicycles in the capital.

You can find out more about the Maldives at Visitmaldives.com. For travel agents try Virginholidays.