Maldives is a small country situated on the south, southeast of India. Maldives is among the few South Asian countries that have highly developed tourism sector. The country consists of 1,192 islets, out of which two hundred are inhabited by people. This small country has many great tourist attractions. Tourism accounts for 20% of the country’s GDP. In 2000, 467,154 tourists came to Maldives. If you are craving for beautiful sandy beaches, great resorts, scuba diving in the blue sea waters, then Maldives is the right place for you.
Ten reasons for visiting Maldives:
v Maldives holds the record of the flattest country in the world. The ground level of the country is 2.3 meter.
v In Maldives, travelers do not need entry visa if they want to stay for four weeks. Those who come from countries that are heavily infested by Malaria and cholera need a vaccination certificate.
v The main attraction of Maldives is the sea. Maldives is basically a group of low-lying choral islands, situated in the Indian Ocean. If you love scuba diving then it is a heaven for you. Maldives can be referred as “a treasure tove of marine life.” Around the coral reefs, various fish and plant species are found. There are seventy different species of coral reefs. Each of these reefs has different colors. More than 700 species of fishes are found around these reefs, such as Trevally’s, Dogtooth Tuna, Tuna, Jacks, Sweetlips, Butterfly fish, Wahoo and Fusiliers. Octopus and giant Napoleon wrasse are also found here.
v Water sports is another big attraction for Maldives tourists. Various water sports, like windsurfing, catamaran sailing, para-sailing, banana-boating, water-skiing and beach volleyball are available in all the tourist resorts.
v The Resorts of Maldives have all the modern facilities. The most interesting feature of these resorts is that they are basically floating cottages over crystal clear sea water. Surrounded by picturesque sceneries, these resorts are situated in three different atolls (administrative division). All these three atolls lie very close to the capital of Malé'. The resorts differ in their service and facilities. However, all these resorts have arrangements for night-fishing trips, and scuba diving and superb snorkeling. The instruments have to be rented from the resorts. If you want to know more about the resorts, you can visit this link.
v The capital of Malé contains many important landmarks. Malé is the most populous and busiest of all the islands of Maldives. It is a clean, neatly organized small city. The main tourist attractions in Malé are: The National Museum, Sultan Park, White Islamic center, Presidential palace, Grand Friday Mosque, the biggest and most beautifully decorated mosque in Maldives. Among religious sites: ‘Muleeage,’ the tomb of religious saints deserves to be mentioned.
v Most of the tourist shops are situated in Malé. These shops contain locally produced handicrafts, clothes and various other products. For detail information you can visit parahol.com.
v Another major attraction for tourists in Maldives is the natural landscape. Each of the islands of Maldives has beautiful natural sceneries. The peaceful environment surrounded with greeneries and water can be a great medicine for the stressed mind.
v Maldives also have theaters with modern facilities showing Indian and American movies.
v Last but not the least; Maldives is sunny all round the year. So, if you want to enjoy the sun then visit Maldives..
One of the main problems for Western tourists is that Maldives does not have dance bars or pubs. There are good restaurants by sea side where one can enjoy a good meal. Nudity is not allowed since it is an Islamic country, but tourists can wear casual dresses.
Useful Links:
One reason not to visit the Maldives
Human Rights are restricted in the Maldives. The President wields a lot of power - including the right to appoint a portion of Parliament and all judges. The press is restricted and journalists have been convicted for their statements. The Government limits freedom of assembly and association. There are significant restrictions on the freedom of religion, and women face a variety of legal and social disadvantages. Some of these restrictions are linked to the Government's observance of Shari'a (Islamic law) and other Islamic customs. The Government also restricts worker rights.
From the 1998 US State Department Report on Human Rights
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