10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Maldives
The Maldives is the dream holiday destination. With soft sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and year-round summer, this archipelago is paradise. While you may have heard of or seen pictures of the Maldives, the country, in general, can be quite elusive.
If you’re planning a trip to these paradise isles, or just because, here are 10 things you didn’t know about the Maldives.
1. There are Over 1,190 Islands
Located in the sapphire Indian Ocean, off the southwest coast of India and Sri Lanka, the Maldives is made up of over a whopping 1,190 islands! Spread out across 26 atolls (collection of islands), these islands range in size but only 200 are inhabited!
2. The Islands Were Once a Series of Active Volcanoes
The Maldivian atolls were once prehistoric ocean volcanoes. As the ocean floor subsided and the volcanoes went extinct, coral reefs began to flourish and formed the ringed reef around the islands, which the country is famous for. Also, these volcanoes were rich in minerals, so the country still has thriving coral reefs even today.
3. It’s a Relatively New Holiday Destination
Although today the Maldives is undoubtedly one of the most visited countries in the world, it hasn’t been a tourist destination for too long. Today, the country hosts several established hotels like the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, but it was only in the 1970s that the first resorts opened up. Before that, it was a tropical destination that was off the beaten path but today it is the epitome of luxury.
4. It is the Lowest Nation in the World
If we were to describe the Maldives, it would be the complete opposite of Nepal with its large mountains and snowy peaks. This string of islands is the lowest-lying country in the world! On average the islands are about seven feet above sea level and its highest point is a mere eight feet above sea level!
5. You Can Swim with the World’s Biggest Fish
The Maldives is a world-renowned snorkelling and diving destination, and its vibrant coral reefs are certainly beautiful. However, while you’re visiting the islands be sure you participate in this once in a lifetime experience of swimming with whale sharks – the world’s largest fish!
6. The Islands Have a Long History
It is believed that the Maldives has been inhabited for over 3,000 years! Although records of pre-Islamic history in the Maldives are scarce, some artefacts have been found which suggest that the islands were inhabited as far back as 1500 BCE. It is also said that Arab traders travelling along the spice route would break their rest here.
7. There are Two Time Zones
Unofficially, there are two time zones in the Maldives – Malé Time which is (GMT+5) and Island Time which is 30 minutes behind the regular time. Being a tourist destination, most resort islands have adopted daylight saving time to ensure guests enjoy as much time in the sun.
8. Malé is One of the Most Densely Populated Cities in the World
Did you know that Malé is the 20th most densely populated city in the world? It is almost unimaginable, but this island, a mere 0.75 sq mi, has approximately 133,412! Be sure to visit this metropolitan city during your stay on one of the islands.
9. The Best Time to Visit is from November – April
Even though the Maldives is a tropical country and it does not experience four proper seasons, it does experience monsoon rains. For the most part, the country is a year-round holiday destination, however, when you visit between November and April, you will miss the worst of the monsoon season, ensuring a warm and sunny holiday.
10. The Maldives Has Redefined Luxury
One of the Maldives’ greatest successes is how it has redefined luxury over the years and became masters of ‘barefoot luxury’. Resorts like Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives have perfected the art of tropical minimalism and you can indulge in all the creature comforts of modern living while being surrounded by nature.