TRAVEL TO EXOTIC COUNTRIES

MALDIVES

GEOGRAPHY AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Maldives - a necklace of 26 atolls and 1,190 islands of paradise, scattered in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and bordered with gold 664 kilometer coastline. Each of the 90 islands hotels - natural wonder, turned into an unparalleled resort without losing the freshness and purity. Nice, cozy and almost uninhabited places exotic and surprising romantic bungalows, it knows no time pressure and bustle of the city, only a light breeze and the rustle of palm leaves, play bird trills and serene happiness in harmony with the world.

Intoxicating cocktail of clear air and breath of the sea breeze, the fragrance of tropical flowers and soft snow-white satin sand, whispering and caressing waves of the ocean depths and jewelry waiting for you! Here you will not only perfectly rest and gain strength, but also bring with hundreds of pictures of exotic inhabitants of the underwater kingdom, original gifts, and most importantly - carefree and high spirits!

The capital of the Maldives - Male, 70 000 are inhabited. Since 1978, the head of the president of the republic is Mom Abdul Gayoom. The total area of ​​the state - 300 square meters. km where 359,000 people live together. In addition to tourism, the country has developed fishing industry annually is resting over 200,000 travelers. National symbols: coconut - the main wealth of the country, as well as between the crescent and the star crossed flags, a reminder of the state belonging to Islam. Green and red flag Maldivian express their desire for success and victory, and the ancient name of the republic - Dawlat Al-ul-Mahaldibiyya translated simply - "the state Maldives."

LANGUAGE

The national language is of Indo-Iranian system and is called Dhivehi, outside the tourist zone to communicate with the local people in English is very difficult. Of the more than a thousand islands inhabited only 201, of which only 83 are open hotels for tourists. Fly to these paradises can be from Asia, Middle Eastern countries and South Africa, the international airport located on the island of Maldives Hulule (Hulhule), while traveling between hotels will have a boat or a traditional dhoni boats. Local time in relation to Moscow: +1 hour in summer and two hours in the winter. National currency of the Republic of Maldives - Rufiyaa, but service payment in dollars (1 USD = 13 Rufiyaa), euro or by credit card.

VISA

Visa and freedom of movement

Tourist visa stamped in their passport in Maldivian airport and is valid for 30 days. If desired, it can be extended by more than three months, but that requires a solid reason, a return ticket, photography, documentary evidence that you have a place to live, as well as money - about $ 50 per day plus $ 100 to pay for services.

CUSTOMS

Without the payment of fees allowed to import 200 cigarettes and 125 mL vial of perfume. The import of alcohol and psychotropic drugs, pornography and anti-Islamic literature, military paraphernalia, animals and pork products, firearms and explosives. Also banned the export of corals and shells of turtles - a very thorough inspection and for breaking the law can end up in prison for life. Gathering at the airport on departure from the Republic of Maldives - 10 $ c Rights.

CLIMATE

In the Maldives, a wonderful tropical and humid climate with no abrupt changes. Temperature - 28 - 30'S heat, annual rainfall of about 1900 mm. There is almost always a warm and sunny weather, and the sea breeze makes it comfortable to stand the heat. Devastating cyclones pass by a scattering of paradise islands, although severe storms in 1812 and 1955 and the tsunami in 1964 and 1987 brought a lot of trouble Maldivians, but natural disasters are extremely rare.

The average monthly temperature

Directions monsoon replace the two seasons - wet and dry. Winter winds blow from December to March, and to the islands comes the dry season, after the December weather the sky is clear and gives resorts solar heat from 6 am to 18 pm. Perhaps this is the most enjoyable and relaxing time off when nature provides a wonderful conditions and weather days. From April to October Maldivian necklace blowing southwest monsoon "hulangu", bringing warm sunny. However, the scorching tropical sun for a few minutes dries satin sand coast, so swim and sunbathe here at any season.

The table shows the graphs of temperature and rainfall in the state capital - Male, as well as in the most southern region of the country - the atoll Gan, which is located on the equator. Data provided by resource Weatherbase.com.

KITCHEN

Basic ingredients Maldivian cuisine - rice and gifts the Indian Ocean, but here are prepared in a special way: freshly caught fish are in no hurry to the kitchen, and the pre-dried in the sun until it hardens. Prepared dishes spiced spicy curried, allspice and Coconut - dishes derived incredibly fragrant and delicious!

Maldives full of a variety of restaurants - in addition to traditional, there are many countries and cuisine for all tastes - from Japanese and Chinese to European and Italian. Chefs from Sri Lanka - real magicians! The best of them worked with the King of Jordan! The meals at the resorts and exquisite combine both modern culinary trends and ancient national recipes. The most delicious and popular fish - Mediterranean tuna, local treats good chicken with rice and vegetables, generously flavored with spices. Rare delicacies are served in the ti-shops, such as pink and orange milk, sweet toddy 'Paa' and natives favorite coffee powder. However, be careful with tasting exotic delicacies and watch health.

Maldives rich tropical fruits and plants - mango, papaya, bananas and breadfruit, but King cuisine - coconut. Use it in any way, extracting the pulp of unripe kurumby, palm juice and milk by producing oil, honey and a variety of sweets and chips flavored fish dishes. And finally, the most important thing - all variations of dishes made from coconut and local fish magically effect on a man's strength, transforming ordinary lovers in sexual pleasure guru. After the Maldivian diet can safely start a harem, and all the women will be satisfied!

WHAT TO SEE

More than half of the Maldives uninhabitable. So this is a wonderful heavenly place is unique on the planet. Year-round mild reigns summer, when the water temperature does not drop below 24 C, and the temperature - below 25 C. Here the surrounding nature is full of unforgettable colors: white sand, blue skies, crystal clear waters of various shades of blue and green. The only town that is the full extent of the city - is Male, the capital of Maldives.

Maldives - a coral island, so it is tempting to bring home a piece of this paradise - a piece of coral. But those who are going to the Maldives, the tour operator is always explains that such an act is punishable in this state. Authorities jealously guard the island ecosystem, not allowing her to pull apart "as souvenirs." But this does not mean that the memory you do not take with the Maldives. Just go to the local market: you can always find crafts made of shells, stones and corals ever (after some of these sea creatures are allowed to collect souvenirs.)

The unusual island vacation begins in the first place, with local entertainment. There is a pervasive so much fun, like a crab race. The principle is the same as that of the cockroach, dog, only with marine characteristics. Spectators are, running around, screaming, rooting for the selected crab. Even the rates do! Sight, I must say, amusing.

Another characteristic of the islands - is that all hotels are made in the traditional style. That is where you will find multi-storey houses or boxes of glass and concrete. Here in hotels built cottages, bungalows and huts. But do not rush to conclusions that this holiday will be deprived of comfort. The huts are equipped with the latest technology. Some bungalows are on stilts right over the water, such as a five-star hotel in Cocoa Island.

Of course, the islands are especially attracted visitors for its beaches. Thus, for example, in Mauritius, they stretch for 300 km. But the study of some of the mysteries of the island land will be interested.

In Mauritius, is covered with vegetation and extinct volcano crater Trou aux cerfts. Its depth is 85 m on the island and there are unique natural park Le Val Nature Park, where in the natural aquatic environment live eels, shrimp, a variety of freshwater fish. It is located in the south-east of the island, and its banks are found monkeys and deer, many birds and greenhouse plants.

Second such as Mauritius, the island simply to find! Here, between the cities of Bambous and Tamarin is Casela Bird Garden in Black River. It housed about 140 different species of birds from all over the world. Many tourists come to this garden bird to "hunt." Of course, nothing bloodthirsty there can not be. And here come photographers. Many sit here for hours to capture the main attraction of the park - a pink pigeon. And here lives the ancient giant turtle which age 150 years.