Explore legends of the Maldives
The Maldivian history goes back to some amazing legends. Many Maldivians recount the tale of Rannamaari, which talks of a sea monster, demanding a sacrifice every month, finally being defeated by Abdul Barakaath – Ul Barbary, a Moroccan adventurer. You can visit his tomb in Male, in the Hukuru Mosque precinct, which is also the most ancient mosque in the Maldives.
Another legend surrounds Bodu Thakurufaanu and how he saved the Maldives from Portuguese invaders. His palace is still preserved in Utheemu island of Haa Alif Atoll.
These and such other stories indicate to a glorious history of the Maldives, a country that has come into contact with numerous countries and civilizations and has yet kept its identity intact.
Visit ancient historical sites
The first people to settle into the Maldives are believed to have come from the Indian subcontinent some 3000 years ago. These were known as Redin and worshipped the sun. Later, Buddhism is believed to have entered the Maldives. Many mounds, known locally as hawittas, are considered to be remnants of Buddhist stupas. If you are interest in exploring this part of Maldivian history, you must visit Kudahuvadhoo Island in South Nilandhoo Atoll, which is famous for its hawittas.
Although no records of the Maldives’ ancient history are found, many believe that Periplus Maris Erythraei, the ancient Roman manual for navigators (1st Century AD) has a mention of the Maldives. The second century AD historian Ptolemy has also documented the island nation.
Learn about the history at the Museum
The first known historical event of the Maldives is the nation’s conversion to Islam in 1153 AD, when the king converted to the new religion and took the name of Muhammad al Adil and the title of Sultan.
The Portuguese invaded the Maldives in 1558. However, their rule lasted only till 1573, when Mohamed Thakurufaanu defeated them, killed the Sultan and became the country’s new ruler. He is revered as a great warrior and ruler.
The only other time that the Maldives went under foreign rule was 1752, when the Malabars invaded and ruled it for three months.
In 1887, the Maldives became a British protectorate while retaining self-government. The country became a republic in 1953, and Mohamed Ameen became its president. However, the Sultans came back to power soon. After some internal turmoil, Ibrahim Nasir became the president of a new republic (1968) and the glorious era of Maldivian history began. The first island resort, Kurumba Maldives, opened in 1972.
Nasir was succeeded by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (1978), who continued a long innings until the country’s first elections (2008) saw him losing power to a coalition opposition. The current president, Mohammed Waheed Hassan Manik, assumed office in Feb 2012.
The National Museum, located in the Sultan’s Park in Male is the place to be if you are keen to discover more about the history of the Maldives.
Lying in two rows of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, The Maldives is a country consisting of 1,190 coral islands and thus one of the most popular destinations for a romantic and exotic honeymoon. The atolls have hundreds of islands, about 200 of which are inhabited and nearly 90 house tourist resorts.
The islands of the Maldives can be broadly divided into two regions: north and south.
Islands in northern Maldives
The northern region has smaller islands, and the country’s highest point (only 5ft 6 inches above sea level) is also in the north. Another striking feature of the Maldives’ northern atolls is the great number of underwater ring reefs. The quieter sea around the islands of north Maldives offers numerous snorkeling options. A greater number of resorts have been developed in the northern islands of the Maldives, which mean you will find more friendly faces around you if you are in north Maldives. It also means that you will get a greater choice to book your Maldives honeymoon resort in the islands located in the north.
Islands in southern Maldives
The southern region of the Maldives has deeper lagoons, which means you get better diving options here. Stronger channels rush into and out of the southern atolls, giving you some great surfing experience; although north has its own unique surfs. In terms of tourism and resorts, the south is more quiet and serene and so perfect for an isolated and romantic honeymoon.
Whether you opt for a resort in the north or south of the Maldives, you can rest assured of a magical honeymoon experience.
The Maldives: Quick Facts
Capital: Malé
International Airports: Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Malé (IATA: MLE, ICAO: VRMM); Hanimaadhoo International Airport, Haa Dhaalu Atoll (IATA: HAQ, ICAO: VRMH); Gan International Airport, Gan Island, Addu Atoll (IATA: GAN, ICAO: VRMG)
Geography: Coral islands forming atolls surrounded by reefs
Total islands: 1,190
Inhabited islands: 200
Resort islands: 105
Population: Approx. 350,000
Climate: Tropical
Average temp: 30 deg.
Time: GMT + 5 hrs
Currency: Rufiyaa (USD 1 = MRF 15.42)
Language: Dhivehi
Electricity: 240 AC
Government working hours: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday)
Banking hours: 9:00am to 03:00 pm (Sunday to Thursdays)
Dining in the Maldives
All honeymoon resorts in the Maldives have in-house restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. From homely Indian to Thai and oriental to continental to Middle Eastern, you can taste the best of all during your stay at a holiday resort in the Maldives. In addition, there are all-day coffee shops serving delightful snacks, barbeques dishing out some amazing grills and numerous places specializing in seafood.
While religious regulations ban pork and alcohol in the inhabited islands, including Male, the resorts and liveaboard vessels are allowed to serve a wide range of alcoholic beverages as well as all types of meat dishes.
Underwater Restaurants in the Maldives
Maldives also offers some breathtakingly unique dining options if you are ready to loosen your purse strings. You can begin with Ithaa, the world’s first underwater restaurant, which was opened in 2005. Constructed 16 feet below sea level, this undersea restaurant is located at the Conrad Maldives Resort and Spa in Rangali Island (earlier known as the Hilton Rangali Island). The restaurant with a transparent acrylic roof offers a stunning view of sea life. It can seat only 14 guests and serves a mix of Maldivian and Western fusion food.
Taking a cue from Ithaa, Anantara Kihavah Villas in Baa Atoll offers undersea dining experience at its SeaFire.Salt.Sky. dining complex.
Private Dining, A-la-Maldives
The greatest magic of a honeymoon in the Maldives is created by the exclusively crafted private dining options that almost every resort offers. A breakfast on a private deck, a lunch at a small secluded island and a dinner on a starlit beach—honeymoon resorts in the Maldives have ways to pamper you and your partner to a mesmerizing meal that you will always remember.
Restaurants in Male
If you have chosen to stay in Male, you can enjoy the greatest variety of Maldivian restaurants. You can stroll through the streets of Male and enjoy various sweet and savory Maldivian dishes. Local cafes, known as hotta, are the best places to discover Maldivian food. Most of these cafes and other restaurants are open till late night. You may find some serving even at 1.00 am, and there are others that open as early as 5 in the morning.
Vegetarian Food in the Maldives
For many Indian travelers finding vegetarian food overseas becomes a big hassle. While the Maldives is a 100% non-vegetarian country, there are enough restaurants serving outstanding vegetarian food. Almost all restaurants serving Indian food have extensive vegetarian menu, but that’s not all. You will get vegetarian and vegan food served at most restaurants serving continental food. One of the best vegetarian restaurants in the Maldives is Symphony, located in Male. The Deep End at Taj Exotica, Male is famous for fresh seafood as well as vegetarian fare.
Traditional Maldivian Food
The staple foods of the Maldives are fish (mainly tuna), coconut and rice. Vegetables are rarely eaten and so is meat. Chicken and mutton are mostly considered festive foods. Pork is taboo. Traditional food of the Maldives has been influenced by South Indian, Srilankan and many other traditions.
Paan (Betel leaf) with areca nut, lime and cloves is a traditional post-meals mouth freshener—something to remind you of home during your exotic honeymoon!
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