Sun, sand and sea, a thousand 'Robinson Crusoe' islands, massive lagoons of various depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination.
The Magnificent Maldives
The Maldives are made up of 1,190 coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. The Maldives stretch 820 kilometers north to south and 120 kilometers east to west, 202 of the islands are inhabited and 87 are exclusive resort islands.
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A proud history and rich culture evolved from the first sea-faring settlers who arrived from various parts of the world. As a result, the Maldives became a true melting pot of cultures as people from various origins arrived and created a life here.
Formed from coral structures, the atolls of the Maldives are separated by lagoons. The atolls themselves are part of a greater structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge that stretches for more than 2,000 kilometers. The islands are low-lying with the highest point at approximately eight feet above sea level. 'Faru' or ring-shaped reef structures form the atolls and these reefs provide natural defense against wind and wave action on these delicate islands.
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Seasons
| Dry Season: Jan - Mar (Northeast Monsoon) |
Hot, dry. Average Temperatures: 77/88 |
|---|---|
| Wet Season: Apr - Dec (Southwest Monsoon) |
Daily thundershowers, with warm nights. Average Temperatures: 77/88 |