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Where are the Maldives Islands on a map?
The Maldives Islands are situated in the north-central Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. This archipelagic nation is located close to the equator, with its geographic coordinates at 3°15′N 73°00′E. The islands are spread across an area of over 90,000 square kilometers and comprise approximately 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks, grouped into 26 naturally formed atolls. The capital of the Maldives is Male, located in the Central Atoll.
This island nation is unique in its geography and topography, with over 26 naturally-formed atolls, 200 locally inhabited islands, and thousands of other coral islands and sandbanks. Out of the 200 inhabited islands, almost 122 of them have been developed as tourist resorts, and about 80 islands are used for agricultural and other livelihood purposes. The capital of the Maldives is Male, situated in the Central Atoll.
The Maldives Islands are low-lying, with none rising more than 6 feet above sea level, and are built on top of the crowns of a submerged ancient volcanic mountain range. The islands are known for their pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, and coral reefs, making them a popular destination for tourists seeking a tropical paradise
Maldives on Map
Maldives Capital
The capital of the Maldives is Malé. It is the most populous city in the Maldives and serves as the administrative, political, and economic center of the country. Malé is located on the southern edge of North Malé Atoll (Kaafu Atoll) and is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
The city consists of a central island, an airport island, and four other islands overseen by the Malé City Council. Historically known as the King’s Island, Malé was where ancient royal dynasties ruled from its central location. The city has undergone significant expansion through land reclamation over the years and remains a hub for political activities and milestone events in the Maldives.
What is the distance between Malé and other islands in the Maldives?
The Maldives is an archipelago consisting of approximately 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls. The distance between Malé, the capital city located in the North Malé Atoll, and other islands in the Maldives varies depending on the specific island’s location within the atolls. Given the dispersed nature of the islands, distances can range from a few kilometers to several hundred kilometers.
For example, the shortest distance from Malé to India is approximately 340 km, while the distance to Sri Lanka is around 700 km. Additionally, the main airport serving as the gateway to the Maldives islands is Velana International Airport on Hulhulé Island, adjacent to Malé. From this airport, no location in the Maldives is more than 90 minutes away by plane, facilitating travel between Malé and other islands within the archipelago. For more information, Visit Maldives
Maldives Airport
The main international airport in the Maldives is Velana International Airport, also known as Male International Airport. It is located on Hulhule Island in the North Male Atoll, near the capital island of Male. Velana International Airport serves as the primary gateway into the Maldives for tourists, offering international flights and handling millions of passengers annually.
The airport is currently undergoing a significant expansion project to meet the growing demand, with new facilities such as a passenger terminal building, runway, cargo terminal complex, fuel farm, seaplane terminal, maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility, as well as a VIP/CIP terminal being developed. This expansion aims to enhance the airport’s capacity and services to accommodate up to 7.5 million passengers by 2025.
What is the currency used in the Maldives?
The currency used in the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, which was introduced in 1947. The Rufiyaa is divided into 100 laari. It is the official currency of the Maldives and is controlled by the Maldives Monetary Authority. The currency is available in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5 Rufiyaa notes. Additionally, US dollars are widely accepted in the Maldives and can be used for transactions within the country. Major credit cards are also accepted at resorts, restaurants, and shops in Male and several other islands. While withdrawing money from ATMs is not common outside Male City, US dollars are widely used and accepted throughout the country.
What is the best time of year to visit the Maldives?
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, during the dry season. This period offers little precipitation, warm temperatures ranging between the high 70s and mid-80s, and ideal weather conditions for enjoying the islands. The dry season promises sunny days, low humidity, and great visibility for activities like diving and snorkeling. While this time of year is the busiest and room rates at resorts can be expensive, each resort occupies its own island, providing a more tranquil experience compared to crowded destinations.
On the other hand, the rainy season from May to October, particularly in the southern atolls, sees more precipitation and strong winds. Despite the rain, showers are often short and interspersed with sunshine, making it a more budget-friendly time to visit with fewer crowds. Travelers during the rainy season may find better deals and enjoy activities like surfing due to bigger waves and better swells. Ultimately, the best time to visit the Maldives depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and budget considerations.
The Best way to get around Maldives
The best way to get around the Maldives depends on your location and preferences. Here are some key transportation options for navigating the islands:
- Domestic Flights: Domestic flights are a convenient and affordable way to travel between islands in the Maldives. With 17 regional airports scattered throughout the country, airlines like FlyMe and Maldivian offer regular domestic flights. These flights are particularly useful for reaching local islands and resorts, with private speedboat transfers often following the flight.
- Seaplanes: Seaplanes provide a unique and scenic mode of transport in the Maldives, offering breathtaking views of the islands. Operators like Trans Maldivian Airways and Maldivian run seaplane services that can take you to almost any island in the country. Many resorts charter seaplanes for guests to ensure quick and smooth transfers between locations.
- Public Ferries: For budget travelers looking to explore independently, public ferries are a cost-effective option for traveling between inhabited islands in the Maldives. These ferries connect local islands, excluding private resorts, at affordable prices ranging from $5 to $30. However, be prepared for potentially complicated timetables and unreliable services when island hopping.
- Bicycles and Golf Buggies: Many resorts offer bicycles or chauffeured golf buggies to help guests navigate the islands more comfortably, especially on smaller resort islands. In local towns like Malé and Hulhumalé, walking, buses, or taxis are common transportation options.
- Private Speedboats: Resorts often arrange private speedboat transfers for guests arriving at Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé Island. These speedboats ensure seamless transportation from the airport to the resort island, with transfer costs typically included in the overall stay.
- Walking and Biking: Given that most of the Maldives is car-free, walking is a popular way to explore areas like Malé, while biking is convenient on larger local islands. Taxis are also available when needed. Read more
Each mode of transport offers a unique experience in navigating the stunning landscapes of the Maldives, catering to different preferences and budgets for travelers exploring this tropical paradise.
FAQ’s
Where are the Maldives Islands on a map?
The Maldives Islands are located in the north-central Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India.