Located on the Southwest of Sri Lanka, MALDIVES can be explained as a country with a collection of Islands. When some smaller islands form a cluster in the form of a ring, it’s termed as an Atoll. Interestingly, the English word Atoll has been derived from the Maldivian word “atholhu” – the traditional name for atoll.
Maldives has 26 natural Atolls. Each Atoll consisting of a few Islands. Each Island is encircled by a lagoon with crystal clear waters.
These atolls are accessed by 4 international Airports and 6 Domestic Airports spread across the country.
Maldives also has colonial history of being under Portuguese, Dutch and British. The country gained its independence in 1965.
It’s seclusion, serenity, uniqueness and beauty, is what makes The Maldives one of the best and comparatively more expensive than most other island destinations.
FUN FACT -
Maldives has about 1190 islands, out of which only 200 are inhabited with people. Over 120 islands leased for tourism, developed as resorts with another 50 under development.
About 800 islands in Maldive are still uninhabited.
The customs and social protocols of the Maldivians have been greatly influenced by the Indians, Sri Lankans, Arabs and North Africans who visited the Maldives while traversing through the trading routes. The city’s architecture can clearly showcase the colonial impacts it has been through – Portuguese, Dutch and British.