Before making the final plans, remember Maldives is essentially a place to enjoy a tranquil holiday in scenic surroundings or to go diving or may be both. You will not find here the typical attractions that make Thailand, Singapore or Hong Kong so popular with tourists, young and old. However, if you are keen to enjoy some quality family time with no distractions, then Maldives is a good option.
Indian tourists are eligible to get a no-cost 30-day visitor visa, subject to possession of a valid passport and a few other regulations. This is issued on arrival, with the date stamped in your passport.
Maldives is an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands – in the Indian Ocean – grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls, along the north-south direction. The language used in Maldives is Dhivehi and so the official names of atolls/islands may differ from the popular names.
You may divide your holiday into staying in the capital island Male, at any of the 5 inhabited islands and/or at any of the island resorts. The inhabited islands have well-appointed guest houses. There are over 100 resort islands to choose from. You may refer to www.visitmaldives.com/en for details and itinerary planning.
Maldives has two distinct seasons; dry season (northeast monsoon, from January to March) and wet season (southwest monsoon, from mid-May to November). Apparently, the dry season, including April, is a favourite with European visitors and hence hotel rates are on the higher side. However, some hotels and resorts offer discounted rates on prior online booking; but do check the cancellation policies before opting for such discounted rates. Since your daughter is four years old, she will be allowed to share your room at extra charge; an extra cot is at hotel or resort’s discretion.
We suggest, you spend the arrival night in Hulhule island or Male, spend a few nights at any other atoll/island, a couple of nights in Male and a night in the Hulhule Island to catch your flight back home the following day as travelling between the various islands is subject to availability of flights and ferries.
Male International Airport is located on Hulhule Island in the North Male Atoll, near the capital island Male. The Airport Ferry offers regular transfers between Male Airport and Male city (for timings, check www.maleairport.com/male-airport-transportation, under Airport Ferry section); it takes around 10mins to reach the capital from the airport island. Speedboat transfers to Male city and nearby resorts are also available from the airport. The government-run MTCC also offers ferry and bus services in the Maldives; details available on www.mtcc.com.mv/transporthome.aspx.
Male, the capital island, has a few attractions that will help you know about Maldivian history and culture – the 17th century Grand Friday Mosque, the National Museum (located in Sultan Park), and the Esjehi Art Gallery (one of the oldest building of Male, located east of Sultan Park). Other popular attractions include the Jumhoorie Maidan (on Male’s northern waterfront), the artificial beach (especially in the evening when a large number of food stalls set shop) and Raalhugandu (on the south-eastern side of Male, it is a popular surfing point; watch the waves and the surfers expertly guiding their boards over the waves).
The Whale Submarine – no they do not take you to see whales – is a good option if you have no plans to go diving. As the submarine descends slowly into the sea, you will be able to see the reef life up close. The submarine will first stop at 25 meters where you will see colourful corals, reef fish and may be turtles. The next stop is at 40 meters, where you will see more corals gardens if the tide permits, the submarine may be beached on a sandy spot near a big cave. The external lights of the submarine will help to have a look inside the cave for the fish that shelter here. The entire trip takes 45mins and the submarine maintains normal surface pressure inside. A boat will pick you up from the airport or Jetty No. 1 of Male about half an hour before the submarine’s scheduled departure. Charges: Adults $120; child $60. Details: www.whalesubmarine.com.mv/.
For shopping, you may visit Majeedhee Magu, where you can get garments, perfumes, cosmetics, purses, handbags and electronic gadgets, etc. and for souvenirs, you may visit Chaandanee Magu (Singapore bazaar).
The island resorts include guestrooms, restaurants, lounges, coffee shops, bar and disco, shops, spas, may be even a diving school. Most resorts have their own reefs where you one can go snorkelling and diving. The reef is also a barrier against the ocean and the tidal currents; therefore, the enclosed shallow water also serves as a safe swimming pool. Hence, a good option for your 4-year old daughter who wants to be by the beach.
Check with your island/resort if you can reach them directly from the airport or have to go through Male. Another important thing to note – at the island resorts, you have no alternative to choose from, especially regarding food and entertainment; so, while choosing your resort, ensure it offers facilities of your choice.
A word of caution: Maldives has to import almost everything. So everything, from food to facilities to entertainment are costly and attract service charge and government tax. While booking, check carefully what is included in the package and what needs to be paid for separately.
You may choose to stay in the popular Maafushi Island of Kaafu atoll. You can reach Maafushi via ferry from Male’s Villingili Ferry Terminal. There are many hotels here; Stingray Beach Inn, Kaani Beach Hotel, White Shell Beach Inn, and Ocean Vista are a few of the hotels offering a double bed room in the Rs 6,000 – Rs 7,000 range. Situated within the South Male Atoll, is the slightly pricey Fihalhohi Island Resort. At Guraidhoo Island of the same atoll, you may stay at the beachfront IslandWay Etos, Arena Lodge Maldives, the Picnic Inn or the Dacha Maldives Guest House; room rates are around Rs 8,000. The Seahouse Maldives Topdeck Hotel (North Male atoll), less than 2km from the international airport, offers rooms below Rs 6,000. All rates mentioned here are for online booking and may vary according to demand; rack rates are usually higher than online rates. For more choice and booking, you may refer to www.expedia.co.in/ or www.booking.com/.