This beautiful group of over 1000 coral islands stretches across
the equator for over 800 kilometres north to south and 120 kilometres
east to west. Occurring in 26 atoll form ations,
around 200 islands are inhabited with 89 having tourist accommodation
with resort facilities.
Situated 400 miles southwest of Sri Lanka and 200 miles from
India, the islands are set in the clear, blue, unpolluted
waters of the Indian Ocean and have a population of 260,000.
They provide excellent facilities and locations for water
sports as well as for those wanting sun and solitude with
tall, graceful coconut palms even on the smallest islands.
Called the Flower of the Indies by Marco Polo, this paradise
on earth remains one of the most unspoilt exotic locations
for holidays in the whole world. Most of the islands are no
more than  two
metres high and are surrounded by coral reefs in crystal clear
lagoons. The clean, white beaches contrast with the multiple
coloured coral reefs and brilliantly coloured tropical fish
that abound in these waters. The opportunities to view underwater
life are unrivalled.
The Maldives enjoy a year round temperature that remains constant
at around 30 degrees Celsius. The weather is mainly warm and humid
with pleasant sea breezes to enhance the luxury of the sun, sand,
sea and the feeling of well-being that is a unique characteristic
of the Maldives. In the southwest monsoon season from May to October,
there is some rain and wind. In the northeast monsoon season from
November to April it is dry with very little wind - just right to contrast with European winters.
|
