MALDIVES Honeymoon Packages

Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, is an island nation consisting of a group of Atolls (An atoll is created as a coral reef builds up around an eroding volcanic island.) in the Indian Ocean, south of Lakshadweep group of islands of India, about 700 kilometers (435 mi) south-west of Sri Lanka.

The early inhabitants of Maldives were from present day Kerala and probably spoke an archaic form of Tamil, a Dravidian language. In fact people in the neighbouring Lakshadweep islands speak a form of Malayalam that is an off shoot of archaic Tamil. But by the fourth century A.D., Theravada Buddhism originating from Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) became the dominant religion of the people of Maldives. Some scholars believe that the name "Maldives" derives from the Sanskrit mala-dvipa, meaning "garland of islands".

Factoids

According to the Guinness Book of Records the Maldives is the world's flattest country, with no natural land higher than 2.4m (7.9ft) above sea level. Even the palms are taller! Maldives holds the record for being the flattest country in the world, with a maximum natural ground level of only 2.3 m (7½ ft), though in areas where construction exists this has been increased to several metres.""A tsunami in the Indian Ocean caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake caused parts of Maldives to be covered by sea water and left many people homeless. After the disaster, cartographers are planning to redraw the maps of the islands due to alterations by the tsunami.

Maldives ranks among the top five places on Earth for watching whales and dolphins. Over 20 different species (a quarter of the world’s total) call the Maldives home. These range from the mighty Blue Whale (the largest animal alive) to the diminutive but highly acrobatic Spinner Dolphin.

Interesting PlacesMale' fish market, The Islamic Centre, The Local Market, Huskuru Miskiiy, Mulee-aage, The National Museum.

Room Facilities:

• Deluxe: Beach, Terrace, Air conditioning, Hot/Cold Fresh water, Mini Bar, TV, Hair Dryer, IDD phone, Shower, Open Shower, Waste commode.

• Super Deluxe: Beach, Terrace, Air conditioning, Hot/Cold Fresh water, Mini Bar, TV, Hair Dryer, IDD phone, Bath, Shower, Bidet, Open Shower, Waste commode.

• Water Bungalow: Terrace, Air conditioning, Hot/Cold Fresh water, Mini Bar, TV, Hair Dryer, IDD Phone, Bath, Shower, Bidet, Waste commode.

For more details, call :+91 9632694971/72

Mail us your requirements to tours@trawelmart.com !!!

 

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Paradise Island Resort 5*
Location:	North Kaafu
Airport Distance:	9.6kms
Transfer Duration:	Speed Boat-45min
Night Transfers:	Yes
Room Category	Validity	Per DBL Room Per Night on HB	Transfer Rate Per Adult
Super Deluxe Rooms
	01.05.09 – 25.07.09	Euro €158	Speed Boat €85
	26.07.09 – 31.08.09	Euro €213
	01.09.09 – 31.10.09	Euro €170
Water Bungalows	01.05.08 – 31.10.08	Euro €
Complimentary services: A bottle of Champagne & a fruit Basket for Honeymooners A bottle of wine & a cake for Birthday celebrated at the resort A Bottle of Champagne & a fruit Basket on Silver and Golden Wedding Jubilees All Honeymoon, Silver & Golden Wedding Jubilees to be notified at the time of booking.

Room Facilities:

• Super Deluxe: Beach, Terrace, Air conditioning, Hot & Cold Fresh water, Mini Bar, TV, Hair Dryer, IDD Telephone, Bath, Shower, Bidet, Open Shower, Waste commode.

• Water Bungalow: Terrace, Air conditioning, Hot/Cold Fresh water, Mini Bar, TV, Hair Dryer, IDD Phone, Bath, Shower, Bidet, Waste commode.

For more details, call :+91 9632694971/72

Mail us your requirements to tours@trawelmart.com !!!

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Kuramathi Village 4-Star
Location:	North Ari Atoll
Airport Distance:	70kms
Transfer Duration:	Speed Boat-1.45hrs
Night Transfers:	No
Validity	Room Category	Per DBL Room Per Night on BB	Transfer Rate Per Adult
11.05.09 – 20.07.09	Standard Room	Euro €188	Speed Boat €130
	Superior Room	Euro €200
	Deluxe Room	Euro €225
21.07.09 – 31.08.09	Standard Room	Euro €225
	Superior Room	Euro €263
	Deluxe Room	Euro €288
01.09.09 – 31.10.09	Standard Room	Euro €200
	Superior Room	Euro €213
	Deluxe Room	Euro €238
BB - Bed and Breakfast Complimentary: All Honeymooners will receive Flower decorations in room on the first or last night of stay and a Fruit Basket on arrival

 

For more details, call :+91 9632694971/72

Mail us your requirements to tours@trawelmart.com !!!

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Kuramathi Blue Lagoon 4-Star
Location:	North Ari Atoll
Airport Distance:	70kms
Transfer Duration:	Speed Boat-1.45hrs
Night Transfers:	No
Validity	Room Category	Per DBL Room Per Night on BB	Transfer Rate Per Adult
11.05.09 – 20.07.09	Beach Bungalow	Euro €282	Speed Boat €130
	Water Bungalow	Euro €332
21.07.09 – 31.08.09	Beach Bungalow	Euro €375
	Water Bungalow	Euro €425
01.09.09 – 31.10.09	Beach Bungalow	Euro €344
	Water Bungalow	Euro €400
BB - Bed and Breakfast Complimentary: All Honeymooners will receive Flower decorations in room on the first or last night of stay and a Fruit Basket on arrival

For more details, call :+91 9632694971/72

Mail us your requirements to tours@trawelmart.com !!!

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Dhonveli Beach & Spa-4* (Chaaya Island)
Location:	North Male Atoll
Airport Distance:	13kms
Transfer Duration:	Speed Boat-25min
Night Transfers:	NO
Validity	Room Category	Per DBL Room Per Night on HB	Transfer Rate Per Adult
01.05.09 – 15.07.09
	Garden Bungalow	USD$188	SpeedBoat $150
	Superior Room	USD$213
	Beach Bungalow	USD$250
	Deluxe Beach Bungalow	USD$338
	Water Bungalows	USD$400
	Over Water Suite	USD$465
16.07.09 – 31.07.09
	Garden Bungalow	USD$269
	Superior Room	USD$294
	Beach Bungalow	USD$344
	Deluxe Beach Bungalow	USD$432
	Water Bungalows	USD$494
	Over Water Suite	USD$557
01.09.09 – 31.10.09
	Garden Bungalow	USD$213
	Superior Room	USD$244
	Beach Bungalow	USD$288
	Deluxe Beach Bungalow	USD$375
	Water Bungalows	USD$438
	Over Water Suite	USD$500
* HB - HALF BOARD BASIS (Breakfast and Dinner) Complimentary services: A bottle of Champagne & a fruit Basket for Honeymooners

 For more details, call :+91 9632694971/72

Mail us your requirements to tours@trawelmart.com !!!

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Meeru Island Resort 4-Star
Location:	North Male Atoll
Airport Distance:	45kms
Transfer Duration:	Speed Boat-55min
Night Transfers:	No
Validity	Room Category	Per DBL Room Per Night on FB	Transfer Rate Per Adult
29.06.09 – 30.08.09	Beach Villa	USD$273	Speed Boat
	Jacuzzi Beach Villa	USD$344	Night: $159
	Water Villa	USD$385	Day: $105
	Jacuzzi Water Villa	USD$565
	Honeymoon Water Suite	USD$702
31.08.08 – 31.10.09	Beach Villa	USD$247
	Jacuzzi Beach Villa	USD$319
	Water Villa	USD$359
	Jacuzzi Water Villa	USD$540
	Honeymoon Water Suite	USD$669
*FB - Full Board (Room + All Meals) Complimentary: Welcome Drink served at arrival for all guests. Fruit Plate and Flowers on Bed on arrival for Honeymooners. Minimum Stay: 6 nights. Unoccupied nights will be invoiced.

For more details, call :+91 9632694971/72

Mail us your requirements to tours@trawelmart.com !!!

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Fact File

Country:	Conventional Long Form: Republic of Maldives Local Long Form:             Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa
Location:	Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India
Area:	- Total:         298 km² (204th) 115 sq mi - Water (%): Negligible
Climate	Tropical; Hot, Humid; Dry, North East Monsoon (November to March); Rainy, South West Monsoon (June to August) Water Temperatures: 25-29 °C.
People/Population	South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs /359,008 (July 2006 est.)
Language	Maldivian Dhivehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic), English spoken by most government officials
Geography:	1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls (200 inhabited islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts); archipelago with strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean. Coordinates: 3 15 N, 73 00 E
Currency	Rufiyaa (MVR) 1 INR = 0.274138 MVR 1 EUR = 16.3271 MVR 1 USD = 12.8000 MVR  Rufiyaa comes in notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. One Rufiya is divided into 100 laari (coins).

When to Go		What to Pack
Since the Maldives has warm, tropical weather year-round it is always a good time to visit. There are particular times during the year when such things as resort prices or water clarity (for diving) change which may be of interest to you. If you visit during the dry season, which is from December to April, you get a few extra hours of sunshine and a less likely chance of rain. However, this is the most popular time to visit, and resorts can be fully booked with prices that are higher during these months. The Christmas and New Year holidays are the busiest and most expensive part of this season. During the wet season, from May to November, rain, cloudy skies and higher humidity can be more likely (though you can see many sunny days during this time). There are fewer tourists and lower prices during this period. For divers, November and April are good months to visit since the seasonal change can bring increased water clarity and better visibility.		We have compiled a “what to pack” list specifically made for the needs of a traveler in Maldives Island. Staying in resorts or in hotels in Male’ minimizes the list as they provide most everything. There are also shops located in resorts and in Male’ where you should find your basic needs. Sunscreen with high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) Sunglasses Hat or Cap for shade from the sun Light cotton clothing Insect Repellent Bathing Suits Personal diving or snorkeling equipments (resorts as well as dive shops on Male’ rent out this equipment) Credit Card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club, and Eurocard are accepted)

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Entry Formalities to Maldives

• No prior visa is required to enter the Republic of Maldives. Entry permit will be granted to visitors on arrival at designated ports of entry, based on the immigration requirements.
• Free 30 days Visa upon arrival for all visitors
• Visitors entering the Republic of Maldives should have confirm bookings in registered tourist resort/hotels etc.
• An entry permit does not allow an visitor to take up employment, set up any business or exercise any profession whether paid or unpaid except with the consent and in conformity with the pertinent laws and regulations of the Maldives.
• Disembarkation and Embarkation card shall be filled by every passenger and submitted to the Immigration Officer on entry.

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General Information

The first known settlers arrived from Ceylon and southern India around 500 BC as the islands were on Indian Ocean trade routes. This introduced both Buddhist and Hindu religions, while Arab traders, many centuries later, brought Islam to the shores.

It wasn’t until the 16th Century that the Europeans got involved. First Portuguese merchants arrived, then in the 17th century, the Dutch took hold but without establishing a colonial administration. Finally in 1867, the British established a protectorate which allowed them to build defense facilities.

Economy Overview: Tourism, Maldives' largest industry, accounts for 20% of GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. Over 90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes.

When tourism first arrived, the Moslem government was careful to contain development in a small area near the airport. In 1972 there was just one resort but as time went by tourism became a major part of the economy.

Malé - the Capital

Malé, is the capital of the Republic of Maldives. The city is located on Malé Island in the Kaafu Atoll. Although Malé is geographically located in Kaafu Atoll, administratively it is not considered part of it. A commercial harbor is located in the Island. It is the heart of all commercial activities in the country. Many government buildings and agencies are located on the waterfront. Malé International Airport is on adjacent Hulhule Island which includes a seaplane base for internal transportation. The island is heavily urbanised, the city taking up essentially its entire landmass. It is the world's most densely populated city.

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Festivals & Culture

Maldivians have great national pride. In all festival planning a feeling of family is sensed as women, men, and children share in the preparation of food, decoration, and entertainment programmes. Most celebrations will find a blending of tradition and modern entertainment. Folk dances and music using wooden instruments may be followed by modern jazz or pop music. People from all professions work side by side in a spirit of co-operation for these celebrations.

The Maldives are an island nation in the Indian Ocean, and its culture is an amalgamation of Malaysian, Indonesian, East African, Arab and Indian influences. Few Art forms of Maldives are:

Boduberu: This most popular form of indigenous music is performed by about 15 people, including three drummers and a lead singer. They are accompanied by a small bell and an "Onugandu" - a small piece of bamboo with horizontal grooves, from which raspy sounds are produced by scrapping. Bodu Beru is usually sung after a hard day's work. Today, Bodu Beru is an important item of entertainment at stage shows, celebrations and festivals. The costume of the performers is a sarong and a white short sleeved banian.

Thaara: Thaara is the Dhivehi word for tambourine. It is performed by about 22 people seated in two parallel rows facing each other. It is a type of music which has a semi religious touch, and is distinct to men only. The performers wear white sarongs and white shirts with a green scarf tied around their necks. Thaara was introduced to The Maldives by the Gulf Arabs who came here in the mid 17th century. A type of music similar to Thaara is still practised in the Gulf and in south Arabia.

Langiri: Langiri is a dance and music played by young men as an evening stage show. To perform Langiri each dancer holds two sticks that are about two feet long. The sticks known as "Langiri Dhandi" are decorated, each having a colourful artificial flower at the head end. In the dance the performers sit in tow rows of twelve or in six and as they sway their bodies waist up and at the same time keep clapping the Langiri Dhandi in different styles.

Bolimalaafath Neshun: This is a dance performed by women. The dance shows the old tradition of women offering gifts to the sultan, on special occasions such as Eid festival. The gifts, usually shells, are kept in a small vase or box known as the "Kurandi Malaafath". It is kept closed and is intricately decorated from outside. The vase is covered in a piece of colourful silk cloth. The women who carry the case too wear bright coloured local dresses which are fumigated by burning incense. In the dance there are about 24 people performers. Bolimalaafath Neshun is still regarded as the most important of all the dances performed by Maldivian women.

 

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Shopping

The Maldives has great shopping. Whether you’re staying at a resort or in hotel you can find good places to shop. Resorts usually have their own souvenir shops, and nearby island villages have tourist shops, but Male’ (the capital) is known to be the best place for shopping. Also, you may bargain the price with shopkeepers on Male’.

Some of the locally made souvenirs include lacquered wooden boxes, reed mats, and items, such as journals or photo albums, made from palm trees. You can also find the more common souvenirs like, post cards, calendars, seashells, books, and t-shirts. You may find items you need, other than souvenirs, at shops in your resort or at shops in Male’.

Duty free shopping is only available in the departure terminal of the Male’ international airport. The lounge has specialized shops for electrical goods, watches, cameras, fashion, liquor, jewelry, tobacco and more.

Shopping hours on Male’ are from 8:30am to 11pm Saturday through Thursday. Shops do close for 15 minutes, 5 times a day for Muslim prayer times however this is not usually adhered to in other tourist areas or in resorts. Tourist shops accept US dollars.

Customs: The import of firearms, liquor, drugs and pornography are prohibited. An official license is required for import of alcohol. Alcohol is available in all the resorts and not sold / available in Male’. Dogs, Pigs, and pork products are prohibited. Special permission should be sought to bring the personal pets (dogs not allowed).

 

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