Described as sun, sand and sea, a thousand 'Robinson Crusoe' islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination. However there is more to the Maldives than just that.

Located southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator, a group of 1,190 coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Maldives stretch 820 kilometres north to south and 120 kilometres east to west. 202 of its islands are inhabited of which 87 are exclusive resort islands. Generally warm and humid with sun shining all year through. Average temperature is around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.
A free 30 days Visa upon arrival for all visitors. 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.

Huskuru Miskiiy Built in the 17th century the Huskuru Miskiiy or Friday Mosque served the population of Male' as their main mosque for almost four centuries, until the Islamic Centre and Grand Friday Mosque took over the function in 1984. Built by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar in 1656 the mosque is a masterpiece of coral curving and traditional workmanship - probably the best display of coral carving anywhere in the world.

Right in front of the Hukuru Miskiiy is Mulee-aage, a palace built in 1906 by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III, replacing a house dating back to the mid-17th century. The palace with its wrought iron gates and fretwork friezes on its roof edges and well-kept garden was intended for his son, but the Sultan was deposed. During World War II vegetables were grown in its garden to help relieve food shortages.

The National Museum is housed in the only remaining building of the former Sultan's Palace, which is now the Sultan's Park. It is an Edwardian colonial-style building of three storey, fairly low key from the outside compared to the amazing collection inside. A visit to the museum gives an instant insight to the wealth of history most visitors never suspect existed changing one's opinion of the Maldives solely in terms of a tourist destination.