It is very useful to know about the basic steps in Product Launch & press release.

There are huge saving to be made-up to 30% in some cases. All the hotels have been pre inspected, and our staffs at your disposal to give up to date advice on hotel standards and facilities.

Making a reservation is a simple process. Once you have selected the hotel of your choice you have the option of making a online reservation. You have the option of paying a deposit to secure your reservation or simply paying full.

We have advice that you select the type of hotel you require by selecting one of the categories of the hotel you. Prefer by using the hotel search facility if you need assistance in calling us. Our team is always up to date with the current condition of the hotels we work with.

History of Maldives

The Maldives has been an independent state throughout its known history, except for a brief period of 15 years of Portuguese occupation in the 16th century. The Maldives became a British Protectorate in 1887 and remained so until 26 July 1965. The independent Maldives reverted from a Sultanate to a Republic on 11th November 1968. The first written constitution was proclaimed in 1932.

Maldives History - Loamaafaanu
Maldives History - Earliest known history of the Maldives is recorded in these metal tabs known as “loamaafaanu”. Earliest known history of the Maldives is recorded in these metal tabs known as “loamaafaanu”

It seems certain that the islands of Maldives were first settled by Aryan immigrants who are believed to have colonised Sri Lanka at the same time, (around 500 BC). Further migration from South India, as well as Sri Lanka, occurred. The latest archaeological findings suggest the islands were inhabited as early as 1500 BC. Around 947 AD, recorded contact with the outside world began with the first Arab traveler. One can imagine accounts taken home depicting the potential for trade in pearls, spices, coconuts, dried fish, and certainly the abundance of cowry shells. The cowry shells were the accepted currency from Africa to China until the sixteenth century. Together with the description of the exotic paradise islands and expensive natural resources, the news the travelers must have taken home probably resulted in the arrival of more ships bearing traders and other travelers.

The outside world influenced Maldivian life significantly as legends and history reveal. Early traders found Buddhist customs and practices. But the greatest contribution made by the Persian and Arab Travellers was the conversion of the Maldivians to Islam in 1153 AD. Dhivehi (Maldivian language) also underwent a certain conversion as a result of contact with the outside world. Perhaps blending rather than converting better describes the evolution of Dhives Akuru to Thaana, the present-day script. The writing of Thaana is from right to left, unlike Dhives Akuru, probably to accommodate the many Arabic words then in everyday use.

Ruling dynasties gave shape to what has become The Republic of Maldives just as volcanic movement shaped the 1,190 islands and coral reefs which rose above the ocean’s surface 100,000 years ago. After the conversion to Islam (by Abul Barakaath Yoosuf Al-Barbary), of the first known king of the Maley Dynasty, rulers in 1153 came to be called sultans. King Koimala was renamed Sultan Mohammed-bin-Abdullah for the last thirteen years of his twenty-five year reign. Recorded in Maldivian history are the names of eighty-four Sultans and Sultanas who belonged to six dynasties. The Maley or Theemuge Dynasty lasted 235 years under the rule of twenty-six different sultans. The Hilaii Dynasty ruled next for over a period of 170 years with twenty-nine rulers. During the Hilali period, Sultan Kalhu Mohammed invited the first foreign power to Maldives thus opening diplomatic relations with the world.

Balmy trade winds brought prosperity to this independent country until the sixteenth century when the Portuguese took more than a passing interest. History creates legendary heroes. It is during this time of Portuguese threat that one of the greatest Maldivian heroes, Mohammed Thakurufaan, was born on the island of Utheem in the northern atoll of Thiladhummathi. As young Mohammed grew to manhood, the Portuguese manned a powerful expedition against The Maldives. Captain Andreas Andre, known as Andhiri Andhirin defeated the Sultan Ali VI, last ruler of the Hilali Dynasty. For fifteen years the invaders tried to maintain control over the islands. But The Maldives were scattered over seas that were often as dangerous as attacks by brave Maldivians waging daring warfare against the colonialist’s.

Maldives History - Utheem Palace
The Palace in Utheem where Mohamed Thakurufaanu lived

Today one can still hear songs and stories, which tell of Mohammed Thakurufaan wiping out the entire Portuguese garrison. The great Mohammed’s twelve years of peaceful reign was one of prosperity and reform. He died in 1585 AD, but his Utheemu Dynasty ruled for 127 years with twelve rulers. The winds of war are never even in idyllic islands. They faced a new threat from the Coast of South India. The Raja of Cannanore dispatched a raiding party to attack Male’. The royal palace was destroyed and the Sultan sent into exile; he never returned. Maldivian forces soon repelled the Malabar forces, drove them back, and under the leadership of Ghazi Hassan lzzaddeen, the Huraage Dynasty was founded. The Huraage Dynasty prevailed until 1968 when the Maldives became a Republic. After the Malabar episode, The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka. The two countries formed an alliance that continued throughout Sri Lanka’s Dutch and then British colonial periods. A sharp sense for trade and a remarkable ability to keep their own world in tact has allowed the Maldivians to maintain relations with many countries, especially Sri Lanka which still supplies many imported goods.

Protection against foreign influences, however, comes from a desire to exist as their fathers had, in a close-knit society; a national ‘family’ (that is close to Allah). Like the coral reefs that protect the islands, Maldivians maintain a commitment to keep their own world to themselves, to maintain the Maldivian culture and to protect it from the sometimes negative effects of outsiders.

The paved and unpaved streets are symbolic of The Maldives blending tradition and progress to better the lives of its inhabitants. Male’ is divided into four traditional wards: Henveyru, Galolhu, Machchangoli, and Maafannu. All manners of goods are brought to Male’ from the far flung atolls and imports pass through the capital daily. The Mulee Aage, built in 1913, is the President’s official residence located in the centre of the capital. The residence with its intricate white carvings built by Maldivian designers and Sri Lankan architects, is a lovely, graceful complex.

The Friday Mosque or Hukuru Misikiy is a short distance away from the presidential residence. The mosque dates from 1656 and contains wood carvings which give accounts of the conversion of the Maldives to Islam. The surrounding courtyard houses the tombstones of past rulers. The drum shaped Munnaaru, built in 1675, towers over the capital summoning the devout to prayers five times a day. Every Friday, thousands congregate at this mosque to offer prayers. When prayer time is over, the people might make their way to the seafront’s busy Marine Drive. Marine Drive’s diversity clearly represents the contrast of life in Male.

While modern, white-washed government offices are situated on this busy street, one can also enjoy the busy activity in late afternoon or early morning at the fish market or stop by local stores which sell assorted goods. Then perhaps a cafe that overlooks the ever-changing sparkling waters of the harbour will offer a quiet rest. In Male’, especially on the western ward of Maafannu, tall trees shade the larger residential area of the capital.

Environment Friendly Tourism

The Maldives has a good enough reason to be concerned about the protection of the environment. We have not contributed much to the factors causing global environmental change; yet we are among the most vulnerable! We ask you to enjoy the beauty and magic of this unique environment and to help us sustain it in its pristine form as long as possible.

Air is pure as can be. Unpolluted seas teeming with life of such diversity that boggles the mind. Nature at its very best. This is what we ask you to share with us for as long as possible. During your most welcome presence here, do help us by considering the following.

Avoid any activity that may harm any of the natural vegetation at your tourist resort or any of the islands your visit. Do refrain from killing fish unnecessarily. If you feel like doing some fishing, inquire about approved programs and practices. Keep in mind that spear guns are banned. Avoid handling coral growth and marine life. Please avoid littering. Note that not only your resort but even the narrowest side lane on the smallest fishing village is kept very clean. Do not discard batteries, dry cells, empty cans, bottles and other containers – especially polythene wrappings and bags – in places are not intended as disposal points.

If you are charitable enough, please do pick up any offending articles that less conscientious persons may have left behind. We shall be duly grateful.

Enjoy your stay in a clean environment and please help us preserve it!
Did you know that

* There are 1192 coral islands in the Maldives?
* The Maldives has 25 different protected reefs?
* The Maldivian resorts are confined to a ‘one island one resort’ policy?
* The built up area of a resort could only be 20% of the land area?
* The height of building in the Maldivian resorts is not above the tallest palm tree?
* Shark fishing is banned in some of the atolls in Maldives?
Turtles are protected animals and all turtle products are banned?

Maldives at a glance

Official name of the country; Republic of Maldives
Area; 90,000 sq Km
Total number of administrative atolls; 20
Capital; Male’(1.77 sq Km)
International Airport; Male’ International Airport
Literacy rate; 98.2%
Electricity; 220-240 volts
Maldives standard time; +5 hrs GMT
Language; Dhivehi(English is widely spoken)
Currency; Rufiya ( Rf. 1 = 100 laaree)
Exchange rate; US$ 1 = Rf. 12.75
Number of islands; 1192
No. of inhabited islands; 199
No. of Resort islands; 87
Population; 285,066