About Maldives
Except for a brief period of 15 years in the 16th century, The Maldives have remained an Independent State. There are many stories and anecdotal evidence to suggest The Maldives were first inhabited by Aryan immigrants, in around 5oo BC. Around 947 AD, recorded contact with the outside world began with the first Arab traveler.
The outside world influenced Maldivian life significantly as history and legends reveal, with evidence of Buddhist customs and practices. But the greatest contribution made by the Persian and Arab Travelers 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.
The centuries that followed offered a tranquil and peaceful life, with a traditional wife and mother role for the ladies, whilst the men of the family were skilled seafarers and fishermen.
The first tourist resort of Kurumba was established in 1972, as so was born one of the most sought after, exotic and romantic destinations in the world. Located to the southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator, the Maldives is a collection of 1,190 coral islands forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretching 820 kilometers north to south and 120 kilometers east to west, 200 of the islands are inhabited and over 100 exclusive tourist resorts. The Maldives is generally warm and humid, with sunshine all year round and an average temperature of 29-32°C. Months June to August is when the south-west monsoonal winds blow through – sometimes it brings rain – sometimes not! With the Climatic situation changing world wide, the Maldives is no exception! Where once the months of June to August had the local Maldivians preparing for hibernation with pots of dried fish, now they find themselves looking worriedly at the low water levels lying in their de-salination plants on the local islands – of course – the dryer weather is great news for the tourists!
It is one of the most popular diving destinations, which attracts many people to discover the underwater wonders. There are numerous sand banks and countless reefs inside each and every atoll. Almost all resorts have wonderful house reefs where you can discover another world.
