The Maldives is located south of India's Lakshadweep islands and south-west of Sri Lanka The capital of the Maldives, Male', is the tourist hub as well as the commercial centre of the country. Famous as Sultan's Island in ancient days, Male is today a city of important historical and religious landmarks.The Maldives is located south of India's Lakshadweep islands, and about seven hundred kilometres (435 mi) south-west of Sri Lanka. Tropical fantasies and enchanting natural vistas welcome you on your tours to beautiful Maldives. Brilliant corals glitter like a thousand gems under transparent aqua seas and white sands warm up under the caressing touch of the glowing tropical sun while you holiday at the tourist attractions in Maldives.

Among the famous tourist attractions of the city, the main attraction is the National Museum. It houses ancient exhibits of the sultans' belongings; near the museum is the lovely Sultan Park. Also lie nearby the magnificent white Islamic Center and Grand Friday Mosque whose decorative golden dome dominates the city's skyline. The Grand Friday Mosque is the biggest mosque in the Maldives. It has unique minaret and tombs of national heroes and it also houses the Islamic Center. The other important sites in Male' include the tombs of legendary saints, 'Muleeaage', the Presidential Palace and the National Museum in the Sultan Park, which shows the glories of the ancient era.

The city has some small shops, from which you can buy many essentials. The Singapore Bazaar offers the chance to explore small stalls which sell assorted souvenirs and locally produced handicrafts. Most of the hotels offer a few small beach shops, and luxury goods emporiums from which you can usually get any little extras that you need on your holiday. The designer boutique or shopping arcade provides ambit of designer leather goods, cotton, polyester and silk wear, jackets, sweaters and sports wear of top and reputed franchise or brand. All the shops offer alluring gift items and rich fabric and much more.

The resorts offer diverse international cuisine including oriental, Middle Eastern, Indian and continental ones. For light snacks and refreshments the coffee shops in the resorts are ideal. Traditional meal consists of rice and garudhiya (fish soup), with fish, chili, lemon and onion. Curries are also used instead of garudhiya. Fish paste known as rihaakuru is also a fine side dish. Alternately, roshi (chapatti) and mas' huni (made of grated coconut, fish, lemon and onions) is a popular dish. Fried yams are also widely eaten. Sweet dishes include custard, bodibaiy (rice mixed with sugar) and fruits such as bananas, mangoes and papayas. Watermelons are a favorite during the fasting month of Ramazan.

The Maldives have a hot tropical climate. There are two monsoons, the southwest from May to October and the northeast from November to April. Generally the southwest brings more wind and rain in June and July. The temperature rarely falls below 25°C (77°F).Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the year. Light waterproofs are advised during the rainy season.

The currency of Maldives is the Rufiyaa. It was introduced in the year 1981. One Rufiyaa is equal to 100 Laari.The Rufiyaa is available in notes of 2,5,10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. The American Dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency in the country.