Joanna James
Maldives made up of over a 1000 little islands is indeed fascinating. Powdery white sand beaches and endless blue ocean is just the tip of attractions. See below for some of the best sights to visit.
Also called Hulhulemale this is a reclaimed landmass that is part of the North Male atoll. The project as an endeavour to reclaim land mass as a means of meeting housing demands and new settlement needs was officially declared open in 2004; reclamation started in 1997. The manmade island consisting of 188 hectares had an initial population of 30,000 in the first phase of the project. It is interesting to visit the island for a taste of what man can achieve, for what was once a lagoon is now a thriving island giving hope to the archipelago that's in constant fear of sea erosion.
The Islamic Centre is an iconic attraction located in the capital Male Island. Lauded for its fine architectural designs the centre was opened in 1984. Taking central place in the centre is the Grand Friday Mosque; named after the archipelagos cherished hero Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam. Consisting of a golden dome visible across the island the mosque has walls inlaid with Arabic calligraphy and beautiful wood carvings. Allowing the admittance of over 5000 devotees at a time this is the largest mosque in the country, as well as South Asia. Apart for the mosque, the centre is home to meeting centres and a comprehensive library on Islamism. The beautiful architecture that makes up the mosque is the main crowd puller as is the marvellous location, for the centre sits right next to the main Male jetty.
The national museum too is located on the capital Male which is just 25 minutes by seaplane from Kandolhu Island Maldives. This was the first national museum in the country which was opened in 1952. It is now housed in a modern building gifted by China which is a far cry from the traditional bungalow it once occupied. Nevertheless, the place is a treasure trove to explore. Categorised as ancient and medieval displays, religious and household ware, Arabic and Thaana engravings, traditional handicrafts and other items that carved the archipelago's history, the museum is an easy to reach from your Maldives hotel.
The local islands are a treat to visit from any Maldives resort. You can charter tours to the nearest inhabited islands and enjoy a taste of what island living is. Visit a traditional village; there are many such close to Kandolhu for example where you can interact with the villagers, watch a fresh catch being brought in, sit for a chat with the elders and even taste some home cooked local favourites.
Hukuru Miskiiy is the oldest mosque in Maldives; built in 1658 by Ibrahim Iskandar who was a ruler at the time, the mosque took over the site that already held a mosque erected much earlier in 1153. Built from pink coral boulders, the ornate mosque is located on Male Island. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth a visit.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
