Joanna James
The paradise island nation of Maldives has plenty to offer when it comes to things to do and see. So, check into a Maldives luxury hotel and go forth and explore Maldives' finest!
Manta Rays are giant, graceful creatures that scour the seas in search of their favourite food, zooplankton. There are two species of mantas and they are the M. Birostris and the M. Alfredi. The latter, reaching 18 ft 1 in, call Maldives their home. There is said to be about 5000 of mantas living in Maldives, and one of the best places to see them in their natural habitat is at the Manta Point.
The 1km long Manta Point, or Emas Thila, is situated off the southeast coast of North Malé Atoll. Emas Thila is a gathering point for mantas who line up to get cleaned by tiny wrasse fish. These "cleaning stations" benefit both species. The wrasse fish eats the parasites on manta rays and gets their lunch (dinner or breakfast); while the manta rays get rid of the pests-perfect example of coexistence in nature!
Now for a bit of history. Hukuru Miskiiy is one of the oldest mosques in the country and because of this reason it's also known as 'the Old Friday Mosque". It's also considered to be the most stunning mosque in Maldives as it features an impressive collection of intricate wood carvings, fine lacquer work, and elaborate coral carvings. In 2008, Hukuru Miskiiy Mosque was added to the tentative UNESCO World Heritage cultural list as it is an "unique example in the Indian Ocean of an outstanding form of fusion coral stone architecture".
Since the mosque is located in the capital, it's part of most Malé city tours offered by hotels and resorts like Adaaran Club Rannalhi. When you first see it from the outside you won't believe that this is one of the most beautiful mosques in the nation, but don't judge a book by its cover. The building made out of coral stone houses a stunning interior.
When visiting the mosque, make sure to be dressed modestly for you will not be granted access if not.
Right across the street from the Hukuru Miskiiy is the Mulee-age Palace. This grand building has quite a story behind it. Completed in 1919, the palace was built by Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddeen III for his son and future heir, Prince Hassan Izzuddin. The palace was designed according to the colonial style of architecture that was trending at the time in the neighbouring country of Sri Lanka. After completing his studies in the Sri Lankan capital city of Colombo, the prince returned to the country in 1920 and settled down in the palace. The prince was said to host many parties and numerous dance and musical performances, just for his entertainment. Unfortunately, the palace was his home only till 1934 as in that year he was banished to an isolated island where he stayed until his death.
Today, the Mulee-age Palace, meaning ''new house of Muli' in the local tongue, is used as the Official Residence of the Maldivian President, and visitors are allowed to see it only externally.
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.
