Joanna James
While the allure of the Maldives may be its sun drenched beaches, there are other attractions in this island nation worth visiting as well. Here are five such sites worth heading to.
Those interested in getting an insight into the religious heritage of the Maldives can look to visit some of the country's historical sites such as the Hukuru Miskiiy or Old Friday Mosque in Male. This is the nation's oldest mosque and its origins go back to the mid 17th century. Amongst the fascinating aspects of this mosque are its architecture and design elements; the walls have been made utilising coral stone and contain ornate carvings and inscriptions from the Quran. If you can get permission to go inside you will see intricate woodcarvings and lovely lacquer work too. Tip; remember this is a sacred place of worship and if you wish to enter you need to be conservatively dressed.
Another attraction that can be found in the capital Male, the Grand Friday Mosque and the Islamic Centre have become main attractions as well. The largest mosque in the country and featuring a golden dome that glistens in the sun, this holy site is an ideal place to visit for those interested in architecture as well. Located across from the National Security Service Headquarters, this mosque has been constructed with white marble and makes for some great photos as part of your holidays in Maldives. Those appropriately dressed can enter the Grand Friday Mosque at particular times and get a chance to see its intricate interiors, a distinctive woven carpet and the large prayer hall which can hold up to 5,000 people.
The Maldives offers some of the best diving on the planet and has a plethora of dive sites that are rich in coral and marine life. While it is certainly hard to pick just one dive site, Manta Point is one of the standout options for divers since it offers the unique opportunity to get up close to manta rays. Located in the North Malé Atoll, Manta Point is where one can see many of these majestic marine species, especially from May to November. Excursions to such dive sites can be organised by local travel specialists like Vacation Maldives and offer a unique underwater adventure.
Set amidst scenic Sultan Park in Male, the National Museum of Maldives offers more insight into the country's heritage. Visitors to this museum can expect to see a variety of artefacts and exhibits pertaining to the nation's history be it items used by royalty, old coins, antique furniture or old weapons. There is even a section for marine related exhibits including a Longman's Beaked Whale skeleton.
To truly soak up some local culture, there is nothing like a visit to the Fish Market in Male; witness the arrival of traditional boats or dhonis followed by the day's catch being cleaned and taken to the market. The catch includes everything from tuna to octopus and the market offers a lively setting in which to see this fascinating aspect of local life.
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