Joanna James
Profuse with many attractions, the capital city of the Maldives offers its admirers a unique and unprecedented experience. For those who look for originality, here's a list of things to do.
Rich with artefacts which are spread over three floors, the National Museum thrives on taking its visitors on a journey through history and culture. While the first floor is heavy with religious artefacts and weaponry, the second floor gives shelter to exhibits pertaining to the modern era. History enthusiasts looking for their regular fill of historic fascination will undoubtedly find the museum to their taste.
If you've been engulfed in all the kerfuffle of the city life, you could refresh your knackered self by taking a dip in the azure waters of the man-made beach. Located on the east side of the island, the beach is frequently visited by tourists and locals. With two fine restaurants coupled with the soothing sea breeze, the beach furnishes you with a few hours of tranquillity.
Your holiday in the Maldives is a great opportunity for a spot of retail therapy. If you visit the main shopping street, which spans over the length of Male, you are offered with an array of outlets selling a diverse range of merchandise. Looking for something to add to your travel memorabilia? Check, looking to buy some a few gift items for those back home? Check – from garments to handcrafted items and dried fish chips to various fragrances, this shopping street spoils its visitors with choices.
To admire great architecture entangled with the religious charm, visit the Grand Friday Mosque. Cited as the biggest mosque and the most important, the Grand Friday Mosque is constructed with pure white marble with a golden dome topping it. Garnished with a view of the sea, the mosque should be on your list of things to do.
As a tourist destination, the Maldives has given rise to the likes of Dhigali Maldives and various other establishments. So, while you are on tour in Male, make yourself available to the indulgences of room and villas in the city.
This has to be the quintessential way of enjoying the Maldives in its essence. The country is blessed with the surrounding Indian Ocean, thus providing its inhabitants and visitors with the gift of marine activities. Submarine tours are among the most sought-after aquatic sports – the tour goes on for about 45 minutes and takes you plunging into the midst of enchanting coral reef and masses of colourful fish.
One of the best things to do in Male is to visit the local fish market. You can see the locals' knack of haggling and gain some insight into their way of life. One of the fascinating and eventful places in Male, the fish market is regarded as the soul of the city. With an assortment of freshly caught fish on sale, the fish market should be visited by anyone seeking to have an authentic Maldivian experience.
If you take an interest in history, the Old Friday Mosque will definitely come off as a must visit. Built in the year of 1658, the mosque was also accoladed by UNESCO complimenting its fascinating architecture. The wooden panels and the lacquer work that embellish the interior and exterior are deserving of your admiration.
Located within close proximity to the man-made beach, the Tsunami monument should be visited by all visitors out of respect for the lives lost in 2004. Furthermore, with its ingenious design and structure, the grand monument hails as a must-visit in the Maldives.
Stroll amongst the massive trees and lily ponds in the Sultan Park, the green oasis of Male is just the way to get yourself away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Also, the play area and the fountain that shoots patterns into the air while changing colour will make you and your kids awe-struck.
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.
