Joanna James
The capital of the Maldives, Male, was the cornerstone of an empire and still bears its remnants. Previously known as the king's island, Male now is a tourist destination brimming with attractions.
The ancient mosque has history that goes back to1656. The mosque is built of coral stone. On the walls are Qur'anic quotes and other intricate decorations chiselled into them. If non-Muslims wish to see the inside of the mosque, permission should be obtained from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs – most of the staff at the mosque are ministry workers, so tourists don't have to worry on that score.
The building might not be aesthetically pleasing; however, the importance of the place is beyond reckoning. The National Museum of the Maldives holds a valuable collection of historical artefacts that string together the story of the country's isolated islands. The unfortunate incident – a mob broke into the building and destroyed some of the artefacts – that took place in 2012 robbed the museum of its Buddhist coral carvings. But the museum still houses numerous pieces pertaining to the country's history.
The capital of the country is home to a number of resorts and hotels like Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. You should take advantage of your stay in Male and enjoy the delights of a Maldives beach resort.
The Maldives fell victim to the tragic disaster, Tsunami, in 2004. Many people lost their lives, and as a tribute to them, a monument was built near the pier. You can visit the place in remembrance of the lost lives. There are also many shops surrounding the monument, and it is located a few paces away from the fish market.
Another Male attraction – though not so much of an attraction on account of the public gutting of the fish and smell of entrails – the Fish Market is a must-visit if you want a total Male experience. You can see fishermen bring in their daily bounty and it could be great fun watching.
The beach is built so that locals can go for a swim and enjoy a day at the beach. There are many food-cafes lining the beach where you can enjoy bits of the local cuisine.
Watersports are the main attraction of the Maldives. During your stay in Male, learn snorkelling and diving at one of the training centres. You can also have a day of fishing or go for a boat trip and lagoon tour.
The Maldivian cuisine is greatly inspired by Sri Lankan and Indian cuisines. If you love curry-based meals and don't mind the spicy and tangy flavours, hop into one of the restaurants and enjoy the delights of the local cuisine.
The bridge is the link between Male and Hulhule. It was created with the endorsement of China to strengthen the relations between the two countries. A whopping US$250 was poured into the construction of it. The breathtaking piece of engineering goes over the open sea, which is where the attraction lies.
The mosque was built in 1984 with the help of other Islamic countries. The golden dome that tops the mosque is the main point of interest. Tourists wishing to visit the mosque are allowed inside between 9 am and 5 pm.
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.
