Male
The capital city of Maldives, Male remains the hub for trading and bureaucracy in the state. Sprawling over an area of 5.8 sq. km, Male is a heaven for those having a fascination with history. Travel enthusiasts flock here from all over the world to fall in love with its pleasant ambience, perfect looking beaches, vibrant buildings, and abundance of entertainment options.
While talking about tourist attractions in Male, the name of Old Friday Mosque always tops the list. This is the oldest mosque in Maldives with history going back to 1656. The mosque is known for its unmatched lacquer work and intricate woodcarvings.? Non-Muslims need special permission from an official of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to enter the mosque premises. Grand Friday Mosque or Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam is another prominent religious site in Maldives. This is a major Islamic Centre and flaunts a unique work of architecture. The mosque features a golden colour dome dominating the skyline of Male.
To walk down the memory lanes, National Museum is another puller in Male. The museum has displays of well-labelled collection of momentous artefacts. Some of the its most significant displays include 30 ancient Buddhist coral stone carvings belong to pre-Islamic period of Maldives. There are many exhibits which take you back into the ancient and medieval periods of Maldives. See country’s first gramophone, an impressive marine collection, and much more.
China-Maldives Friendship Bridge also catches the fancy of every vacationer visiting Male. This is a masterpiece of engineering linking Male to the airport island of Hulhule. This 2.1 km long bridge offers picturesque views of the surrounding open sea.
Beach lovers must spend some time at the beautiful Artificial Beach. This little crescent sand beach is dotted with numerous fast-food cafes, serving local delicacies to the beach goers.
Understand the local cultures by visiting the Fish Market here. It is your chance to interact with locals and get familiar with their cultures.
