Undiscovered Male leaves you wanting for more!
Male’ is the capital city of the Maldives and the seat of the executive, legislature and judicial branches of the government of the Maldives. Male’ is also the financial and commercial capital of the country. Accordingly major government offices, banks and businesses are based on Male’.
Male’
city is one of the most densely populated cities of the world. Administratively
neighboring islands of Villingili and Hulhumale’ are considered as
constituencies of Male’ City. Hulhumale’ is an artificially reclaimed island.
Access and accommodations
You can reach the bustling capital of the
Maldives via ferry boats operated round the clock between the airport island
Hulhule’ and Male’ City. There are luxury and budget hotels offering accommodation in the capital. Numerous classy guest
houses have also opened up in neighbouring Hulhumale’ and Villingili islands
reachable through ferry boats and speed launch transfers.
Attractions
Republic Square
Once you reach Male’ you will be greeted by a giant
flag located in the Republic Square proudly displaying the national colours of
the Maldives. This square has a small park where locals and visitors hang-out.
The Republic Square is found close to the north shore of Male’.
Right next to the Republic Square
you will find the Headquarters of the Maldivian National Defence Force and
Maldivian Police Service. The Islamic Centre is also found next to the square.
Islamic Centre
The Islamic Centre opened in 1984, is a popular
attraction for tourists. The Islamic Centre is known for excellent architecture
fused with traditional Maldivian and Islamic concepts. The magnificent golden
domes of the Centre ornament the skyline of Male’. The interior of the
mosque is adorned with intricate wood carvings and Arabic calligraphy.
The building houses the largest mosque in the
Maldives named after the national hero of the country Sultan Muhammad
Thakurufaanu Al Auzam. It also has a large conference hall, numerous offices
and an Islamic library.
Friday Mosque
The Friday Mosque is a testament to Maldivian craftsmanship. The
mosque was originally built in 1658. The Friday Mosque was mainly built using
coral stones. These coral stones display elaborate stone carvings. This
historic building preserves to this day traditional Maldivian art forms like
wood carvings and lacquer works.A coral stone minaret is located next to the
mosque building. This minaret was previously the tallest minaret in the
Maldives. A 17th century cemetery
surrounds the Friday Mosque. Gravestones in this cemetery display intricate
stone carving. The Friday Mosque is included in the tentative list of UNESCO
World Heritage Sites.
Medhu Ziyaarai Shrine
This shrine is found a few steps away from the
Friday Mosque. According to local legend, this shrine is the final resting
place of the Moroccan Islamic scholar who is credited with introducing Islam to
the nation. The name of the scholar is Abul Barakaath Yoosuf al Barbaree.
Sultan Park
Sultan Park is located in front of the
Republican Monument unveiled to mark 30 years of independence. The Sultan Park
is the best public spot in Male’. Large trees and colourful flowers create a
welcoming feel. Previously the Sultan Park site housed Maldivian Royal Palaces.
National Museum
The National Museum was first opened in 1952. However, the place
underwent a major revamping process and a brand new National Museum was opened
in 2010. The museum preserves a wealthy collection of items.Artifacts and
relics from pre- Islamic period to post Islamic period are displayed here.
Regal dresses and items associated with Maldivian royalty can be explored. A
rich collection depicting Maldivian craftsmanship and artistry is also
displayed. You will even have the chance to discover moon rocks in the museum.
Tsunami Monument
The Tsunami Monument is located in the southwest corner of
Male’. This monument commiserates the devastation caused to the Maldives by the
2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami. Many lives were lost and inhabited
islands were decimated that day. The stainless steel structure has round
circles representing the number of the people killed during the Tsunami.A visit
to the Maldives is not complete without visiting the epicentre of the country.
Indulge in shopping in various markets and shops spread across Male’. Feast
from excellent restaurants and cafes offering international and local cuisine.
Comments
Post a Comment