The city of Male in the Maldives serves as the de facto administrative and commercial hub of the whole nation. The city of Male is distinguished by its high level of urbanisation and has the title of “city with the highest population density” on the global stage. The city is home to a pretty unique assortment of individuals that come from a variety of various cultural backgrounds and manage to coexist together. The city of Male is a traveler’s dream because to the various regional attractions, delectable food, and fascinating culture. Male’ is a popular destination for visitors from all over the globe due to the city’s well-kept streets and parks, as well as the kind and welcoming nature of the local population.
Male’ is a stunning city that offers a one-of-a-kind blend of historical significance and stunning natural beauty. When it comes to advancement in a broad number of different areas, the city is at the forefront of the movement. The city serves as the centre of economic activity and trade in the Maldives. Because of the crucial role that tourism plays in the economy of this city, every convenience imaginable is made available to visitors that pay a visit. Each year, Male’ continues to draw in large numbers of visitors because to the city’s well-paved roadways, its tree-lined avenues, and its architecturally stunning structures.
Tourist Attractions in Male’
Huskuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque)
The Huskuru Miskiiy is the most famous landmark in Male’ and is widely considered to be a masterpiece of both local craftsmanship and coral sculpting. This mosque was constructed in 1656 by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar, and it has finely carved Arabic lettering as well as light hangings that give it a magnificent appearance. The neighbourhood that surrounds the mosque is well-known for the beautiful headstone carvings that can be seen there. The minaret that serves as the entryway to the mosque is a stunning example of Islamic art. The hefty oak doors and the coral walls of the mosque both contribute to the building’s status as a one-of-a-kind piece of architecture in the globe.
Islamic Center
Visitors to Male are treated to a wonderful sight in the form of the Islamic Center, which is a great architectural icon in this city. The Islamic Center in Los Angeles, which first opened its doors in 1984, is a huge structure that can accommodate significant national and international conventions. The expansive space is frequently used for the performance of important ceremonies and the holding of meetings. The Islamic Center has the Grand Friday Mosque as one of its buildings. The Islamic Center is home to a sizable number of offices as well as a library that is comprehensively filled with books.
Grand Friday Mosque
The Grand Friday Mosque is the largest mosque in all of Maldives and a popular tourist destination in the capital city of Male. The Grand Friday Mosque is renowned all over the globe as a stunning example of Islamic architecture due to the extraordinary effort that was put into its creation. The building’s distinctive golden dome helps it stand out among the other structures in Male’s skyline. A remarkable number of worshipers, more than 5000 at one time, may be accommodated within the mosque due to its expansive size. The mosque is a popular destination for tourists from all over the globe, who flock in their hundreds to admire this stunning structure.
Sultan’s Park
Prior to its transformation into a republic, the Maldives existed as a sultanate in the past. As part of the process of the Maldives transitioning from a monarchy to a republic, the Sultan’s palace in Male’ was destroyed with the exception of one structure, and the land was turned into what is now called Sultan’s Park. One of the finest examples of a public space in Male’ is this gorgeously landscaped park, which is abundant in both flowers and trees. In the Sultan’s Park, visitors will come across a diverse array of horticultural treats. Within the grounds of the Sultan’s Park may be seen a structure that houses the National Museum.
National Museum
Amazing collections may be found throughout the National Museum, making it a veritable treasure trove. The structure, which is designed in the manner of a colonial mansion, houses objects and treasures that shed light on the rich history and culture of the Maldives. In the collections, you will discover one-of-a-kind objects like as the ceremonial robes, umbrellas, headgears, and guns that were once used by the Sultans. In addition to that, there are antiques such as thrones and palanquins that belonged to previous monarchs of the Maldives. There are objects here that have been traced back to the 11th century and are now on exhibit.
Mulee-aage
The breathtaking Mulee-aage, which serves as the present location of the President’s office, can be found smack dab in the middle of Male’. Before the start of the First World War, Sultan Shamsudeen III constructed the first version of the structure. After the Sultan of Maldives and his son were exiled from the country in 1936, the structure was subsequently recognised as belonging to the government. After the country of Maldives became a republic in 1953, the building in question was designated to serve as the Official Residence of the President of Maldives. The structure serves as the location for a significant number of formal events. In addition to that, it provides lodging for notable dignitaries from other countries who are in the Maldives.
Medhu Ziyaaraiy
The most respected location in all of Male’ is known as Medhu Ziyaaraiy. A Moroccan scholar named Abu-al Barakath Yusuf al Barbaree is commemorated by the tomb, which also serves as his shrine. It is said that Abu-al Barakath was the one responsible for introducing Islam to the nation in the year 1153 AD. The tomb may be found in Male in a location that, in years gone by, served as the heart of the city. In 1909, Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddin undertook an extensive renovation of the opulent edifice.
Tomb of Mohammed Takurufaanu
Within the grounds of the Bihuroazu Kamanaa Miskijy is where you can find the Tomb of Mohammed Takurufaanu, who is considered to be one of the most revered heroes of the Maldives. After conquering Sultan Ali VI in 1558, the Portuguese established their dominion over the Maldives. They held it for a period of 15 years until being driven out by Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu, who eventually freed it from Portuguese rule. The day when the Maldives were freed from Portuguese domination is commemorated as the country’s National Day. This day occurs on the first day of the Islamic month of Rabeeu’l Awwal and is considered an important historical event.
Produce Market
One of the most interesting and alluring places in Male’ is the produce market or the local market. The fine green mesh that seems to be adorning practically all of the doors and windows in this area is something that stands out as a distinctive characteristic of the market. The whole of the market is separated into several smaller booths, each of which sells regional goods that are sourced from a certain atoll in the Maldives. This location often has a wide variety of locally grown fruits and veggies for sale. In addition, guests have the opportunity to purchase for sweetmeats, breadfruit chips, almonds, pickles, bananas, and other candies and snacks.
Fish Market
The Male’ Fish Market may be found along the shoreline at the city’s most northernmost section. It is regarded as the centre of commercial activity and is the scene of frenetic activity at all hours of the day. Dhonis, or local fishing boats, travel from all over the Maldives to dump their catches of dried fish here. Tuna is one of the most sought-after catches. Unloaded here are also fresh fruits and vegetables that are available for purchase. The market is disinfected every day and maintained in extremely good condition in spite of the fact that it is always crowded with people from all parts of the world as well as residents of the area.
Whale Submarine
Since the introduction of the Whale Submarine, visitors to the Maldives no longer need to be certified divers to see the enchanted underwater world that was previously accessible only to them. It is the biggest and deepest diving submarine in the world and is designed specifically for tourist use. From the luxury of its air conditioning, you will have the opportunity to take in the views of exquisite tropical fish and lovely coral reefs. It has the capacity to dive to a depth of 492 feet with up to fifty people. It has been outfitted with components that provide the highest possible level of protection to both the crew and the passengers.
Artificial Beach
Before the creation of the Artificial Beach at this location, the capital city of Male did not have a beach, despite the fact that the Maldives is endowed with numerous magnificent beaches. This beautiful beach attracts a large number of visitors every year who come to take advantage of its inviting waters. Children and their parents come here to enjoy themselves while playing in the water. The lack of a suitable location for leisure activities was the impetus behind the development of an artificial beach in Male’. In addition to swimming, guests may participate in a broad range of other sports, enjoy live entertainment, and watch game shows at this location.
Hans Hass Place
On the westernmost point of Galhu Falhu, facing the Vadhoo Channel, is a place called Hans Hass Place, which is also referred to as the Kikki Reef. Because of its diverse marine life and beautiful coral reef, it draws a lot of visitors every year. Due to the fact that the water here is almost transparent and the visibility extends to a depth of 5 m, snorkelling is particularly enjoyable at this location. Even inexperienced divers will be able to explore the diverse marine life that resides in this area when the currents are not very strong.
Lion’s Head
Within Vandhoo Kandu is where you’ll find the protected marine region known as Lion’s Head. It is well-known for the stunning coral gardens that can be seen there. In addition to caves and overhangs, tourists may explore reef tops that drop down to a depth of approximately three metres. It is widely considered to be one of the best diving spots in the Maldives. Divers have the opportunity to see a broad range of marine life, including sharks, tuna, napoleon wrasses, red-toothed triggers, and the world-famous Hawksbill turtles. On the reef wall, you may also come across different types of aquatic life, such as octopuses, sponges, and lobsters.
Vilingili
Vilingili is a stunning island that was added to the Maldives to accommodate the city of Male’s growing population. Vilingili, like like the rest of the Maldives, is home to stunning examples of the country’s natural beauty. Vilingili is a popular destination for visitors due to the city’s lush green streets and tropical environment. Vilingili is home to a sizable number of hotels and dining establishments spread out around the city. One of the most visited places in the Maldives, this stunning island is known for its friendly locals as well as its fishing vessels. In addition to this, there is a regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO) that operates from the island.
Hulhule
Hulhule is an island that is found in close proximity to the nation’s capital, Male. Due to the fact that Male’ International Airport is situated on the island of Hulhule, the island serves as the de facto entry to the Maldives. Prior to the construction of the airport on the island, a tribe of indigenous people known as the Giravaru called the place home. They were reclassified as Male’ in 1968 as a result of an Islamic edict that said a community could not be recognised if it included less than forty adult men.
