Tipped to be one of Asia’s premier holiday hubs, the island archipelago of the Maldives is often described as a modern-day paradise of truly biblical proportions. With resort islands making up its breathtaking landscapes, this coral island nation is the Venice of the east, with stunning beaches dominating its coastlines. The capital city of Male is no less intriguing with historic monuments and iconic structures lining its confines along with premium recreational and leisure facilities as well as lush natural spaces. Located in the island of Male, the capital is a bustling metropolis of 100,000 inhabitants and the 1.7km long and 1km width island is a breeze to navigate due to its quaint size.
Some of its must-visit locales include its premier cultural institutions such as the Friday Mosque known as Hukuru Miskiiy. Constructed in 1656, the Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I-commissioned building is an architectural marvel for the ages with ornamental carvings and intricate Arabic calligraphy decorating its elegant interiors. The Islamic Centre is another highlight as the massive complex capped with golden domes is the largest mosque in the entire country and has the capacity to house 5,000 visitors. Jumhooree Maidhaan or the Republic Square is located near the Islamic Centre and is a leisure parkland of monumental national significance. Identified by the large flagpole at its centre, this national gathering point is of tremendous cultural importance to Maldivians as many a demonstration and red letter event has been conducted here.
Nature lovers and history buffs alike will enjoy a tour of the Sultan Park and the Maldives National Museum, which lies within its grounds. Housed within the only surviving palace structure in the city, the museum showcases the proud heritage of the Maldivian people with royal belongings, ancient photographic displays, and other noteworthy relics. The scenic park surrounding the museum is a popular public park space for the masses, littered with flowers in bloom and shady trees.
Shopping enthusiasts on the other hand can explore the Male Market where hawkers sell everything under the sun in a bustling environment full of colour and personality. Other must-visit retail hubs in Male include the State Trading Organization market and Majeedhee Magu, Male’s own Orchard Road while the South West Harbour region is ideal for fine dining options and trendy cafés .
Travellers on the lookout for Maldives luxury resorts after a busy tenure of sightseeing should consider parking their bags at the Cocoa Island Maldives. Providing guests within the best in contemporary comforts, this plush Maldives resort pulls out all the stops when it comes to unforgettable holiday experiences in paradise.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.
