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| SPOTLIGHT | | Tropical
beaches and jungle, Wildlife, natural heritage and sun-kissed islands. |
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What to See at Maldives
Maldives tourism offers all tourists a spectacular tour of Maldives islands, sprinkled
on the waters of Indian Ocean.
Almost all visitors to Maldives arrive
by air. Malé International Airport, situated in Hulhule Island, conducts regular
international and domestic flights.
Once you arrive in the islands,
there are special boats called Dhonis and Vedis and seaplanes and helicopters
to transfer you to various islands and other places of interest.
Air
Maldives, the national carrier, operates regular flights to the domestic airports
at Hanimaadhoo, Kadhdhoo, Kaadedhdhoo and Gan.
Male' fish market The
main commercial area of Male' is located on the northern waterfront of Male'.
This area is the main hub of trade and is a hive of activity through out the day.
The waterfront and the by-lanes in the area are crowded with shops stocked with
a variety of goods. Also in the area are the Male' Fish Market and the Local Market
selling a range of local produce. While some 'dhonis' from all corners of the
country unload dried fish, fresh fruits and vegetables from the atolls others
are seen loading everything from foodstuffs to construction materials. The pace
increases in mid-afternoon as fishing 'dhonis' start returning with their day's
catch. The catch, mainly tuna are carried across the road into the open-sided
market and laid out on the tiled floors. As fast as the fish are brought in they
are bought and taken away by men from all walks of life. The market is kept scrupulously
clean, washed down each day and disinfected.
The Islamic Centre
The
Islamic Centre is the most vivid architectural landmark of Male'. You would see
the spectacular golden dome in all its majesty dominating the skyline, as you
approach Male', from any direction. The building symbolizes the importance of
Islamic religion, which had ruled all aspects of life in the country for centuries.
Completed in 1984, the Centre consists of a mosque big enough for 5000 people,
an Islamic library, conference hall, classrooms and offices.
The Local
Market
The Local Market, just a block away from the Male' Fish Market
on the northern waterfront, is divided into small stalls. Here the pace is slower
and the atmosphere peaceful, compared to the hectic activity in the rest of this
neighborhood. Each stall is filled with a variety of local produce mainly from
the atolls. Here you will find different kinds of local vegetables, fruits and
yams, packets of sweetmeat, nuts and breadfruit chips, bottles of home made sweets
and pickles and bunches of bananas hanging on coir ropes from ceiling beams. Another
building just next door sells smoked and dried fish.
Huskuru Miskiiy
Built in the 17th century the Huskuru Miskiiy or Friday Mosque served
the population of Male' as their main mosque for almost four centuries, until
the Islamic Centre and Grand Friday Mosque took over the function in 1984. Built
by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar in 1656 the mosque is a masterpiece of coral curving
and traditional workmanship - probably the best display of coral curving anywhere
in the world. The walls of the mosque are hewn together with blocks of filigree-curved
coral blocks. Heavy wooden doors slide open to the inner sanctums with lamp hangings
of wood and panels intricately curved with Arabic writings. The area surrounding
the mosque is a cemetery with a legion of intricately curved coral headstones.
The Munnaaru or minaret in front of the mosque, used to call the faithful to prayer
was built in 1675 by the same Sultan.
Mulee-aage
Right in
front of the Hukuru Miskiiy is Mulee-aage, a palace built in 1906 by Sultan Mohamed
Shamsuddeen III, replacing a house dating back to the mid-17th century. The palace
with its wrought iron gates and fretwork friezes on its roof edges and well-kept
garden was intended for his son, but the Sultan was deposed. During World War
II vegetables were grown in its garden to help relieve food shortages. It became
the President's Official Residence when Maldives became a republic in 1953 and
remained so until 1994, when the new Presidential Palace was built. At present
Mulee-aage houses the President's Office.
The National Museum
The
National Museum is housed in the only remaining building of the former Sultan's
Palace, which is now the Sultan's Park. It is an Edwardian colonial-style building
of three storey, fairly low key from the outside compared to the amazing collection
inside. The articles on display range from thrones and palanquins used by former
sultans to the first printing press used in the country, the rifle used by Mohamed
Thakurufaanu in his fight against the Portuguese in the 16th century, ceremonial
robes, headgear and umbrellas used by Sultans to statues and other figures dating
from 11th century, excavated from former temples. A variety of artifacts from
times past would give an idea of the unique and rich culture and history of this
island nation. A visit to the museum gives an instant insight to the wealth of
history most visitors never suspect existed. No longer will you think of the Maldives
solely in terms of a tourist destination. The museum is open daily except Friday
and public holidays from 9.00 to 11.40 and 3.00 to 5.40. A small fee is charges
for admission | |
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