Male', the capital of Maldives boasts an array of scenic sites that
should feature on the itinerary of any visitor. Male contains many
prominent mosques and noteworthy museums, with the latter including some
artefacts obtained by Thor Heyerdahl when he visited the islands.
The National Museum in Male is one of the tourist attractions in
Maldives which is of particular merit, and it is situated on Sultan’s
Park, an attraction in itself. The National Museum displays precious
memorabilia dating from the days of the Sultanate, including palanquins,
thrones, statues and other artifacts.
The Grand Friday Mosque is the most significant place of worship in
the Maldives, with its splendid design and lofty proportions drawing a
steady stream of visitors. A relic of the 17th century created by Sultan
Ibrahim Iskandhar the mosque can accommodate 5,000 persons.
The Esjehi Art Gallery is a storehouse of artistic treasures that is
located within the most imposing and venerable buildings in the island
nation. Here the visitor will find diverse historical and cultural
treasures making a visit an enthralling experience.
For a true taste of the local cultural experience, make it a point to
visit the Maldives Fish Market, which in addition to fish offers fresh
vegetables, fruits and other produce. The market is an ideal location to
observe the fishing activities of the islands, one of its mainstays
before the development of tourism.
