Although the promise of total relaxation, the pristine sandy beaches, the beautiful reefs and the stunning luxury resorts that surround the islands, are usually what draw holidaymakers to the Maldives, there is much more to see! The islands offer a number of sights that are definitely not to be missed during your holiday, and here is an overview of six of our very favourite and definitely recommended attractions.
Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque) Overview
If you love checking out historical attractions on your vacations, and diving into a country’s past, then Hukuru Miskiy should definitely top your list when visiting the Maldives. The Hukuru Miskiy, also known as the Old Friday Mosque, is the oldest mosque you will find on the islands dating back to 1658. Under the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskander. Beautifully carved coral stone covers the outside walls of this mosque, whilst if you take a look inside you’ll be able to appreciate the woodcarvings.
Utheemu Ganduvaru Overview
Another attraction that will give you an insights into the Maldives Islands’ past history is Utheemu Ganduvaru. This is a wooden palace, located on Utheemu Island, and it is the place where Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu was born and grew up in. Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu is remembered for having fought a fifteen-year war to evict the Portuguese from Maldives.
National Art Gallery Overview
If you are into culture and art, then you will be pleased to learn that the Maldives offers visitors an insight into the island’s most renowned artworks at The National Art Gallery of Maldives. The gallery was founded by the Government of Maldives in 1999 to showcase Maldivian and international art works. The gallery is located in Male, in The Museum Building of the Sultan’s Park. It is open Sunday through to Thursday from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Muleeaage & Medhu Ziyaarath
Another spot in the Maldives, which gives you an insight to the Islands’ rich history, is the Muleeaage. This was built in the early 20th century, as the palace for the sultan, however was used as government offices for around 40 years, before becoming the official residence of the President of the Maldives in 1953. It lost this title to Theemuge in 1994, but become the presidential residence again in 2009.
The grand and spectacular Muleeaage, which can only be appreciated from the outside, as it is not open to visitors, can be found right at the centre of Male, close to the Friday Mosque and the Grand Minaret of Male.
At the eastern end of the Muleeaage, behind an ornate blue-and-white gatehouse, one can find the Medhu Ziyaarath, which is the tomb of Abul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary, who brought Islam to Male in 1153.
Banana Reef
Of course, besides some historical and cultural attractions, our list could not be complete without the mention of one of the most famous and sought after diving sites: the Banana Reef. This is a protected area well known for the unique diving experience in can provide, as well as the fantastic marine life it is home to. So if you’re an avid diver and are visiting the Maldives, this is surely a sight you cannot miss. Snorkelling is also possible in some areas of the Banana Reedf and will enable visitors to enjoy the splendid corals and various marine life including groper, jackfish, and sharks among others.
Fish & Local Market
Finally, if you want a look into the local way of life, you must visit the fish and local market in Male. This is a truly lively and rich market, where various different kinds of fish are sold, and is a place where you can watch Maldivian life in action.
As you can see, if you want a break from relaxing on the beach, or simply want to dive a bit more into the Maldives Island’s rich past and history, there are various sights to enjoy.