Culture of Male Atoll. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Diving Maldives: Sunset All the main sights of the Maldives are right here on North Male Atoll; and, certainly, the major amount of it is in the capital. So, one of the must-visit places is the Sudan Palace. This magnificent building was built in the 20th century for Muhammad Shamsuddeen III, Sultan’s heir. Unfortunately, his family didn’t manage to live there for long owing to the coup d’etat in 1936 when the Colonial-style building was nationalized. Today, the palace is the residence of several government services, official receptions are held here and, besides, the country’s special guests stay in chambers during their visits.
North Male Atoll is mostly populated with people from South Asia and the Middle East. Also, Indians, Indonesians and Saudis also live here. The capital of the island has the highest … Open
Then, go to the National Museum, its exposition covers a part of the Palace’s halls and peculiarly presents local folk handicrafts, period costumes, Sultan’s and his family’s personal belongings. It’s the best way to explore culture and history of the Maldives. The museum is located in Sultan Park, Malé 20026.
One more fascinating historic building is the Male Presidential Palace. It’s located right in the centre of the island – the commercial area (Orchid Magu, Malé 20208). Rich décor, as well as national motives and untypical architecture, distinguishes the palace from other constructions. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
North Male Atoll offers its guests perfect conditions for water sports and beach vacation. For example, it’s, of course, diving. There are several wonderful marine reserves in the … Open
Capital city – Malé is an attraction on its own as well. The city is especially breath-taking when you look at it from high up in the sky. You’ll be likely offered to have a helicopter excursion, and you should agree on it. Malé is pretty small, you can get around it for about literally an hour, nevertheless, it strikingly combines features of a modern metropolis.
Thulhaagiri If you come to the embankment, you’ll see Tsunami Monument dedicated to people whose lives were lost during the tsunami in 2004 when huge waves fully flooded several islands.

Also, don’t forget to visit a fish market in Malé. Basically, it’s pretty much like any other market, but on the other hand, sellers offer a great diversity of fishes and seafood and that amazes each tourist who comes to the Maldives. You can simply wander about and take a look at local fishermen’s catches and even buy a fish you’d like. In addition, most hotels would be pleased to cook what you’ve bought there on the market for you.
1. There are always holidays on North Male Atoll. It’s always warm here, and you won’t be trapped in your hotel room even during the rainy season, as it pours only in the night … Open
We also recommend you to visit Esjehi Art Gallery (National Library Medhuziyaarai Magu). It’s in an old mansion that used to belong to one of the officials, people now can enjoy seeing works of Maldivian artists and craftsmen there. Ceremonials and cultural events supporting traditional island’s crafts are held there too. People are able not only to watch paintings but also buy one of those for themselves.
A Blanket of Stars And, surely, one can’t miss majestic the Islamic Centre and the Grand Friday Mosque. Its golden dome can be seen from any point in the city. The enormous modern building was open in 1984 by the President of the Maldives personally. It’s located on Jumhooree Maidhaan square, tourists are allowed to visit it exceptionally in the appropriate clothes and, moreover, it’s closed for non-Muslim visitors during prayers. Apart from the mosque, there is also a library with a great variety of religious literature and a conference room.
Almost all islands of the atoll are available for beach holidays. Territory of some small atolls is fully occupied with hotel complexes, so some beaches are accessible only to hotel guests, … Open
There is one more historic monument near the Grand Friday Mosque – the Tomb Sultan Ibrahim. This small stone construction with the walls painted in a unique ornament was built in the 17th century. The tomb is in great condition, there was only one slight reconstruction of the foundation over the years. Presently, the tomb is considered to be one of the state’s national treasures.
Aerial view of North Malé Atoll, Maldives Another highly recommended place to go to is Jumhooree Maidhaan park not far from the Malé’s embankment. It was built a not long time ago, it’s citizens’ top favourite place to visit. Shaded pathways, lawns where one can just walk around or have a modest picnic – a perfect choice how to wait out a day heat. By the way, recently it was allowed to plant name trees, so anyone who wants so can so to speak leave a memory of them here on the island.
Upscale beach hotels represent the main pride of North Male, and each of them has its amazing features. Travelers who wish to spend a few days at a cozy villa should pay attention to Coco … Open
Concerning other islands of the atoll, there is a mosque on Huraa Island. It’s one of the oldest in the country.

Thilafushi is a rather ambiguous island that still attracts tourists. It’s a so-called rubbish island, it belongs to industrial enterprises and dirty industries. Its landscape is like a picture of the world after a man-made disaster.
A Night of a Thousand Stars There is one of the atoll’s the most gorgeous places on Vaadhoo – Sea of Stars. Planktons star glowing in the night-time and their unusual blue light creates fairy scenery.

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Iconic cultural sights of Maldives

Various events and conferences are held at the Islamic Center in Male. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and a rich library are located in the same building. It has 6 floors. It is located opposite the Presidential Palace. The Grand Mosque which is located at the Center is the largest in the Maldives and one of the largest in South Asia. It can accommodate about 5,000 people. It is quite difficult to imagine this in a small island country. The builders were not able to place the mosque so that it faced Mecca due to the terrain and dense development. Therefore, believers have to navigate using patterns on Pakistani carpets that cover the floor. You can also visit the National Gallery with works of local artists in Male. You have the opportunity to view administrative buildings here. This is the former presidential Palace (it is the courthouse today), the Parliament, and the office of the President. The presidential Palace of Mulee'aage was built in the early XX century. It is a sample of colonial architecture. … Open

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Male Atoll

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