Male
is the capital of Maldives and can be considered as the smallest capital in
the world with an area of 1.77 square kms. It can also be called as the
commercial capital of Maldives, however marked by the Islamic arrival it was
once called an 'island of sultans'.
Male's scenic beauty makes it the most famous amongst the tourists
specially the honeymooners. Surrounded by water on all sides it may sound
absurd but Male has absolutely no beaches, instead seawalls surround all its
sides. However an artificial beach has been made now which is popular in the
evenings to hangout and also for jogging.
The city has high rise buildings and streets have trees on either sides
making the place very green and cool also every street is carpeted with
white coral sand. To do justice to its increasing population an island of
Vilingili has been added to Male as an extension recently.
Fact File
Official name : Male’
Population : 50,000
Languages: Dhivehi. English
Climate : The summer never ends here so its quite warm throughout
the year however the temperature varies on arrival of monsoons. The annual
average temperature is between 28-32 degree celcius.
The Maldives have a hot tropical climate. There are two monsoons, the
southwest from May to October and the northeast from November to April.
Generally the southwest brings more wind and rain in June and July. The
temperature rarely falls below 25°C (77°F). The best time to visit
is November to Easter.
Official Currency : Mal. Ruffian or Maldives Rufiyaa (MVR) = 3.3984
Indian Rupee(INR) = 0.07813 US Dollar($) = 0.06441 Euro (subject to change).
Location : Male’ is a small island in the Indian Ocean which is
located in the Male’ Atoll.
Getting There
By
Air : Hulule International (MLE) (Malé) on Hulule Island is 2km
(1.2 miles) from Malé (travel time by boat - 15 minutes). Boats from
the various island resorts meet each arriving plane to take visitors to
their accommodation.
Getting Around
An Inter Atoll Travel Permit is required to visit islands outside the
tourist zone, and the Ministry of Atolls Administration will only issue them
to those whose visit is sponsored by a resident of the island concerned.
By Air : Air Maldives, the small national airline, has regular
flights to the four air strips in the outer atolls. Helicopters and
seaplanes are used to transfer guests to some of the remoter resorts.
Local transport :
--Dhoni, a traditional all-purpose vessel now usually powered by a diesel
engine.
--Vedis, larger boats, used for longer trips to outer atolls.
--Safari cruises in modified, live-aboard dhonis are increasingly popular,
especially with dive groups who want to reach more remote sites
--Taxis, motorcycles and bicycles are available in the capital.
Accommodation
The city provides with a wide variety of hotels which ensure a comfortable
stay to the tourists. Here is a list of some of the hotels in the city:
Vili Varu Island Resort (5 star)
One and Only Reethi Rah Resort(5 star)
Soneva Gili Resort & Spa(5 star)
Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa(4 star)
Meeru Island Resort (4 star)
Thulhagiri Island Resort (4 star)
Bolifushi Island Resort(3 star)
Sun Island Resort (2 star)
Major tourist attractions
The Islamic Centre – This three storied Islamic centre is an
important and the most famous landmark of Male. Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad
Thakurufaanu-al-A'z'am is the biggest Mosque of Maldives which can entertain
5000 worshippers at a time. It is also called as the centre's Grand Friday
Mosque. Its Golden Dome is decorated with beautiful woodcarving and Arabic
calligraphy on the inside.
Hukuru
Miskiy – This is an Old Friday Mosque dates back to 1656 during the
rule of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar. It has beautiful carvings done on its
interior and exterior walls with coral stones and Arabic calligraphy.
Sultan Park and the National Museum - What today stands as the
National Museum was once the part of a Sultan's Palace and the Palace
grounds have been converted into a park for the Public. The standout item
that is displayed in the museum is the coral stone head of Lord Budhha which
dates back to 11 century and an engraved wooden panel from Hukuru Miskiy.
Jumhooree Maidan (Republic square) – This is the favorite
hangout place for the people and especially the children. This green
carpeted expanse with its lush vegetation is often used for social
gatherings and relaxation.
Other Attractions
Tomb of Mohammed Thakurufaanu
Mulee-Aage ( Former Presidential Palace and currently President's office)
Medhu Ziyaarath (Shrine of Abu al Barakaath Yusuf al Barbari who converted
Maldives to Islam)
Munnaaru (White minaret part of Hukuru Miskiy)
Male's Fish market
The Local Market
