Maldives
The Maldives Islands
Paradise awaits you... If your idea of
paradise is a pristine tropical island with swaying palm trees and pure white
beaches surrounded by crystalline lagoons of varying shades of blue – then the
Maldives Islands will definitely fit the bill.
Indeed, it is not without reason that
the Maldives Islands has been described as ‘(the) flower of the Indies’ by
Marco Polo and ‘one of the wonders of the world’ by Ibn Batuta.
It is no wonder that a large
percentage of tourists who come to the Maldives Islands are repeat visitors –
people who came once and fell so in love with the place that they simple had to
come again. The beauty of Maldives is indeed addictive. Once you sample the
heady mixture of secluded serenity, thrilling water sports activities, soothing
spas, relaxing beaches all wrapped in the luxurious comfort of modern amenities
– you are bound to want the experience again.
Sunny, unique and unspoiled,
the islands of Maldives offers you sunshine, no matter what time of the year
you decide to visit the Maldives – islands that are truly heaven on Earth.
Maldives AtollsMaldives Islands is an archipelago comprising 1,190 low-lying coral islands scattered across the equator, in groups of 26 naturally occurring atolls which are divided into 20 for administrative purposes.
The atolls of Maldives are in fact part of a greater structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge, which stretches over 2000 kilometres. The islands of Maldives are very low lying with the highest point at approximately 8 feet above sea level. 'Faru' or ring-shaped reef structures form the atolls and these provide natural defense against wind and wave action, on the delicate Maldives islands.An indication of the perfection of Maldives atoll structure is the fact that the word ‘atoll’ in the English Language – meaning ‘ring-shaped coral reef enclosing a lagoon’, is a borrowing from the Maldivian language ‘Dhivehi’.
Of the more than 2000 tropical islands that make the paradise that is Maldives, only about 200 are inhabited. Of the remaining islands about a 100 have been developed into exotic resort islands that offer tourists their own hideaway – hidden away from all the hectic hustle and bustle of city life.
The capital of Maldives – Malé, the seat of government and the centre of trade, commerce, business, health and education, is located in the middle of the atoll chain, a small island buzzing with the sounds and activities of more than 150,000 people which is more than one third of the population. Malé is perhaps the smallest urban capital in the whole world.
Where is MaldivesThe Maldives lies between latitudes 4 degree 17 North and longitudes 73 degree 50 East – a position where there is an abundance of sun all throughout the year, every year. The Maldives has always been a popular destination for travelers, especially seafarers because of its prime position en route to many trade destinations.
The total area of 90,000 square kilometers over which the islands of Maldives are spread, consists of sparkling sun-kissed beaches, palm-fringed islands, crystalline lagoons studded with multi-coloured corals and warm, azure seas with exotic marine life – a mesmerizing mixture that remains the same throughout the year, continue to enthrall visitors from far and wide.
Male’
- The capital
Male’ would certainly count as one of the smallest
capitals in the world in terms of its physical size. A third of the country’s
population, about 75,000 live in Male’. Different from any other island in the
country, Male’ is a city of high-rise buildings and paved roads. While the
government offices are located in one area, the main streets are lined with
shops and offices. In the old bazaar area which still houses the country’s hub
of wholesale and retail trade, the lanes are so narrow that a single vehicle
would find it difficult to navigate through, especially with its throngs of
busy people.There are no beaches on Male’; instead seawalls surround all its
sides. However, a newly landscaped artificial beach area and adjoining breakwater
stretching all the way round to the harbour in the southwest of the island
provide a pleasant jogging route, especially popular in the evenings when it is
cooler. Male’ is still relatively green and pleasant. The streets in the
residential areas are shaded with trees, at places forming an arch overhead. A
fair number of main streets are lined with big trees providing shade on both
sides. Even a stroll around it would offer interesting sites and shots for the
memories; the fish market and the local market at the northern waterfront, the
new harbour in the south-west corner and the 400-year old Friday Mosque, to
name a few. A stroll around the residential areas or shopping streets would
provide an insight into the life and livelihood of the residents of the
capital. Or simply sit down and relax at one of the small parks dotted around
the capital and just observe the pace of life. You may be surprised at the
large number of motorized vehicles in Male’. If you prefer, you could make a
tour of the capital by taxi. Many taxi centers operate a number of comfortable,
well-maintained taxis.
Shopping
Garments to Electronics
Shopping is the favorite activity for the locals especially in the
evenings, when it is cooler. The Majeedhee Magu, which is the main road on the
island, has along its sides various shops selling goods from the smallest
commodities to virtually everything you could think of. The shops are well
stocked with garments, perfumes and cosmetics, jewelry, watches or electronics,
to name just a few. Many find it a pleasant experience to join the throngs of
shoppers on the main shopping streets in the evenings. All shops are open until
11.00 in the night, except for prayer times, when they are closed for 15
minutes.
Fish products
Canned fish produced at the canning plant in Felivaru,
Lhaviyani Atoll is available in a number of shops in Male’. Tuna used for
canning are caught by the traditional pole and line method, as are all fish
caught in the Maldives, and therefore are ‘dolphin friendly’. Vacuum packed
smoked fish and chipped dried fish are also available in many super markets
around Male’. These genuine Maldivian products would make excellent gifts for a
friend. Or just take some home and try them out yourself.
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
Souvenirs
It is not difficult to find your way around Male’,
especially if you carry a map with you. After all it is only two square
kilometers. The main street Majeedhee Magu, runs right across the island from
east to west. Chaandhanee Magu on the other hand runs from north to south. Most
souvenir shops line the northern end of Chaandanee Magu, earlier known as the
Singapore Bazaar for its many imports from Singapore. Guides and vendors
speaking in English and other foreign languages patiently wait to serve the
visitors. These shops are stocked with an ample supply of gifts and souvenir
items. Best buys include the ‘thudu kuna’ the Maldivian mat woven with local
natural fibers. Attractive too are the wooden miniature ‘dhonis’. When shopping
for souvenirs, do keep in mind that export of products made of turtle shell,
black coral, pearl oyster shell and red coral is prohibited.
Interesting Places
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.