Tourist places in Maldives

Tourist Attractions in Maldives

Apart from picturesque splendors, clean beaches, reinvigorating freshness and tranquil atmosphere, Maldives has several outstanding tourist attractions. It is a land of 1200 islands and houses more than 200,000 people. Besides being world famous for three major activities that are diving, cruising and fishing there are many other beautiful scenic places which attracts a huge amount of crowd.

Maldives is famous for its enchanting blue water beaches and several of them have exotic spas also. Some of the must visit beaches are:

• Mirihi Island Beach
• Bandos Island BeachFun Island Beach
• Kanuhura Island Beach

Apart from beaches, the major tourist attraction and a must visit places are:

• Grand Friday Mosque
• National Museum in Male
• Coral Reefs in Maldives
• The Hukuru Miskiiy
• Sultan Park
• Mulee-aage Palace

If one is planning for a sight seeing day, then the above mentioned places are a must and not to be given a miss.

Places to See in Maldives

The Islamic Centre

Officially named as Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam, the Islamic Centre is one of the biggest and finest mosques in the Southeast Asian region. With the most vivid architecture, it is the major tourist’s attraction of Male.

The shining golden dome of the mosque is beautifully decorated with woodcarvings and Arabic calligraphy and it makes it stand apart from any of the mosques. It also houses a library and a conference hall. The mosque is spacious enough to accommodate more than 5000 worshippers.

Sultan Park

Situated on the Southern side of the demolished royal palace grounds in the capital of Maldives, Male', Sultan Park was built in the 16th century. This park stands opposite to the Islamic Centre on Medhuziyaaraiy Magu and offers a silent story of the unique and rich culture and history of this island nation. The entrance to the park is guarded by a huge iron gate and this park majorly attracts the expatriate workers who after a long days work sit on the benches under the trees, enjoys a smoke and eat their hard earned meal.

The Hukuru Miskiiy

Dating back to 1656, The Hukuru Miskiiy is one of the oldest mosques in Maldives. The coral stone walls are intricately carved with patterns and Arabic script. The exterior is protected by iron covering and the roof, window frames, and doors are made of different types of wood including teak, red sandalwood, and redwood. The compound of the mosque also encloses a number of ancient tombstones erected in memory of past sultans, heroes, and nobles. Also known as Old Friday Mosque, Hukuru Miskiiy is located in the central area of Male with government office quarter, cemetery of Saint Abu al Barakaath Yusuf, former Presidential Palace Mulee-Aage.

Munnaaru (Minaret)

Munnaaru, the minaret of the oldest mosque dates back to 1675 looks like a water tower. This gleaming white minaret was built by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar and forms the part of the Hukuru Miskiiy. This minaret was once the tallest structure in Male but is now dwarfed by the new 13 storey office building of Velaanaage. The sound of the prayer from the Munnaaru reaches the entire island, congregating people for prayers five times a day. The uniqueness of this minaret deserves applause, for its spiritual, architectural and religious history.

Mohamed Thakurufaanu Ziyaarai

Mohamed Thakurufaanu Al-azam is the most celebrated hero in the history of Maldives. After saving the Maldives from the Portuguese conquerors, Mohamed Thakurufaanu ruled the Maldives as king from 1573 to 1585 AD. The tomb of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu who liberated the country from 17 years of Portuguese rule is known as Mohamed Thakurufaanu Ziyaarai. In the compound of Bihuroazu Kamana Miski, this tomb was built as a symbol of respect in the memory of the Sultan.

Jumhooree Maidan

Famously known as the republic square, Jumhooree Maidan is the heart of the Male. It is Located along the northern waterfront in Male, and was set up in the year 1989. It is the most popular place for gatherings and relaxation and is a favorite evening hangout place for teenagers.

Having a giant flagpole visible from far away, Jumhooree Maidan is beautifully laid down by lush green grass and vegetation. At evening we can witness hundreds of pigeons of different colors.