For many tourists, the Maldives seems to be a chic paradise. Arriving here, guests are surprised that Male, the capital of the Maldives, is very small. Indeed, its area does not exceed two square kilometers, while it accommodates about a third of the country's population. But on the other hand, the main city of the state occupies almost the entire island, which has the same name as the capital.
Tourists are also surprised by the difference between the island idyll, endless white beaches and the tense rhythm of a modern metropolis, skyscrapers, highways.
Shops and shopping in Male
After a vacation on the exotic Maldives, beautiful photos remain as a souvenir, local souvenirs are visual reminders of the rest. The most popular gifts from the resort for men are Maldivian mats and miniatures of local boats. Women, of course, dream of more unique and pleasant souvenirs, unfortunately, most of them are on the list of goods prohibited for export from the island: products made of tortoiseshell; unusual black corals; their “colleagues”, red corals; shells of pearl oysters.
But you can export fish and seafood - in Male there is a special fish market, where the widest selection of dried, dried and canned seafood.
Cultural landmarks
Arriving in the capital, you can form various excursion routes, which include acquaintance with religious shrines or architectural masterpieces of the past. The majority of the population of Male is Muslim, and therefore the most beautiful buildings in the city are the mosques. You can go, for example, to the Friday Mosque, which is also an Islamic center, or to the Old Mosque to admire its beautiful minaret, look at the tombs of national heroes. Among the religious symbols of the non-Muslim world is the head of the Buddha, which arrived here from Toddu Island.
In 1913, the Muliage Palace appeared in Male, and today, a century later, it is just as beautiful and magnificent, therefore it appears quite often in the photos of guests. Another place in the capital of the Maldives serves for relaxation and admiring - this is Jumuri Maidan, a cozy shady park. Another park, called Sultans Park, houses the National Museum of the Maldives. Visitors can see artifacts collected by Thor Heyerdahl, the famous traveler and explorer, during an expedition to the islands.
