The Maldives, which offer luxurious and stunning views of islands with a wide range of activities, and Malé City, which is the capital of Maldives, offer various activities to do on this island for visitors seeking an ultimate experience.
Table of Contents
The Maldives is an independent island country located in the north-central Indian Ocean. It is composed of a chain of about 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks, with only about 200 of the islands being inhabited. The country has a population of around 544,700 and is a multiparty republic with a single legislative house.
The official language is Dhivehi (Maldivian), and the state religion is Islam. The Maldives is known for its tropical climate, which is warm and humid with no distinct seasons, and its economy is heavily reliant on tourism and fishing, with tourism contributing about 30 percent of the gross domestic product. The country’s natural landscape, including its dreamy white beaches, turquoise lagoons, and varied underwater world, makes it a popular destination for tourists.
The Maldives Capital City, Malé
The capital city of the Maldives is Malé, which is located in the Kaafu Atoll in the Indian Ocean. It is the most populous city in the Maldives, with a population of around 211,908 people in 2022. Malé is also one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The city is a significant center for trade, tourism, and government activities, and it is connected with Sri Lanka and India by steamship lines. Malé is known for its high-rise buildings, international cuisine restaurants, and numerous shops, making it a vibrant and bustling urban center. The city is also a popular tourist attraction, with nearby resorts and a central harbor and port for commercial activities.
Also read: Where is Maldives located?
Capital of Maldives in Map
Things to do While Visiting Malé
1. Visit the Malé Fish Market
The Malé Fish Market is a popular tourist attraction in the capital city of the Maldives. The market is located near the pier and is always bustling with people. The fish market is known for its wide variety of products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish. The fishing dhonis, boats used for fishing, come back with their day’s catch, mainly tuna fish, which is then taken across the road to the open-sided market, where they are laid out on the tiled floors.
The market is kept very clean and washed each day. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the market but be warned that the place is filled with fish, fish stink, and puddles of fishy liquid. The market is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine of the Maldives.
2. Explore the Old Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy)
The Old Friday Mosque, also known as Hukuru Miskiy, is a must-visit attraction in the capital city of the Maldives, Malé. It is the oldest surviving mosque in the Maldives, built in 1658 during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar I. The mosque is located on Kaafu Atoll and is still in use today. The mosque is built primarily of high-quality coral stone walls with a thatched roof in a hypostyle layout with two prayer halls with “Dhaalas,” or verandah-like antechambers, on three sides.
The mosque is known for its unique architecture, unparalleled historic tradition, and the tongue-in-groove technique of its stone structure, which demonstrates a highly developed building technique for the period of its construction. The mosque is also adorned with intricate coral carvings, cut coral columns, and a vaulted, decorated ceiling fashioned by master carpenters. Visitors can marvel at the amazing work and experience the local culture and history of the Maldives.
3. Visit the Presidential Palace and the National Museum
The Presidential Palace and the National Museum are two popular tourist attractions in the capital city of the Maldives, Malé. The Presidential Palace, also known as Muliaage, is a historical building located in the city center. Although it is no longer the Presidential Palace today, its beautiful shape still attracts a large number of tourists.
On the other hand, the National Museum is a white building located on the west side of Sultan Park. Established on the National Day of the Maldives, the first National Museum of the country was opened on November 11, 1952, by the Prime Minister at the time, Mohamed Amin Didi. The museum has a large collection of historical artifacts, including an 18-in. (46-cm)-high bust of Buddha, as well as assorted limestone and coral statues.
The exhibition display starts downstairs, and the exhibits here include weaponry, religious paraphernalia, and household wares, as well as many impressively carved Arabic- and Thaana- Upstairs is a display representing the modern period, including some prized examples of various pieces of antique technology, including the country’s first gramophone, telephone, and massive computer. The highlight of the museum is the 6 m-long skeleton of the very rare Longman’s Beaked Whale, which is yet to have been sighted alive in the ocean.
However, the museum was broken into by a mob of religious extremists during protests against former president Nasheed in 2012, and its most precious items, some 30 ancient Buddhist coral stone carvings from the country’s pre-Islamic period, were destroyed for being ‘idols’. Security remains tight.
4. Enjoy Sunset Views
The Maldives is known for its stunning sunsets, and there are many places to enjoy them. One of the best ways to experience the sunset is by staying in a sunset water pool villa. Many resorts in the Maldives offer these villas, which are built over the water and offer breathtaking views of the sunset. Some of the popular resorts with sunset water pool villas include Soneva Jani, Huvafen Fushi, Niyama Private Island, Anantara Veli, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, and Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. Visitors can also enjoy sunset views from the beaches, restaurants, and bars in the Maldives. The capital city of Malé also offers stunning sunset views from its harbor and nearby beaches.
If you like to read more related articles about the Maldives, then
CLCIK HERE
5. Indulge in Local Cuisine
When indulging in the local cuisine of the Maldives, there are several must-try dishes that showcase the unique flavors of the island nation. Some of these dishes include:
- Garudhiya (fish soup): a fragrant fish soup usually cooked with fish, water, and salt and served with lime, rice, chili, and onions. It is a basic and traditional food item in the Maldives.
- Mas huni: shredded smoked fish with grated coconuts and onions, considered the most popular breakfast food in the country.
- Kukulhu riha (chicken curry) is a delicious curry dish cooked with a unique mixture of spices, showcasing the influence of Indian and Arabic cuisines.
- Kulhi boakibaa: Maldivian fishcakes made from ground cooked rice and tuna, representing the local take on tapas, or ‘small eats’.
- Dhon riha: A local version of curries, usually consumed with rice or sliced roshi, and often featuring a variety of flavors and spices.
These dishes reflect the influence of Arabic, Indian, and Sri Lankan cuisines, combined with the unique flavors of the Maldives, where fish, especially tuna, plays a central role in the local diet.
6. Explore Local Markets
When exploring the local markets in the Maldives, visitors can experience a vibrant array of offerings, from fresh produce to unique handicrafts. The Male Local Market is a relatively small market that primarily sells fresh produce such as vegetables, betel leaves, nuts, bananas, papayas, and coconuts. It offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals and is a great place to immerse oneself in the authentic flavors of the Maldives.
Additionally, the Male Fish Market is a must-visit for those interested in experiencing the local customs and the Maldives’ rich seafood. Located on the west side of the National Mall, this market is a bustling hub where fishing boats bring in various types of fish, particularly tuna, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere. While the market may not be for the faint of heart due to the strong fish odor, it provides an authentic and memorable experience for visitors.For those interested in shopping for local handicrafts and mementos, the north waterfront area is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
Here, visitors can find a variety of local handicrafts, making it an ideal destination for picking up unique souvenirs and experiencing the vibrant local culture.In addition to these markets, Majeedhee Magu and Chaandanee Magu are popular shopping streets in Male, offering a wide range of textiles, clothing items, accessories, and local craftwork, providing visitors with a one-stop destination for a diverse shopping experience. For more information, Visit Maldives
7. Take a Boat Tour
Taking a boat tour is a popular activity in the Maldives, offering visitors a unique perspective of the island nation’s stunning natural beauty. There are many boat tours available, including sunset cruises, dolphin-watching tours, snorkeling trips, and fishing excursions. Visitors can explore the Maldives’ crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and uninhabited islands and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Some of the popular boat tour providers in the Maldives include Viator, Tour Radar, and G Adventures. Additionally, many resorts in the Maldives offer boat tours as part of their activities program, providing visitors with a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the surrounding waters.
What is the population of males in the capital city of the Maldives?
The population of Malé, the capital city of the Maldives, is 252,768 according to official statistics from Male’ City’s Land Use Plan 2021, publicized by the Male’ City Council. This makes Malé one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
FAQ’s
- What is the capital of Maldives?
The capital of the Maldives is Malé. which is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear water in the Indian Ocean, making it an ideal destination for vacation.