Festival

Kuda Eid/Eid ul Fitr

The end of Ramadan is marked by Kuda Eid or Eid ul Fitr, a festival which is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal with a big feast. Kuda Eid is celebrated after the sighting of the new moon and declared by a cannon blast in Malé and via television. After a month’s fasting Kuda Eid is celebrated very enthusiastically by Muslims in the Maldives. They begin the day by congregating early in the morning at a mosque to offer Eid prayers. After prayers people arrange and attend celebratory meals for family and friends. This is also a time of charity with families offering Zakat (alms) to the needy. Kuda Eid is celebrated for three consecutive days, all of which are public holidays in the Maldives.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

More festivals in Maldives

Keep exploring Maldives.

Explore all

maldives

National Day of Maldives

Activity

The National Day is celebrated in honour of Mohammed Thakurufannu and commemorates his victory over the Portuguese in 1573. It is observed during the month of Rabee-ul-Awwal,

maldives

Independence Day of Maldives

Activity

After being a British Colony for about 78 years, Maldives attained independence on July 26, 1965. On the Independence Day, celebrated on July 26 every year, a special official event is held at the Republic Square. The celebrations start in the evening with a march past by the National Security Service and the National Cadet Corps. The march past is followed by performances of drills and traditional dances by local school children.

maldives

Republic Day of Maldives

Activity

Maldives had been ruled by a monarchy for about a century and on January 1 1953, became a republic. However, this elected government was transitory as the monarchy was reinstated within the same year. However, on November 11, 1968, a republic was formed once again and thereafter; the Republic Day is celebrated on November 11, each year.

maldives

Eid ul Al Adhaa

Activity

Eid ul-Al Adha is celebrated approximately 70 days after Eid ul Fitr. It falls on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Zul-Hijja. It is also called the "Festival of Sacrifice" because it commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God. Eid al-Adha is celebrated the day after the pilgrims performing Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, descend from Mount Arafat. This Eid brings with it the longest public holiday (from five to seven days) in Maldives along with an atmosphere of revelry and feasting. People plan ahead and visit their friends and relatives staying in different islands. Sports, music and dance all form a part of the festivities with people of all age groups and from all walks of life participating in the celebrations.

maldives

Ramadan

Activity

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is the month of Ramadan and the most prominent event of this month is fasting for 30 days. Muslims observe a fast from sun rise to sun set. Laylat al-Qadr, or the ‘Night of Power’, considered the most holy night of the year, also falls during the last 10 days of Ramadan. It is the night on which the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan ends with Eid ul-Fitr on the 1st of Shawwal, with celebrations and feasts. As majority of the population are Muslims, the Government offices in Maldives operate between 9.00 am and 1.30 pm during Ramadan. Even the private offices close by 3.00 pm.

maldives

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

Activity

Another important religious festival in the Maldives is the Prophet’s birthday, celebrated on the 12th day of the Rabee-ul-Awwal month of the Islamic calendar. Celebrated by all in Maldives, it is a day of great festivity with people visiting each other and relishing specially prepared dishes on the occasion.

More places in Maldives

Keep exploring Maldives.

Explore all

maldives

Manta Point, Baros

island

This is the smallest island in Maldives, without exaggeration one can walk around it in 15 minutes. Manta Point is a ‘tropical paradise’ and one of the best diving spots. It’s one of the best places in the world to see manta rays maneuver through the water around you. It’s a mesmerizing sight. They swim forward in flocks of four or five, some of them up to three metres across blocking out the sun. There’s a ledge to keep them away but they’re used to people and they’ll swoop down, often close enough for you to touch, then leap back up towards the surface of the ocean. The time between June and November is peak manta season, so be sure to visit here then.

maldives

Addu Atoll

island

In the south of the country lies the heart shaped Addu Atoll from where travelers, from Gan can cycle to three inhabited islands via a causeway. Addu Atoll is the main economic and administrative centre in the south of the country and is just a little smaller than Male’. It has a population of 28, 000 across seven islands. The biggest influence on Addu’s modern history has been the British bases, first established on Gan during WWII as part of the Indian Ocean defense. The base had around 600 personnel permanently stationed here with the number rising up to 3000 during periods of peak activity. The British built a series of causeways connecting Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo islands and had most of the population working for them on or around the base. In 1976 when the British went for good, they left an airport, some large industrial buildings, barracks and a lot of unemployed people who spoke English and had experience working for Westerners. In the 70s when the Maldives tourism industry took off, many of the men of Addu went to Male’ to seek work in resorts and tourist shops. As a result, at resorts all over the country, most of the staff are from Addu. There are several flights a day to Male’ and direct charter flights to Gan. Island Aviation flies from Male’ to Gan and back two or three times a day. The standard fare for foreigners is US$ 271 round trip. Private yachts report by radio to the NSS in Gan or Hithadhoo to arrange security and customs clearance, but many have to continue to Male’ for health and immigration checks to complete the ‘clear-in’ process. The best way to get around Gan and over the causeway to neighbouring villages is by bicycle. Taxis shuttle between the islands and around the villages; from Gan to Hithadhoo and cost about Rf100. Taxis wait at the airport and you can order one from any resort. The buses seen on the main road are only for workers in the Gan garment factories. Resorts pick up guests by free minibus from the airport, though you may need to call at arrival.

maldives

Thulhaadhoo Island

island

Visiting Thulhaadhoo is important because this is where the traditional art of incised lacquer decoration is widely produced. Thulhaadhoo is the only island in Maldives doing lacquer work and many people come here to watch trained artists at work. This island is one of the inhabited islands of Baa Atoll and has been reclaimed by the government recently. Rasdhoo Madivaru For a thrilling scuba diving adventure one should visit Rasdhoo Madivaru Corner as it has the highest underwater visibility. Rasdhoo Madivaru offers divers the opportunity to see white tip reef sharks, jacks, tunas, barracudas and napoleon wrasse. It is one of the most popular dive spots in Maldives. Hammerhead sharks have been spotted here before sunrise. Dolphins and dog tooth tunas are also among the early risers lurking at the corner of the reef. One can also see ribbon eels and leaf fishes making the channel their playground. Home to beautiful coral formations, Madivaru is one of the best shark sighting sites in Maldives.

maldives

National Museum

Museum

Visiting Maldives, one of the most exciting tourist attractions is the National Museum. An old palace building in the Sultan Park has been converted to house the museum. A large collection of historical objects are on exibit at the museum that portrays the rich past and cultural legacy of Maldives.

maldives

Rebublic Square or Jumhooree Maidan

road

The Republic Square is beautifully built with green grass and lush plantation, along the northern waterfront. It is Male's most popular venue amongst adults and children alike for social gatherings and recreation. On the Eastern end of the square stands the official flag post on which the largest permanent flag in the country is hoisted. When you arrive in Male, this is the place where you are mostly likely to step out to when you get off your boat. The sea is active on one side of the square with the placement of the Presidential Jetty used by the President and members of the cabinet on trips to various locations around the Maldives and the world. On the west are some commercial buildings and located in the south is the Islamic Centre and the headquarters of the National Security Service (NSS). The new Headquarters of the Police are located on the east of the square.

maldives

Fuamulaku

island

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Maldives is the island of Fuamulaku. The island is exceptionally fertile and has numerous fruit and vegetable farms where one can get delicious locally grown pineapples, mangoes and oranges etc. The fruits and vegetables grown over here are not found elsewhere in the country. Fuamulaku is a secluded island in the middle of the Equatorial Channel and a very unusual place to visit. Since Fuamulaku is located out of the tourist zone, visitors need a special permit and a local person to visit this place with them. This permit can be arranged by the resorts hosting the visitors. The best time to visit the Fuamulaku, Maldives is between the months of December and April, which is the dry season.

maldives

Huvafen Fushi Underwater Spa & Resort

Resort

Huvafenfushi Maldives Resort is a paradise for nature lovers. It is surrounded by picturesque silvery beaches and set amidst a serene lagoon enveloped in lush greenery; it offers just the right locale for a relaxed peaceful holiday. Located on Male Atoll, it is home to the first underwater spa in Maldives. The abundance of aquamarine species is also one of the attractions for nature-loving tourists. The resort offers unmatched extravagant accommodations and hospitality with its beautiful bungalows which overlook the azure sea and charming staff. The resort offers a number of exciting activities for the guests’ leisure like a yoga pavilion, swimming pool, CD/DVD library, in-house souvenir shop, fully equipped gym and a wide range of water sports activities for an adventurous stir. All this and much more makes Huvafen Fushi Resort one of the most fascinating places to visit.

maldives

Hulhumale

island

Hulhumale is an artificial island located in the south of North Male Atoll. The island was restored to create more room to meet the existing and future housing, industrial and commercial development needs of the Male region. The official settlement was inaugurated by President Gayoom on May 12, 2004 and the development and management of the island is being undertaken by a Government owned corporation. For many tourists this is an interesting destination as it provides an opportunity to be close to nature as well as see modern Maldivian architecture.

maldives

Helengeli Island Resort

Resort

The Helengeli Island Resort has one of the finest house reefs, making it an ideal place for divers and snorkelers. It is located on an island with a spectacular house reef and a white sandy beach bordered by a magnificent blue lagoon. Helengeli offers a variety of culinary delights at its comfortable restaurants. The resort arranges excursions to inhabited local islands to give you the unique opportunity to learn more of the Maldives way of life. A special excursion which is arranged is the dolphin search, as the waters surrounding Helengeli are home to dolphins. Guests can also go for a snorkel safari and snorkeling with manta rays. Due to Helengeli's location on the outer reef, the unspoiled house reef is just off the beach and is easily accessible to both snorkellers and divers. The "Helengeli Thila" is one of the best diving sites. A diving excursion is arranged twice a day to some of the 36 dive sites nearby Helengeli. The diving school is run by Ocean Pro and equipped with the best modern equipment. Experienced, multilingual European diving instructors teach PADI courses.

maldives

Adaaran Club Rannalhi

island

Adaaran Club Rannalhi is located in south Male Island and is known for its untouched natural beauty and fertility. Perhaps this is the reason why the island is also called "Rannalhi”, which in Dhivehi means a "A Measure of Gold”. This is a very lively place where something is always happening. Some guests are enjoying water sports, while others are part of group activities led by friendly animators during the day or become part of restaurant theme nights, enjoy music or dance till the wee hours of the night. Guests can watch the play of wind and water around the award-winning Dhoni bar, or enjoy the more private ambience of the Bungalow Bar.The club also houses a boutique which has a rich selection of clothing, souvenirs, accessories etc. The gem and jewellery shop offers fine Sri Lankan gemstones and a selection of exquisite jewellery. The Ayurvedic Massage Centre uses traditional Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate the soul.

More restaurants in Maldives

Keep exploring Maldives.

Explore all

maldives

Sala Thai

As the name implies this is a Thai food restaurant in Male. It is a small in size with traditional Thai décor and sitting arrangement. The food tastes authentic as the cook is a Thai National. Tables have to be booked early because space is limited and the restaurant is crowded most of the times.

maldives

Salsa Royal

Salsa Royal is located in the centre of Male and is easy to find as it is one of the famous restaurants around the city. They serve a number of cuisines like Italian, Mediterranean, Thai etc. Salsa Royal is popular for its Thai cuisine. The décor is nothing to write home about. It has been decorated according to Maldivian style. The staff is very attentive and polite.

maldives

Olive Garden

If you are confused about what to eat, at the Olive Garden you can choose from delicious and mouth-watering meat or vegetarian pizzas or Continental, Western & Italian food. A variety of soft drinks and juices are also available. Address: Fareedhee Magu,Maafannu,Male' Phone: +960 3312231 Fax: +960 3317024 Email: [email protected]

maldives

Shell Beans

Located just a few minutes walk from the Airport Jetty No.9, this restaurant serves sumptuous local and continental snacks and European cuisine. It is very casually decorated and has a friendly atmosphere. Open from Saturdays to Thursdays Fridays from 15:30 - 23:00 Address: Finihiya Goalhi,Henveiru,Male' Phone: +960 3333686 Email: [email protected] Opening hours: 08:30am to to 11:00pm

maldives

The Sea House

This restaurant gives you the opportunity to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner sitting right in front of the beautiful blue sea. It serves fresh pastries, light snacks and fresh fruit drinks.

maldives

Westpark

A very popular restaurant of Male, it is famous for its business lunches and romantic dinners. This is an outdoor restaurant located by the sea side, so you can see launches and boats passing by Male. The disadvantage to restaurants like these is that if the wind blows you might get a little bit of sea spray on your food so be prepared! The food offered includes western and oriental dishes as well as light meals (snacks and the local snack Hedhika). They also serve excellent coffee. The restaurant can also be booked for weddings, birthday parties and other events. Address: Bodu thakurufaanu Magu Male, Maldives +960 3325738

maldives

Thai Wok

The Thai Wok is just a block away from the busy main street of Male. The food here is very tasty. Their most recommended dish is the Tom Yum Koong soup. The restaurant has very low prices and the portions served are large. A reservation is needed at the Thai Wok, as it is full most of the times. The bill can be paid in local currency or in USD. They also accept credit cards. Address: Ameer Ahmed Magu, H. 20094, Male' Tel: 310007 Fax: 329020

maldives

Pizza Italiano

Pizza Italiano is located on Orchid de Magu Street. It’s a walking distance away from jetty no.1 or the presidential jetty at Republic Square. This restaurant serves excellent Italian dishes, appetizers, pasta, pizza, gelato, tiramisu, etc. The restaurant has two floors, the first floor is air conditioned and on the second floor the seating arrangement is outdoors on a terrace, with electric fans on the wall. The staff is quick and attentive. It’s the ideal place to eat after a shopping spree as it is located right in the middle of a cluster of shops.

maldives

Alibe Kada

You can find middle class politicians here throughout the day and get an update of the most recent political affairs of the country. This café is a very popular hangout and they serve good coffee and snacks as well as sumptuous meals. Most people come here to have coffee, and light drinks and discuss the current affairs and political issues. Address: Aa Harbour kan mathi Male, Maldives +960 3378665

maldives

Athamaa Palace

An Indian restaurant, specializing in chicken Biryani that is served with gravy.