Women-Friendly Travel in Maldives
The Maldives women-friendly travel guide places explicit women-friendly and family confidence signals first, while keeping uncertain details visible for review.
Maldives
Lhaviyani Atoll
Located in the north of the North Malé Atoll, this atoll was opened to tourists a few years back. Also known as Faadhippolhu Atoll, it consists of about 50 islands of which only 5 are inhabited. Here you can experience the beauty of the Maldivian white beaches and aquamarine lagoons with stunning fish and other marine species. The best diving opportunities on Lhaviyani Atoll can be found in the northern part of the atoll. If diving is your passion, a visit to this atoll is a must.
Maldives
Male
This beautiful island city, which is the capital of Maldives, is crowded with taxis, motorbikes, business people, hawkers and crisply uniformed school children. Male offers a stark contrast to the other islands of the country with brightly colored tall thin buildings which reflect the amazingly turquoise water that surround the country. This is where all business activity and overall economic progress takes place. The country’s political affairs are managed here also. Male is smaller in size than the nearby airport island of Hulhumale’. This is where the economic, political and cultural leaders of the republic congregate and where nearly all the country’s huge numbers of exports arrive. Numerous expatriates and travelers find themselves here frequently. Male’ is a great place to visit to experience the Maldivian way of life. Male’ is pleasant and pleasingly unpredictable. It has many historical sites to see. The beautiful artificial beach is a must see. The city is full of activity as alcohol-free bars and many restaurants jostle with an incredible array of shops and lively markets. This is the place where all imports into the country are administered and sold. It is very exciting to be amidst the general hullabaloo of a capital city.
Maldives
Male Markets
The Male Fish Market is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in Male. It is located along the beach front, to the west of the Republic Square. This area is the centre of all trading activity and is full of hustle and bustle throughout the day. The waterfront and the connecting streets in the area are swarming with shops stocked with a variety of local goods. You will see some dhonis arriving from various parts of the country to unload dried fish, fresh fruits and vegetables and others will be loading everything from foodstuffs to construction materials. The motion increases in mid-afternoon as fishing 'dhonis' start returning with their day's catch, which is primarily tuna, is carried across the road into the open-sided market and laid out on the tiled floors. As soon as the fish are brought in they are bought and taken away by men from all over Male. Keeping in mind the nature of goods sold here, especially seafood, the authorities keep the market thoroughly clean.
Maldives
Medhu Ziyaarath
Mehdu Ziyaarath, located opposite the Hukuru Miskiiy is the shrine of Abu al Barakaath Yusuf al Barbari, a North African. According to the people of Maldives, he was the one responsible for converting the Maldivians to Islam in 1153 AC.
Maldives
Mulee Aage
The Mulee Aage was built by Sultan Shamsuddeen III for his son prior to the First World War. The house became government property when the sultan and his son were expelled in 1936. Mulee Aage was renamed the Presidential Palace in 1986 and was renovated to hold official events and to accommodate visiting Heads of States and other foreign dignitaries. However, in 1994, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom moved it to a new official residence.
Maldives
Soneva Gili Resort
Soneva Gili & Spa is a one of a kind resort, describing it would be like describing a painting. The whole resort is set on turquoise blue water, consisting only of water villas, on the private tropical island of Lankanfushi. This island is located in Male' Atoll, which is one of 19 atolls that stretch over 800 kilometres through the Indian Ocean. Soneva Gili is only 20 minutes away by boat from Male. The forty-four stilted villas with thatched roofs are built in traditional Maldivian style from natural materials and have roof-top and over-water sundecks. Their high points are open air bathrooms, king-size daybeds and a personal entertainment center. For those seeking privacy, the Crusoe Residences are only accessible by personal boat. The resort has its own fully -equipped PADI diving school plus a variety of water sports. This place tops the list of must see destinations for beach holiday lovers.
Maldives
Southern Attols
This region presently is almost totally untouched and a wonderful place to visit for its peace and quiet. Major development is set to take place here over the next decade to cover all five southern atolls that are currently off-limits to non-permit-holders. Safari boats are regularly exploring dive sites as far south as the Huvadhoo Kandoo (famously known as One-and-a-Half-Degree channel), and surfers are often lead to the remotest breaks of Gaaf Dhaal.
Maldives
The Grand Friday Mosque
The Grand Friday Mosque is a must see for tourists. It is unique in design and the largest mosque in the Maldives. The mosque has been given the name Masjid-al Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu-al-A'z'am. It also houses the Islamic Center, where several important seminars of international level such as the SAARC General Meeting have been held. Grand Friday Mosque has a large golden dome and stunning minarets and is large enough to accommodate more than five thousand worshipers at a time. Locally it is also known as Huskuru Miskyii, since the mosque houses the tombs of members of the royal family and a few national heroes of the country. The art in the mosque and royal burial grounds is spectacular, making it a must-see tourist attraction.
Maldives
Male National Museum
The National Museum was inaugurated on 19th November 1952 by then Prime Minister Ameer Mohamed Amin Didi. It houses various national artefacts including prehistoric armour, weapons, manuscripts and more. There is also a display of jewellery and clothes worn by past kings and queens, and other priceless items belonging to Sultans. There are also displays of old photographs, anthropological objects and other items that exhibit past Maldivian life.
Maldives
Theemuge (Former Presidential Palace)
Theemuge is the site of the Supreme Court of the Maldives as well as the former official residence of the President of the Maldives.