About Maldives
Maldives' capital, Malé, is located 645 km southwest of Sri Lanka. It is home to central courts, a government hospital, public and private institutions that offer English-language teaching, and an engineering-focused vocational school. It serves as a commercial and tourist hub, and has steamship lines connecting it to Sri Lanka and India. Fish (bonito and tuna), coconuts, breadfruit, and woven palm mats are Malé's main exports. After the Maldives was hit by a tsunami brought on by an earthquake in the Indian Ocean in December 2004, a substantial portion of the city was submerged.
Places to visit in Malé
- Grand Friday Mosque: Malé's skyline is dominated by the magnificent mosque with a golden dome, which has come to represent the city. The Grand Friday Mosque was constructed in white marble and opened in 1984. It is striking in its simplicity and is almost entirely devoid of ornamentation. It is the largest mosque in the nation.
- National Museum: The museum is a three-storey colonial-style structure, and one of the most interesting places to see because it has a well-kept collection of artefacts and provides insight into the region's past. It is the ideal destination for those who are curious and enjoy history because it is home to royal artefacts from several historical periods, including the Buddhists and the Muslims. The collection of sultanas' gowns, headgear, thrones, palanquins, royal sunshades, and other furnishings is also kept at the museum. It is a sizable structure with various collections on each floor, allowing you to delve into the past and learn a great deal.
- Artificial Beach: One of the most stunning man-made beaches in the Maldives is Artificial Beach, Malé. This beach, which is formed like a crescent, has earned its place as one of the most well-liked and well-known tourist spots, thanks to its stunning views and comfortable environment. Even though the water is not as deep as on natural beaches, it is a swimming location for both locals and tourists. On Artificial Beach, there are numerous seating places, cafes, volleyball court, and a futsal turf pitch.
- Sinamale Bridge: The Sinamale Bridge is one of the top sites to visit in Malé. It is 2.1 km long and has distinct lanes for motorcycles, cars, and pedestrians. One of the main attractions in the Maldives, it connects Malé to Hulhule International Airport. It provides breathtaking views.
- Tsunami Monument: Boduthakurufaanu Magu in southeast Malé is home to the Tsunami Monument, a freestanding monument honouring those who lost their lives in the tragic tsunami of 2004. The Tsunami Monument is a monument that stands as a symbol of hope in the face of tragedy. The 20 steel spheres that surround the monument stand for the nation's atolls, while the ascending pillars represent the tsunami's waves.
Maldives Airport
Velana International Airport, also referred to as Malé International Airport and occasionally Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in the Maldives. The airport includes three terminals: a domestic terminal, an international terminal, and a seaplane operations water dome. Malé International Airport's IATA code is MLE.