Mal is the densely populated capital of the Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. It’s known for its historic mosques and colorful skyscrapers. The National Museum, in Sultan Park, showcases regional artifacts like ancient weapons and sultans’ thrones. In the north of the city, Huskuru Miskiiy is a 17th-century mosque built of coral stone and housing intricate wood carvings.

The pint-sized Maldivian capital is the throbbing, mercantile heart of the nation, a densely crowded and extraordinary place, notable mainly for its stark contrast to the laid-back pace of island life elsewhere in the country.

Male (mar-lay) offers the best chance to see the ‚real‚ Maldives away from the resort buffet and infinity pool. Overlooked by tall, brightly coloured buildings and surrounded by incongruously turquoise water, Male is a hive of activity, the engine driving the Maldives‚ economy and the forum for the country‚s political struggles.

Male is also pleasant and pleasingly quirky ‚ alcohol-free bars and restaurants jostle with shops and lively markets and the general hubbub of a capital is very much present. This city island offers a chance to get a real feel for the Maldives and what makes its people tick, and to meet Maldivians on an equal footing.

Languages: Madang,Rai Coast,Mindjim

Flight from London:‚ 10 hours 10 minutes

Best Time to Visit:

The dry season is considered as the best time to visit Male. During this time, the weather remains ideal for simply lazing on the beach, or diving in and around the hot spots in the Maldives. Many people prefer to visit male during the months of December to April.