The first thing that comes to most people’s mind at the mention of Maldives is the turquoise waters, the sandy beaches and the tapering palm trees. However, even though this maybe the highlight there are still other things to do in this island nation if you get slightly beach sick. Some Maldives excursions take a different route from that of the usual water sports such as, diving or whale watching!
Male is the capital of this iconic island. It is also home to the National Museum of Maldives. If you are one that has to tick off a museum or gallery on your travels, Maldives wouldn’t let you down. Some hotels such as Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, organizes excursions and guided tours for guests who wish to tour Male and experience the Maldivian city life.
The museum is a great place to start to learn about the history of these set of island. The location of the museum may not be eye catching , however it serves the purpose as it contains a set of well labeled artefacts. The downstairs displays are galleries that focus on ancient and medieval Maldivian History. The museum houses weaponry, religious paraphernalia and household wares, as well many impressively carved Arabic- and Thaana-engraved pieces of wood commemorating the conversion of the Maldives to Islam in the year 1153.
The upstairs include modern items as well as some pieces that are unique and for which Maldives is famous lacquer-work boxes. There are also some national treasures such as the country’s first gramophone, telephone, as well as a large computer.
However, some of the items were destroyed during an uprising in 2012 against the president. Especially some of the 30 ancient Buddhist coral stone carvings as they were “idols” belonging to the country’s pre Islamic era.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
