One of the first things that pops up in our heads at the mention of Maldives are the endless turquoise beaches and luxury resorts. With the many options available, you can easily pick one of the many Maldives resorts. All inclusive deals have lately been a favourite among tourists as they can enjoy a hassle free holiday and make the most of the exotic island. However, there are few things beyond beaches that Maldives can offer. Being a predominantly Muslim country one of the notable landmarks in the city is the Grand Friday Mosque. The glistening dome of the modern mosque has made a mark in the skyline of Maldives. Many tourists tend to move away to their respective islands and do not spend a lot of time in the capital Malé. Resorts such as Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offer excursions to the capital to their guests to explore the capital.
The Grand Friday Mosque was built in 1984 with the aid of Pakistan, the Gulf states, Brunei and Malaysia. Apart from the dome, the mosque has quite a plain structure, that is mostly white marbel and no decoration. It is the largest mosque in the country. One could spot the mosque from any boat entering the harbour.
The main hall in the mosque can have up to 5000 worshippers at a time. The hall has impressive wooden side panels and beautifully woven carpets as well as ornamental chandeliers to add a touch of elegance. The adjoining Islamic center has a library, conference hall, and classrooms.
The mosque is open to tourists from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. The best times to visit is between 2pm to 3pm. It is a religious place and therefore it is necessary to dress appropriately.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+