The Grand Friday Mosque located in the Centre, is named after the one of the most celebrated Maldivian hero Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam of the Maldives. The mosque is also the largest in the Maldives, and also one of the largest in South Asia. The Centre also serves a conference hall where official meetings and ceremonies are held, an Islamic library and a number of offices. The Kandolhu Island Maldives is an All Inclusive Maldives Hotel, which is a haven in the lush tropical greenery, white powder sandy beaches, and the turquoise blue lagoon. This unique resort has 30 modern and elegant villas that provides the perfect combination of comfort and style. The signature dishes that are served in this upscale resort is legendary.
The Islamic Centre acts as a major tourist attraction of Male, because of its location near the main jetty of Male and due to the beautiful architecture of the mosque. The magnificent golden dome of the mosque is also evident on the skyline of Male. The shining golden dome of the mosque is a standout as are also the interior walls decorated with beautiful woodcarvings, Arabic calligraphy, beautiful chandeliers and a specially woven carpet. The golden dome of this impressive but rather sterile mosque dominates the skyline of Male and has become something of a symbol for the city. This Mosque is located on the set back off the main square, Jumhooree Maidan, and opposite the National Security Service Headquarters. Visits to see the Grand Friday Mosque must be between 9am and 5pm, and outside prayer times. It closes to all non-Muslims 15 minutes before prayers and for the following hour. Before noon and between 2pm and 3pm are the best times to visit. The Mosque is known as the largest mosque in Maldives, as it can hold up to 5000 worshippers at any given time.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+
