There is more to the equatorial paradise of the Maldives than meets the eye, but let’s start with what does. The glint of red from the bangles worn by so many Indian women, honeymooning with their hubbies, only dwarfed in numbers by white divers and tanned sunbathers. lost in their midst, the locals. Speedboats whizzing across turquoise waters to a thousand white-sand islands, boasting myriad overwater villas. each private and sequestered, apparently.
However, the obvious Instaworthiness—while photographing tropical beauty, filters only subtract (#nofilterneeded)—may eventually turn you blasé. “other than its appearance and my seemingly insatiable thirst for piña colada,” you may contemplate, “What’s more to the Maldives?” And that’s when you must turn your gaze to the ‘more than what meets the eye’.
Like history and religion. Most people treat the capital city, Malé, as a port of entry or an insignificant blip on the radar. At two square kilometres, it is one, but if you step away from the jetty and look inwards, there is much to explore.
A prominent pillar of faith is the 867-year-old Darumavanta Rasgefanu Miskiy (Miskiy is ‘mosque’ in Dhivehi). It stands inconspicuous and looks rather plain. That’s because the oldest mosque of the Muslim country wasn’t built to be showy, but a symbol of transition from Buddhism to Islam. If a visual spectacle is what you’re looking for, make a beeline for the Malé hukuru Miskiy (Malé Friday Mosque). A part of it is constructed using dried coral, but the 17th-century structure is truly made impressive by its intricate Quranic carvings, traditional Maldivian woodcarving and lacquer work, and the towering blue-and-white minaret.
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Outlook Traveller.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Outlook Traveller.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
8 Unique Indian Temples
"From Ancient Rock-cut Relics To Incredible Sculptures To A Celebration Of Feminine Divine Power, Here Are Eight Remarkable Temples That You Should Add To Your Bucket List
A Temple Trail In Bali
The allure of this Island lies in its people and the culture it embodies
THE Snake WHISPERER
SNAKEMAN ROMULUS WHITAKER'S MEMOIR TAKES READERS ON A JOURNEY THROUGH HIS LIFE, DELVING INTO HURDLES SUCH AS HABITAT DEGRADATION AND CULTURAL DISPARITIES CONCERNING WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
TIMELESS BENGALI CUISINE AT AAHELI
A culinary oasis nestled within the iconic Peerless Hotel on Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Aaheli is known for an exceptional dining experience
HOW GREEN IS GREEN?
THE PHENOMENON OF GREENWASHING INVOLVES DELIBERATELY FALSIFYING INFORMATION ABOUT THE GREEN CREDENTIALS OF A PRODUCT, SERVICE OR COMPANY. WHAT CAN TRAVELLERS, THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AND TOUR OPERATORS DO TO FLUSH IT OUT?
IMMERSIVE UNSEEN INDIA
HAVE YOU EVER GONE FORAGING IN THE DESERT? OR LEARNT POTTERY WITHOUT A POTTER'S WHEEL? ON YOUR NEXT TRIP, TRY SOMETHING YOU'VE NEVER TRIED BEFORE
DISCOVER STUNNING ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONS IN TAMIL NADU
Experience the wonders of nature and wildlife while being mindful of the surroundings by visiting these amazing ecotourism destinations
AT HOME IN SPITI
AMIDST SPITI'S TOWERING PEAKS AND BARREN LANDSCAPES, THESE HUMBLE ABODES SERVE AS BRIDGES BETWEEN CULTURES, FOSTERING MEANINGFUL INTERACTIONS AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
HIMALAYAN HEIGHTS
In the shadows of the high Himalayas, take a slow, green holiday this summer... Along the way, discover why eco journeys are much more rewarding than you thought!
TEA, TATTOOS, AND TRADITION
PHEJIN KONYAKWHOSE ANCESTRY TRACES BACK TO HEADHUNTERS-RUNS THE ONE-OF-A-KIND KONYAK TEA RETREAT IN NAGALAND