Male, the capital of Maldives is fascinating place for
the shoppers. Garments, perfumes and cosmetics, jewellery, electronic
gadgets and gizmos and canned fish and various local handicrafts are among
the best picks. The Chaandhanee Magu and the Majeedhee Magu are the prime
shopping zones of the city.
The Local Market
The numerous stalls occupying the local market display a variety of local
produce mainly from the atolls. Here you will come across different kinds of
local vegetables, fruits and yams, sweetmeat, nuts and breadfruit chips,
bottles of home made sweets and pickles along with bunches of bananas
dangling down from the ceiling beams on coir ropes. In contrast to the
hustle and bustle of the neighbourhood the atmosphere here is peaceful. If
you are looking out for smoked and dried fish then you search ends in the
building just next to the local market.
The Majeedhee Magu
Situated on the main road of the island, the Majeedhee Magu has along its
sides numerous shops selling goods ranging from the smallest commodities to
virtually everything you can imagine. The shops have a fabulous collection
of garments, perfumes and cosmetics, jewellery, handbags, watches or
electronics and much more. All the shops remain open till 11’ o clock
in the night, except for prayer times, when they are closed for 15 minutes.
Chaandanee Magu
This is the best place for souvenir shopping. The shops are stocked with a
profusion of gifts, curios or souvenir items. Best picks include the “thudu
kuna”, the Maldivian mat woven with local natural fibres. The
attractive wooden miniature dhonis are a worthwhile purchase.
Caution
Export of products made of turtle shell, black coral, pearl oyster shell
and red coral is prohibited. So, never lay your hands on these items.
Getting Around
Since Male is a tiny place, you can get around easily from one end to the
other by a taxi.
