SULTAN'S PARK

This park is located at the junction of Chandhanee Magu and Medhu Ziyaraayi Magu. It stands on the site of the former Sultan's Palace, which was almost completely razed to the ground with the advent of the Second Republic in 1968. It has now been transformed into a public garden and there is nothing left to remind us of its origins, except for a wing of the palace that has become the National Museum. The park also houses the Fine Arts Museum and the Heritage Department. The Sultan's Park was extensively redesigned in 2017 at the request of President Abdulla Yameen. A winter garden opened in its southern part and it was given a new name: Rasrani Bageecha. It includes a glass tree house, a vertical garden, conference rooms, an elevated esplanade, a fountain and children's games. The inauguration of the park in August 2017 caused quite a stir, as there was talk that it would only be free for Maldivians. Foreign residents or visitors have to pay an entrance fee which varies depending on the time of visit. The 18,000 trees and plants were preserved during the transformation. It is actually one of the only green spaces in the capital and its inhabitants are very attached to it. There are water lilies, roses, banyan trees and orchids, among others. A traditional corner has also been set up for senior citizens. There are benches and the famous Maldivian rope hammocks. The park is very lively in the evening.