Tourist Attractions & Monuments Maldives

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.

Site of the Department of Foreign Affairs. General advice to travellers before leaving and a special issue on Maldives.

It offers a variety of English language courses for students of all levels, as well as official examinations such as IELTS. The British Council also organizes cultural events such as conferences, exhibitions and film screenings.

The pinnacle of Maaya Thila is Ari Atoll's sole claim to fame and is regularly included in the Top 10 best dive spots in the world. It has been designated a marine protected area by the Maldivian government. The well-preserved corals, the extreme richness and variety of fish and the underwater caves make it a diver's paradise. The pinnacle starts at 6 meters and goes down to 40 meters. Fusiliers and blue ray snappers abound on the surface. As you go deeper and explore the caves, you will come across big-eyed bonito, barracuda, beautiful yellow-fronted angelfish, Moorish idols, multitudes of parrotfish, butterflyfish, clownfish, lionfish, batfish, stonefish and scary anglerfish. But it is the schools of sharks that bring divers down to the depths of Maaya Thila. Groups of white tip reef sharks, sometimes as many as ten, are regularly seen cruising around the thila. They have a preference to position themselves where the current is strongest, and some diving practice is required to swim with them. Generally speaking, the unpredictable currents that can be quite strong make Maaya Thila a site reserved for experienced divers. To enjoy calmer waters, you should come between December and May. The site is also the object of beautiful night dives.