Jumhooree Maidan Park is the most popular vacation spot in Male, the capital city of the Republic of Maldives, located on the island of the same name. The area of Male’ is only 1.8 km, and lives here more than 100 thousand people (almost 1/3 of the population of the country) — it is one of the most densely populated islands in the world. Every piece of land here is literally worth its weight in gold, and the building is so dense that almost no space for lawns and squares. That’s probably why Jumuri-Maidan Park is always crowded. This quiet green corner allows you to take a break from the cityscape and the landscape overloaded with tall buildings.
Also known as Independence Square, Jumuri-Maidan Park is located on the north coast of Male’ and is an open lawned area surrounded on all sides by shady walkways. It is an ideal place for celebrations, social events. You can gather here to socialize with friends, relax with the whole family, have a picnic. You can simply sit by the pool or in the shade of the trees, hiding from the tropical heat and enjoying the cool sea breeze, or feed pigeons (permanent residents of the square), starlings or sea birds.
In the evening, when the tired tropical sun hides behind the horizon, Jumuri Maidan becomes even cozier: park lanterns illuminate the alleys and paths, cast a dim yellowish light on the coastal waters, and a light breeze coming from the sea lightly sways the tops of coconut palms that spread their lush fan-leaves right beside the road.
A huge flagpole with the Maldivian flag stands on the square. The red-green cloth with a white crescent moon can be seen from afar. And this is probably the first thing that visitors to Male, arriving by ferry from the island-airport Hulhumale (Hulhumale). The pier is literally a stone’s throw from the park, just off the Bodu Thakurufaanu Magu road, a smooth ribbon girdling the entire coastline of the island. Right in front of the park is the privileged presidential jetty — especially for the country’s leader, ministers and other VIPs.
From the side of the square opens a sea panorama — speedboats, ferries, boats (dhoni) now and then scurry along the waves, ferrying vacationers from one island to another. There are always a lot of tourists here. Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean and consisting of several atolls, is a real paradise for vacationers: 1199 coral islands, many of which are uninhabited, and a huge underwater world right at your feet (the islands rise only 1-2.4 meters above sea level).