Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens

This botanical garden owes its existence to Mahé de La Bourdonnais, the governor of Ile de France (former name of Mauritius).  However, it is thanks to Pierre Poivre, an 18^th century botanical enthusiast that this tropical garden of 26 hectares is so diversified and rich today.  The official name of the Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, in memory of the Father of the Mauritian Nation.        

This botanical garden is renowned the world over for its prestigious collection of indigenous and exotic plants, with nearly 600 vegetal species, amongst which, there are rare specimens, fruit trees and spice trees... one can discover different species such as the giant Amazon water lily, the lotus, the latania, the golden bamboo, the spice tree, the ebony tree, the teak tree, the mahogany tree, sugar cane and a two hundred years old banyan tree.  Among the 80 different species of vegetal plants, there is the famous Talipot, with leaves of approximately 3 m 50 in diameter, which flower only once at the age of 60, before dying.            

The visitors can relax on the banks of the exotic lakes, stroll along Avenue Poivre bordered with palm trees or admire the chateau de Mon Plaisir.  One can also visit the deer park and the tortoise pen located at the right hand side of the entrance.        

Curepipe Botanic Gardens 

Although less rich than the Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens, the Curepipe Botanic Gardens remains pleasant.  It boasts several exotic species such as ebony wood, "makak," "bouquet banané" (ochna mauritiana) "fangame," "Bois Dure" (euphobiaceae), Coffea Myrtifolia (one of the three endemic species of coffee), "Pabadus Cephalotus" (Vacoas of Madagascar), Hyophorbe Amaricaulis (about 90 years old) and unique endemic palm trees.

Telfair Municipal Gardens (Souillac)

It is a pleasant small garden named after Dr Charles Telfair, Governor Farquar's secretary (1801-1823) and a key figure in the sugar industry.  Its main asset: a panoramic view of the wild southern coast of the island.  The Telfair Municipal Gardens are located opposite the bus stop, near the Coral House, also known as the Robert Edward Hart Museum.   

Company Gardens (Port Louis)

True to its name, the garden once belonged to the East India Company.  Composed of marshland at the beginning, Mahé de Labourdonais soon transformed it into a garden in 1735. It was later reforested in 1828, during the British reign.  The Company Gardens are nestled in the town centre, opposite the Mauritius Institute (The Natural History Museum).  The gardens can be easily spotted due the various banyans whose lianas fall down as far as the ground and even into the streets...One can also admire numerous statues given by foreign governments.

Today, the inhabitants of Port Louis often go there either to rest or to have lunch under the shade of the large banyans.  However, one should avoid going there at night.