Pamplemousses Botanical Garden (Sir Seewoosagur Botanic Garden) is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. Marvel at this gloriously designed park, which was started by the 18th century by French landscape architect Pierre Poivre. On a guided tour, see an impressive variety of plants and animals as you explore the beautiful grounds.
Even without the greenhouse of a traditional botanic garden, Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is a breathtaking destination for a daytrip in Mauritius. Hire a guide for a small fee at the garden’s entrance and request a tour to truly appreciate the flora and fauna of this wonderful site.
Have your camera ready to capture nature photos as you pass by 650 varieties of plants. See sugar cane, medicinal herbs, spices and ebony. View more than 80 varieties of palm trees from the islands in the Indian Ocean, Africa, Asia and Central America. Admire the variety of their forms. Note that some of these trees were planted by political figures such as Nelson Mandela and Indira Gandhi.
Ask your guide to show you the African baobab trees, with their strangely shaped trunks and heavy, white flowers. Next, stop by the famous pond of giant Victoria amazonica water lilies. Native to South America, these lilies are extraordinary, as their large, flat leaves can grow up to 10 feet (3.5 metres) in diameter. Their brilliant flowers are white on the first night that they bloom and turn pink on the second night.
Nearby, you will find a decorative water fountain shaped like a lotus flower. This fountain is dedicated to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first prime minister of Mauritius. The garden is also brimming with animals. Deer herds roam the area and colourful birds nest in the trees. Look for the fiery hues of the red fody bird.
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is open 7 days a week. Children under 5 enter for free and adults are admitted for a small fee. Reach the garden in 20 minutes via taxi from Port Louis. Visit the garden for a pleasant day in abundant nature.
