A visit to the Botanical Gardens

Situated at Pamplemousses in the northern part of the island, it is probably the only garden which Mauritians know since their childhood .Previously it was known as the'' royal gardens'' and later the'' garden of trees'', it is now officially known as the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden since 18th September 1988. It is classified among the world gardens. Set up by Mahe de Labourdonnais, it is considered as a treasure of Mauritius.
The Botanical Garden is living monument spread over sixty acres of land crafted by Pierre Poivre two and half centuries ago The cultivation of trees and plants were continued by several governors, botanists and naturalists who brought samples with them. The Obelisk bears the words of the famous novelist Bernandin de St Pierre'' Le don d'une plante utile me parait plus precieux que la decouverte d'une mine d'or et un monument plus durable'' (French quotation). An air of terrestial paradise is conferred to the garden through the presence of the different varieties of trees.
The water system of the Garden is designed in a very artistic way. Reservoirs like La Nicoliere, La Riviere Citron, some natural underground sources and small streams provide water to the garden. Local and foreign visitors can admire the lotus ponds, flowers, rows of several varieties of palm trees including the talipot which blooms once in a century. The giant tortoises, the different species of birds like the sparrow, the bulbul and the kestrel , huge mango trees,over 30 ft high bamboos, the fish ponds, the stag pen and the perfect lawn produce a real feast for the eyes
Actually improvements are being carried to convert the paths and narrow avenues into large streets. More visitors are attracted by the wonders of the Garden and official guides are available to help them.The entry fee is Rs50 for foreigners and free for residents on Sundays only. The setting up of a souvenir shop has contributed to increase the interest of visitors. The revenue obtained from the entrance fee is being invested for the maintenance of the garden.The other place of interest is the ' ' Mon Plaisir'' castle bought by Mahe de Labourdonnais in 1735. In 1985 the ancient Prime Minister Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam was cremated in the garden and his monument is still there.
The governors of Mauritius had in mind the idea for future generations to spend a moment in the free, pure and green surrounding of this terrestial paradise. It is assumed to be a dreamland for modern naturalists, botanists and holiday makers. Being a haven for wooers, lovers, artists and picknickers it was and is stiil a matter of divine and transcendental thought. To avoid the daily stress of life one must land in the Botanical Garden.