Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, Botanical garden in Pamplemousses, Mauritius.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden is a large green space covering more than 37 hectares with tree-lined paths and palm avenues from around the world. It contains tropical plants, ornamental ponds with water lilies, and open areas for walking and observing the vegetation.
Pierre Poivre founded this garden in 1770 as a research station for studying and growing tropical plants, making it a pioneering effort in botanical science. The site became instrumental in understanding and cultivating species from around the tropical world.
The garden is named after Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Mauritius's first Prime Minister after independence, honoring his role in the nation's history. Locals and visitors alike recognize this naming as a tribute to the country's democratic journey.
The site is open daily and large enough to spend several hours walking the various paths and viewing plants; arriving early gives you better light and fewer crowds. Wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on foot for extended periods and some paths can be uneven.
The central pond contains Victoria amazonica, a giant water lily whose flowers change color throughout the day as they mature. This color shift happens naturally and draws attention from visitors watching the blooms over time.
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