‘Ranked third among all gardens admired over surface of globe’…
Named Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Gardens, after first prime minister of Mauritius; SSR Botanic Gardens in short.
You don’t have to be a botanist to appreciate beauty of gorgeous botanical gardens.
Lush shades of green, interrupted by tall trunks, winding branches, gigantic fronds forming much needed canopy for shade in hot tropical temperatures.
SSR Botanical Gardens
Where is it
Walk around SSR Botanic Gardens … near Port Louis, Mauritius … oldest botanical gardens in Southern Hemisphere. Famed for long pond of giant water lilies (Victoria amazonica) … built in 1770 … covers area of about 37 hectares (91 acres); increasing to 37,660 hectares (93,060 acres); now only 25,100 hectares (62,040 acres) of garden remain; rest being an experimental station.
What is in it
Giant water lilies
Main feature is giant water lilies – imagine carpet of flora everywhere when in full bloom …
Spices, ebonies, sugar cane, and around 865 varieties of palms from Central America, Asia, Africa and Indian Ocean islands – many planted by visiting world leaders and royalty.
Paths meander leisurely across gardens to all scenic spots … gaze in wonder at giant palm fronds, various shapes and sizes … giant water lilies, just starting to bloom … scared Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera).
Sight is simply breath-taking !
Palms galore
Nothing is more amazing than grand scale of palms – some native to Mauritius island; others brought in due to compatible climatic conditions – diverse species contribute to medicinal value, endemic flora, spices and of course beauty of this magnificent garden.
Do you know that there two plant corners – Medicinal Garden, in collaboration with Chinese Agricultural and Technical Team (CATT) and Spice Garden – to cultivate exotic plant species to tantalise our taste buds !
There is nothing more relaxing than walking through garden, inhaling fresh scents of flora and fragrances, admiring luscious greenery all around, offering plenty of shade and burst of colours from flowering plants, everywhere …
Chamarel Waterfalls
Cooling spray of falling mists, saturated air around … refreshes body, relaxes mind to hear water rushing downwards … the waterfall …
Located on west coast of Mauritius, Chamarel waterfalls cascades down vertical cliff of about 95 metres (312 ft), ending in oval-shaped pond. Spray of fall rises to half height of fall …
Beautiful sight to behold …
Coloured Earth
What is Coloured Earth?
A phenomenon resulting in colour variations from cooling of molten rock. Lava formations estimated 3.5 to 7 million years ago … now exposed earth’s crust … reflecting up to seven colours when sunlight falls upon them.
Located downstream of Black River; barren stretch of land, 7-8 acres (2.8-3.2 ha) … devoid of vegetation.
Why?
These formations consist of ‘cohesive formation of ferruginous clays without any organic matter and almost no elements of soil fertility’. How weird …
Conclusion
Mauritius … wonderous island … full of surprises !
Amazing natural landscapes formed million of years ago … wonderful animal sanctuary for endangered wildlife … giant waterlilies … hugh palm varieties …
Tropical island setting with sandy shores … gentle breezes … perfect exotic island setting.
Don’t forget fantastic Creole-French Indian cuisine … great combination of spices and flavours … not easily forgotten.
Definite must visit destination !
