Mauritius: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden

July 29, 2023
Mauritius
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The National Botanical Garden is located in the proximity of Port-Louis in the district of Pamplemousses and is home to an incredible variety of tropical plants - many of them being indigenous.

The Botanic Garden, which was formerly known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Pamplemousses was renamed on the 18th of September 1988 after Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first Prime Minister of Mauritius and later Governor General of Mauritius.

When we arrived it was approaching late afternoon, so we wasted no time exploring the grounds. The first place we checked out was a pond full of giant lotus plants, some of which were as tall as me, and were in flower. These were the tallest lotus plants we’d ever seen.

Close by this pond were the giant tortoise and deer pens – I assume they are kept in pens to stop them from eating the plants, but it was sad to see them like this, and it didn’t add any value to the botanical garden experience

Any, we moved on to wander the trails around the gardens. Undoubtedly the highlight for us was the long, formal pond filled with giant waterlilies. Always, a big favourite of mine and in the late afternoon sun, they looked stunningly beautiful. I particularly liked the old plants that had been to decay to the point where you could start to see their fibrous structures.

After the lily pond, we made our way towards the Chateau de Mon Plaisir, which originally was a small, flat-roofed building that was replaced with the current colonial, two-storey design in 1839, and is now a listed building. Apparently, it was designated for restoration in 2017 but it seems to still be closed to the public – I assume that the Covid-19 pandemic threw a wrench in the plans.

Right next to the chateau is a large and spectacular monument to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. There is a freshwater pond crowned by a lotus flower with the inscription: ‘In beloved Memory of the Father of the Nation’

About Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden

The Garden covers an area of 33 Hectares. It is managed by a Trust known as the SSR Botanic Garden Trust enacted in May 1999. The main objectives of the SSR Botanic Garden Trust are conservation, education, recreation, culture and history.

The Garden is one of the oldest Botanic Garden in the southern hemisphere.

The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden dates back to the French period. In 1736, the French governor, Mahé de Labourdonnais, chose to set up his domain around the present Main Gate at Pamplemousses. In 1767 the French Intendent, Pierre Poivre introduced vegetables, fruits and flowers from all over the world.

Amongst these plants were some of the most prized species of the time: namely nutmegs (Myristica fragans) and cloves (Syzichium aromaticum) from the Malaccas. These species are still present in the Spice Corner of the Garden.

After Poivre’s departure, the Garden was administered by Nicolas Céré (1775 – 1810). He traced the main avenues and had several ponds built, notably the Giant Water Lily Pond, now filled with spectacular Victoria amazonica.

After the French period, the Garden faced difficulties during the first thirty years of British rule over the island.

The Garden was revived with the arrival of James Duncan as Director in 1849. A large collection of palms was introduced including the majestic Royal Palm (Roystonia regia).

The Botanic Garden which was formerly known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Pamplemousses was renamed on the 18th of September 1988 that is on the 88th Birth Anniversary of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first Prime Minister of Mauritius and later Governor General of Mauritius.

His funerary monument (Samadhi) is found near the Chateau de Mon Plaisir as well as a memorial consisting of a freshwater pond crowned by a lotus flower with the inscription: ‘In beloved Memory of the Father of the Nation’.

Since the year 2000, a Trust under the aegis of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security runs the Garden.

Planning your visit to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden

Website:	https://ssrbg.govmu.org/SitePages/Index.aspx
Hours	08.30 hrs to 17.30 hrs
Fees:	$6.60 for non-Mauritian citizens

Best time to visit Mauritius

Climate

Current Weather Forecasts

Port Louis

Sunday

73°

scattered clouds

Clouds26%

Humidity77%

Wind18mph

Mon

Min71°

Max79°

Tue

Min72°

Max78°

Wed

Min71°

Max79°

Thu

Min72°

Max79°

Mahebourg

Sunday

80°

broken clouds

Clouds75%

Humidity61%

Wind19mph

Mon

Min73°

Max75°

Tue

Min72°

Max75°

Wed

Min72°

Max76°

Thu

Min73°

Max75°

The best time to visit Mauritius is toward the end of the year, from October through to December, when temperatures are hottest. However, Mauritius has an enviable subtropical climate that normally brings sun, warmth, and blue skies, so expect perfect beach weather for most of the year.

The Chamarel Mountains in the south can get rain at any time of year, which provides them with a luxuriant green covering, but the rest of the island generally only sees prolonged rain in January and February, when cyclones roll in from the Indian Ocean.

Mauritius – Month-by-Month

Visiting Mauritius in January

Early January is very popular due to the Christmas holidays and escaping the Northern Hemisphere winter. However, this time of year is prone to cyclones and rain so is not a reliable time to travel.

Visiting Mauritius in Fenruary

February is affected by cyclones, so we would advise against traveling at this time.

Events & Festivals

Holi festival (end of February or March): Celebrating the beginning of spring, it’s also known as the Festival of Colours due to the brightly coloured powder and water that is thrown around the streets, covering everyone in its path.

Visiting Mauritius in March

March is a popular time to visit Mauritius. The weather is hot, but it can also be humid with occasional rainfall.

Events & Festivals

Visiting Mauritius in April

April is hot, with temperatures hitting 86°F.

Visiting Mauritius inMay

May is one of the best months to travel to Mauritius. The temperatures are warm, but the humidity has lifted, making for a more comfortable climate. There are also some fantastic offers to take advantage of at this time of year, and it’s a good time to travel if you prefer to have more space to yourself.

Visiting Mauritius in June

June is very pleasant, offering warm, sunny days. Those who prefer hotter weather may find it a bit cooler, with average highs of 75°F, and you may need to wear warm layers for alfresco evenings.

Visiting Mauritius in July

July is a popular time of year due to the summer vacations in the Northern Hemisphere. The trade winds pick up, making some of the less sheltered beaches breezy and bringing temperatures down. In general, average highs are around 73°F.

Visiting Mauritius in August

August follows the pattern of July, with warm days that are perfect for sheltered beaches, but you will appreciate a jumper or coat in the evenings.

Events & Festivals

Ganesh Chaturthi festival (August or September): This Hindu festival honoring the elephant-headed god Ganesh is a public holiday in Mauritius. Colorful Ganesh statues are displayed publicly and at home before being immersed in a body of water.

Visiting Mauritius in September

The trade winds die down during September and the temperatures start to rise once again.

Events & Festivals

Visiting Mauritius in October

October tends to be the driest month, with comfortable average highs of 77°F. It can be quite popular; particularly around half term dates for family vacations.

Events & Festivals

Diwali (October/November): With its significant Indian/Hindu population, Mauritius sees enthusiastic Diwali celebrations, with twinkling candles and lamps lit across the island to mark the Festival of Lights.

Visiting Mauritius in November

In November the temperatures start to rise, as does the humidity. Gearing up for tropical summer rains, this month can be a real mixture. Some days may be more humid than others, but overall it’s still a good time to visit Mauritius.

Events & Festivals

Visiting Mauritius in December

December is one of the busiest months for visitors to Mauritius; especially over the festive period. Humidity builds throughout the month and it is likely to rain; particularly around Christmas and New Year. However, the rain is normally a heavy shower and helps lower the humidity. Afterwards, the sun usually shines through and it dries up quickly.

Where to stay

MON CHOISY BEACH RESORT

We stopped in the Mon Choisy which is on the northeast coast of Mauritius. This is a lovely area of the island with great beaches and supposedly the best weather.

The resort was outside the main areas of the town and right on the edge of the large public beach at Mon Choisy. The resort was right on the water, with a rocky beach. It was a perfect place for watching the sun go down and catch the sunset.

We wanted to self-cater, or at least have the option to, so this resort was perfect as the rooms had a small kitchenette which was reasonably well equipped. The rooms were very comfortable, but most of them do not have much of a view.

The pool area was perfect for sunbathing and cooling off, as well as being a perfect spot for seeing sunsets.

HÔTEL 20 DEGRÉS SUD

This 5-star hotel is also located on the northeast coast of the island near Grand Baie.

The first boutique hotel in Mauritius, the 20 Degrés Sud offers you the luxury and excellence of a 5-star hotel in an establishment with the dimensions of a charming hotel.

No ostentatious luxury but much more: elegance and refinement. The delicacy in taste, spirit and feelings that will truly give you the feeling of being in a world apart.

Nestled in a pretty coconut grove at the water’s edge, the 20 Degrés Sud enjoys a privileged location, far from all the hustle and bustle, but only a few minutes from the entertainment of Grand Bay. Its location in the heart of a very quiet residential area served by a charming coastal road gives it a peaceful and relaxing side.

This charming, intimate hotel has 36 rooms, including 7 suites, all overlooking the pretty coconut grove bordering the sea. A bit like home, all the rooms are different. A mixture of antiques and furnishings exclusively from the Belgian decorator Flamant Home Interiors gives this place a warm, unique and personalized atmosphere.

LE PENINSULA BAY BEACH RESORT & SPA

This 3-star hotel is located on the southwest side of Mauritius, closer to the International Airport.

Located in Blue Bay, a 2-minute walk from Blue Bay Beach, Le Peninsula Bay Beach Resort & Spa has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a garden. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a shared lounge and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property provides karaoke and a tour desk.

The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, an electric tea pot, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. At Le Peninsula Bay Beach Resort & Spa all rooms include bed linen and towels.