The SSR Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses |
The SSR Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses is the highlight of any visit to the north. Pamplemousses is believed to have taken its name from a citrus plant commonly called the pamplemoucier which was imported by the Dutch from Java. The fruit which grows in the area is thick skinned and bitter and resembles a large grapefruit. The Tamils call it the bambolmas and it is believed that this is the origin of the French word pamplemousse or grapefruit. Parking is available close to the main entrance gate, admission is free. |
The white wrought iron railings and gates won first prize in the International Exhibition in 1862 at Crystal Palace in London. The garden's origins go back to 1735 when Labourdonnais bought a house in the grounds which he called Mon Plaisir. What began as a humble self sufficient vegetable garden developed into a major fresh food source for ships calling at Port Louis. |
