Company Gardens, Port Louis

The Company Gardens in Port Louis is a haven of peace and rest amidst the bustling city. Located in the center of the city, in front of the Mauritius Institute, this garden is known for its gigantic trees that play strident Indian music, showcasing the preeminence of Hindi culture on the island. The garden's name comes from the fact that it formerly belonged to the India Company French. Initially a swamp, the place was transformed into a botanical park by Mahé de La Bourdonnais in 1735 and then repopulated with trees under British rule in 1828.

Today, the Company Gardens is a popular destination for people in Port Louis who go there to rest or have lunch under the shade of the trees. The park is also full of statues, busts, and monoliths dedicated to the heroes of Mauritius, as well as dating posters of poems and novels. Visitors can take a break and enjoy a drink before continuing to explore the city.

The Company Gardens is often referred to as the Central Park of Mauritius, despite being smaller and more restricted in size. The journey through the huge trees in the middle of a constantly active city leaves a lasting impression. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by two enormous totems representing dragons and Chinese lions that stand as the guardians of the garden. The setting is remarkable, with a union between the concrete of modernity and the greenery of nature.

Apart from the great men statues such as Adrien d'Épinay and Ti-Frère, visitors can also take pictures with century-old banyan trees, which are the last ones still existing in Mauritius and the Mascarene Islands. The northern part of the garden is also known for its tropical flower gardens, which emit a sweet floral scent. Visitors can stay in the shade of the big palm trees and admire the beautiful fountain and its cement dolphins.