Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, Port Louis

The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden in Port Louis, Mauritius is the largest botanical garden in the hemisphere and a must-see attraction. Originally a private garden for the colonial French governor of Mauritius, it became the national botanical garden of Mauritius and is now open to the public.

The garden boasts over 650 varieties of plants, including famous Baobabs, Giant Water Lilies, Palmier Bouteille, an array of medicinal plants, and a large spice garden. Visitors can also find at least 85 different varieties of palm trees from all over the world, including the bottle palms, royal palms, and the rare and incredible talipot palm, which blooms only once every 40 years before dying.

In addition to its plant collection, the botanical garden is also home to a range of wildlife, including giant tortoises, stags, and Pteropus Niger bats. Bird enthusiasts can spot several bird species, such as parrots, ducks, and the Madagascar moorhen, also known as “Poule d’Eau”. The garden's large pond is inhabited by aquatic animals such as turtles, fish, and eels, as well as the famous Giant Water Lilies.

The garden is open year-round, thanks to Mauritius' pleasant tropical climate. The best time to visit is from May to December, during the island's winter, when the temperatures range from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. Visitors can enjoy the nearby beaches and islands, as well as thrilling water sports such as surfing.