The Botanical Gardens of Curepipe is a sister-part of the Pamplemousses Botani­cal Gardens. It was du­ring the British period that the idea of creating a botanical gar­den at Curepipe following the fruitful results from the experiences and experiments obtained at Pamplemousses by the then Director of the Pamplemousses Botani­cal Garden,  M. Horne. Having spotted the ap­propriate location and place to grow and culti­vate a large variety of plants that could not adapt to the high temperature in the northern part of the island, it was recommen­ded by the then colonial secretary to create such a garden.

The idea, once approved, it was only in the year 1868 that the government took into possession part of ‘Mare aux Joncs’ estate to create the Curepipe Botanical Garden. Apart from being a botanical place to house different plant species, the garden became an alluring public meeting place, an outlandish location to visit and on Sundays it was a major place of recreation for people accompanied by local musicians known as ‘une bande de musiciens créole’.

Since its creation, the garden’s maintenance is under the responsibility of the Forest Services of the Agriculture Department.

 Experiments
The garden has served immensely as a place of experimentation for various species of plants to local adaptation in terms of climate. Situated at the foot of Trou Aux Cerfs, it was an ideal place to carry such experiments for botanical interests. Consequently, many plants and herbs and flowers species were introduced for experimental purposes. One of them was the introduction and plantation of ‘Ligustrum robustum’, commonly known as ‘Privet’, which started to be used as hedge plants in various residential premises. The garden also became a place of experimentation with plants for agricultural purposes such as the ‘Assam tea’ and camphor plants.

It is to be noted that the garden offered also an educational interest to researchers in plants and horticulture (botany). A section of the garden was then reserved for such educational interest by C. O’Connor in 1913, the then Director of Forests and Gardens, with the collaboration of the Royal College of Curepipe.

Experimentation was also carried out on various banana plant species which are currently found in today’s market, namely ‘Banane Gingeli, Banane Rouge, Banane Carré and Banane Naine among others. The Garden offered also chances of preserving indigenous trees species where they were purposely planted and preserved. This was followed by the introduction of a vast variety of herbs which till today are grown and marketed by local florists. Among the herbs ‘gracillimia’, ‘Adiantum gloriosa’, ‘gordei’ can be found.

 Recreation
Once the garden was established, it was obvious to turn it into a visitor’s park and to be opened to the public at large. It became desirable to make it a recreation spot. As such Victorian style kiosks were installed and one central kiosk can still be seen in the centre of the garden. This kiosk was the centre of attraction as it was a place for holding social activities, especially on Sundays whein the military orchestras could be heard entertaining the public. The military orchestras mainly came from the nearby military camps, such as ‘1st Bengal Infantry’, ‘18th Rajput’ and ‘King Royal Rifles’ among many others. The Police band also played in the kiosk followed by local orchestras as well.

 Tranquil place
“The garden today is a place where I come to do away with my stress. It is a weekly ‘must’.” says a regular visitor, who was seen having his weekly Sunday walk in the lap of ‘nature’.

“It is a place where one can breathe pure air, away from the hustle and bustle of the town, a tranquil place which refreshes one’s mind and renews one’s energy” as remarked another lonely visitor jogging along the clean, well-kept alleys of plants and flowers.

The Botanical Garden of Curepipe is undeniably a place that refreshes and renews one’s vigour. Needless to say, the chirping and twittering of various species of birds, although intruders, add to the flora and fauna of the garden. It is to be noted that security is now guaranteed over there as hurdles and obstacles have been placed to stop vehicles from parking along the central gate. A well equipped children’s corner adds to the family outing character of the garden. Cleanliness is strictly maintained. Gardeners and officers are seen all around to maintain the uniqueness of this historical site. Apart from being a place for recreation and relaxation, the garden also provides opportunities to students of botany and plants.

Last but not the least, a river calmly gurgling down across the garden and a calm and cool pond add to the already existing romantic atmosphere of that exotic site. A place not to miss when you are around in Curepipe on a beautiful Sunday afternoon!