Telfair Garden | Souillac

Information

Landmark: Telfair Garden
City: Souillac
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Telfair Garden, Souillac, Mauritius, Africa

Telfair Garden is a public seaside park located on the coastal edge of Souillac in the southern district of Savanne, Mauritius. It serves as a recreational space for the local community and a scenic viewpoint overlooking the southern cliffs and the Indian Ocean.

Visual Characteristics

The garden is characterized by a large density of century-old banyan trees (Ficus benghalensis) with extensive aerial root systems and expansive canopies that provide near-total shade over the central grounds. The terrain is flat and grassy, ending abruptly at a stone sea wall and a steep drop to a narrow, rocky shoreline. The park features paved pedestrian pathways and several colonial-style stone benches. The ocean-facing side offers views of the rugged basaltic coastline and the turbulent surf characteristic of the reef-free southern coast.

Location & Access Logistics

The garden is situated on the B9 coastal road (Savanne Road) at the southern entrance of Souillac.

Driving: Accessible via the A1 main road; it is located approximately 35 kilometers from Curepipe and 50 kilometers from Port Louis. A designated public parking area is available at the garden entrance.

Public Transport: The Souillac bus station is approximately 400 meters away. Bus routes from Port Louis, Curepipe, and Mahébourg stop here regularly.

Access: Entry is free and the park is open 24 hours daily.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The garden is named after Charles Telfair, a prominent Irish naturalist and surgeon who lived in Mauritius in the early 19th century and significantly contributed to the development of the island's botanical collections. Historically, the site served as a social gathering point for the residents of the Souillac port area during the colonial era. The banyan trees were planted during the 19th century to provide a windbreak against the strong southern trade winds and to stabilize the coastal soil.

Key Highlights & Activities

Walking and stationary observation are the primary activities. The park is a popular site for local cultural events and weekend picnics. A path leads from the garden down to the "Bain des Négresses" and toward the Souillac cemetery. Photography of the massive banyan tree structures and the sunset over the southern cliffs is a frequent activity for visitors.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The park includes a public children's playground and several concrete picnic tables. Basic public restrooms are located near the entrance. There is no formal food service within the garden, but street food vendors and small grocery stores are located within 200 meters on the main road. 4G/5G cellular signal is stable throughout the park. The main pathways are flat and wheelchair accessible, although the descent to the rocky shore below is not.

Best Time to Visit

The garden is most utilized in the late afternoon (16:00–18:00) when temperatures are lower and the lighting is optimal for coastal photography. It is a preferred location during the summer months (December to March) due to the dense shade provided by the trees. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends and public holidays.

Facts & Legends

A local historical curiosity is the presence of several stone monuments and plaques dedicated to Charles Telfair and the history of Souillac. Local folklore suggests the massive banyan trees were once used as navigational markers by small artisanal fishing boats returning to the nearby Port Souillac, as their distinct shapes could be identified from several kilometers at sea.