Major Attractions In Madagascar

Antsirabe is located about 169 km from the capital Antananarivo. It has a couple of volcanic lakes located nearby, the Lac Andraikiba and Lac Tritriva. The other attractions of this town are its thermal baths and the Star Brewery. The Cathedral is a reminder of Antsirabe's colonial days and is worth a sightseeing trip if you happen to be in the place. 

Ile Sante Marie is currently the main tourist destination. In early days it was a haven for Indian Ocean pirates and still has a pirate cemetery.

 The other places worth a visit are Plage Ankarena beach, from where visitors can see entire pods of whales passing by between July and September. Diving, snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing are other popular pastimes in Ile Ste.Marie.

Nosy Be besides being the largest island of Madagascar is also the main resort island. It has a fine beach named Ambatoloaka, popular with budget tourists. An island surrounded by smaller islands lying off the northwest coast, it is one hour by air from the capital.

Exotic perfume plants such as ylang-ylang, vanilla (Madagascar is the world's largest producer), lemon grass and patchouli are grown here. There are many lakes, waterfalls and grottoes in the rainforests above the port. Wildlife and flora includes lemurs, crocodiles and orchids. The volcanic island Nosy Komba has an exclusive lemur reserve.

A day trip by boat to the island of Nosy Tanikely is an enjoyable way to see the surrounding reef and marine reserve or do a bit of snorkelling in the crystal clear waters. Certain trekking opportunities are also available in this area.  

Toamasina: Another popular and interesting holiday destination, Toamasino is also the main seaport and entry point for cruise ships and ferries coming to Madagascar. This is also the largest port town and lies along the scenic coastal stretch. Colonial architecture and native vegetation are two main attractions of Toamsino. The Jardin D’Essel et Parque Zoologique de l’lvotoina with its complement of lemurs, birds and other native fauna and a botanical garden is always a pleasure to visit.

 Fianarantsoa is regarded as the academic and intellectual centre of Madagascar. It is the main centre for the wine-producing region and is the perfect place for a break enroute to Parc Ranomafana or to the nearby Ambalavao village.