Antsirabe

Antsirabe (), also known as '''Ville d'eau''' ( 'City of water' in French), is the third-largest city in Madagascar and the capital of the Vakinankaratra region, with a population of 265,018 in 2014. In Madagascar, Antsirabe is known for its relatively cool climate (like the rest of the central region), its industry and the high concentration of pulled rickshaws or pousse-pousses. It attracts around 30,000 tourists a year.

AI overview

Antsirabe is the third-largest city in Madagascar, known for its cooler climate, industrial activity, and abundance of hand-pulled rickshaws, attracting about 30,000 tourists annually. The city serves as the capital of the Vakinankaratra region and had a population of over 265,000 as of 2014.

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Place details

Locality: Antsirabe
Region: Vakinankaratra
Country: Madagasikara / Madagascar
Population: 260,907

Travel guide

Get in

Gasycar Vip bus 6 times a day from Antananarivo, fare from 23,000 Ar. It departs from Le Chalet des Roses hotel in Antananarivo.

Soatrans runs new Mercedes & VW vans from Antananarivo daily (25,000 Ar, 5 hrs).

Taxis-brousse are not recommended as they are prone to breakdowns and are uncomfortable. Rumour also has it that some of the drivers work with the bandidos (highway men).

Get around

The city has more than 5000 colorfully painted rickshaws, called "Push-Push", it is the second most commonly used mode of transportation after cycling. This makes Antsirabe a very peaceful town compared to Antananarivo's traffic jams and pollution.

Taxis and taxi-brousse can get you to nearby cities. Bicycles, quads and taxis are available for daily rent.

See

thumbnail|Antsirabe train station Antsirabe Train Station. The Malagasy railway network dates from the colonial period, though breakdowns are frequent and many lines are now closed. The Antsirabe Train Station is an architecturally interesting example of colonial building techniques, though in it has been closed since 2007 because of problems with the line to the capital city.

Do

Antsirabe is a great place for hiking, be it by foot, mountain bike, or horse.

Eat

Crock Inn. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The staff has some limited English skills. Associated with the Aro Hotel. Chez Billy. Serves lunch and dinner. French-owned and -operated, great place for tourists and backpackers.