Just a few miles outside of the capital the strange sugar estate turned theme park Domaine Les Pailles has been transformed into a cultural and heritage centre that makes for an enjoyable half-day excursion. The facilities include rides in horse-drawn carriages, a miniature railway, a working replica of a traditional ox-driven sugar mill, a rum distillery producing the estate's own brew, a spice garden, a quad-biking circuit and a children's playground. There is also a selection of upmarket restaurants.
Visitors can choose to tour the site by train, horse carriage or jeep, with the cost of entry varying accordingly. To get to the Domaine, take any bus running between Port Louis and Curepipe and ask to be let off at the turning for Domaine Les Pailles (it's clearly signposted). From the main road it takes less than half an hour on foot to the reception centre. Alternatively, it's a 10-minute taxi ride from Port Louis or Moka.
