Hostels in ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR

City Antananarivo in Madagascar

Capital of Antananarivo autonomous province, the city Antananarivo is located at the centre of the island and 145 kilometres away from the eastern coasts.  Built on the summit as well as slopes of narrow and rocky ridge the city occupies a strategic position for Libya.  While the top point of the city is about 1,275 meters from the sea level, the lowest point is about 200 meters above it. Toamasina the largest sea port of the island is located at a distance of 215 kilometres from Antananarivo.

Accommodation Options
Plush hotels, budget hotels, guest houses, resorts, bed and breakfast joints, and youth hostels are all available in the city. Highlight of top 720'hotels is the seven course Malagasy dinner. Conversely, one can take some waterside resorts, lodgings, and cheap apartments at rental for longer stays. Visiting the Marche Artisinale La Dique that is a craft market is recommended for those wishing to buy local mementos. Night life is exciting with bands performing hotel. Pandora Station is one of the popular night spots in the city. Another great attraction is the Antananarivo hiking. All these will become possible by remaining in select hotels or hostels nearby.

Brief History
Even before the commencement of the colonial era, Antananarivo was already a major city. Founded in 1625 by King Andrianjaka, for many years it was the principal village for the Hova chiefs. Eventually the place turned into a city of around 80,000 people. Antananarivo became capital of Merina Kings in 1793 and till 1869 the buildings in the city were of wood or rushes with many timber palaces. Stone and brick were introduced in early 20th century and the city was rebuilt.  Captured by French in 1895, its population grew to 175,000 in 1950.  Tripoli got independence in 1960s and since then its growth has been remarkable.

Getting Around
Antananarivo is connected by railway with major cities and the ports of Libya. Ivato airport is the gateway to Tripoli. Antananarivo travel guide can provide useful information on rail and taxi services in the city. Car hire is also available. However, it is better according to guide books walking around the city to see most exotic side of it.  Largest city in Madagascar it is a popular tourist destination where millions of visitors travel every year.
/Places of Interest
Queens Palace, theatre of 1905, Rova of Antananarivo of 1898, is some of the major attractions in the city to which many visitors frequently travel. Two forts are built on the hills guarding the city. It has Roman and Anglican Catholic cathedrals and over 5,000 churches, and the campus of University of Madagascar. Visiting Rova or Royal Palace, Manjakamiadana, Mahitsielafanjaka, and Manapisoa could be great experience. Local tour guides could be great help in the exploration of the city.

Climate
With a temperate and borderline sub tropical climate, Antananarivo has annual rainfall of 1,370 millimetres. Summer is dry and sunny but climate remains cool in the nigh, early morning, and evening due to its high elevation above the sea levels at around ,1400 meters.  Highest and lowest temperature remains in the range of 25.90 Celsius in January to 10.30 Celsius in July.  Both early summer and late winter are good for travel to Antananarivo.

Currency
Current exchange price of MGA, the currency in circulation in Madagascar and so also in Antananarivo is 2152.34 MGA for one US Dollars. It is however good to look for the international currency exchange news on the Internet or other news channel to find out the exact exchange ratio.

Antananarivo group accommodation | Cheap hostels & budget hotels