Fianarantsoa

There are efforts to preserve the historical part of Fianarantsoa with its churches and traditional buildings. Old buildings are being restored or re-built, the use of corrugated sheets for covering roofs is discouraged, and all new buildings have to be conform to the traditional style. It is worth walking around and see some of the community facilities, galleries and nice views from the hill. You can hire a guide for an hour or two, even if it is not really necessary.

For some tourists, a ride on the FCE Railway is a special highlight. If the system is not en panne, trains depart for Manakara at 07:00 every Saturday and Tuesday. From Manakara, they return to Fianar at 06:45 every Sunday and Wednesday. The journey takes you through the rain forest, offering very scenic views. For villages along the way, the train is the main (sometimes the only) link to the outside world. As a result, stations are bustling with activity -- vendors selling fruit, peanuts, crayfish, samosas, wood, animals, etc. The slow journey that takes anywhere between 12 hours and 24 hours is more about the experience. If you take this challenge, bring enough water, food and insect repellent and all your patience.