Ambalavao paper-making, silk making and wines

Striking Architecture

Ambalavao is a fascinating little town in the central highlands south of Fianarantsoa. The town is known for its paper-making, silk making and wines. The striking feature of this town is the architecture because of the old town houses with wooden balconies. From the centre of the market you can get a good view of the town houses and the church.

Ambalavoa is famous for Antaimoro paper-making and you can visit the paper factory. You can interact with the workers and try your own decoration with inlayed flowers, leaves and petals. From simple decorative paper, it is turned into postcards, wall hangings, gift bags, lampshades and many more items. This town is the centre for Zebu (Malagasy horned cattle) trading for all the surrounding countryside. Many tribes bring their herds of cattle here to the weekly Zebu market (every Wednesday).