Ambatondrazaka

Ambatondrazaka is a small, delightful town situated over several hills at the southern end of the Lac Alaotra in Madagascar. In 2004 the town's population was estimated at 75,675. Due to lack of water the most southern part of the lake Alaotra is overgrown and cannot be seen from the city anymore.

By car Ambatondrazaka can be reached from Tana via the RN2 direction Moramanga and from there via RN44 directly to Ambatondrazaka.

The city was founded by Randriambololona and three children: Raseheno, Ramiangaly and Razak who settled here in the late eighteenth century.

From a historical and linguistic point of view, Ambatondrazaka originates from two words: "Vato" which means stone in Malagasy, and "Razak". Ambatondrazaka refers to an oath which Razak took before a stone that was lifted at Andohatanjona.

A railroad once connected the city with the capital but is no longer in use.