Initially christened ‘Cirne’ (Island of the Swan) by early Portuguese visitors, the exotic island of Mauritius features on every individual’s travel wish list. Part of the archipelago of Mascarenes along with the islands of Reunion and Rodrigues, Mauritius is an idyllic and popular retreat. The island is located in the Indian Ocean, off the south-eastern coast of Africa, with the Island of Madagascar to its west. Historically, Mauritius was renowned for its location on trade routes and for the production of two of the rarest postage stamps in the world.
A mixed bag of culture
The Mauritian local population comprises of Indians, Africans, Europeans and Chinese and hence is often termed as a ‘rainbow nation’. There is a plethora of languages and the blend of different cultures, notwithstanding disparity in race, ethnicity, religion or nationality, only enhances the distinctive flavor of the island. Warmth and hospitality are the key traits of the locals and they never hesitate to make an outsider feel at home. Although the official language of Mauritius is English, the residents understand and communicate in Creole.
Mauritian culture is marked by their unique dance and music styles, a famous dance being the ‘Sega’, which has its roots in African culture. Owing to the diverse mélange of population, Mauritian cuisine also exhibits variety; it is a potpourri of French, Indian, European, Chinese, and African gastronomy.
Port Louis – the enchanting capital
Constructed in 1935 by a French Governor, Port Louis is the capital city and chief port of Mauritius. Well developed tourist attractions and provision of commercial facilities make Port Louis a frequently visited city. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations and a visit to this central harbor city gives you a good feel of the island. Dotted by magnificent palm trees, the main square Place d’Armes has many colonial structures like the Central Post Office and the Government House.
Next to the Post Office is the Mauritius Postal Museum that has a brilliant collection of Mauritian postal stamps and philately. The Natural History Museum, the oldest museum in Mauritius boasts of a vast collection of birds, reptiles, corals, fish, and shells. You can relive the history of Mauritius during your visits to these museums. At the heart of Port Louis is the vibrant Caudon Waterfront, which is constantly brimming with activity and people. Boutiques, cinemas, duty-free shops, casinos, restaurants and bars relentlessly lure the tourists to the waterfront.
At night, this place is lively with large groups of diners and movie-goers. China Town is a picturesque neighborhood in Port Louis, where some of the older inhabitants dress up in traditional Chinese garb and small shops and restaurants make you feel ‘at home’. Authentic Chinese cuisine with its distinct smells and flavors is available at affordable rates at small cozy restaurants. The Jummah mosque, an immortal religious structure is well-known for its intricate architecture. If you are on the look-out for good bargains, head to the picturesque Central Bazaar of Port Louis, where typical items like fruits, vegetables, medicines, and handicrafts can be purchased. Fort Adelaide and Champ de Mars racecourse are the other well known tourist spots.
Crystal waters of the Grand Baie
A former abode of the fisher folk (fishing village), the Grand Baie (Bay) is a gorgeous town in Mauritius, along the northwest coastline. With its characteristic blend of tranquil beaches and bustling markets, the once sleepy fishing village has become popular with tourists. An ardent adventurer can try out the various water sports offered there, from snorkeling to under-sea walking to scuba-diving. The large array of boutiques and shops sell beautiful handicrafts and a variety of other items. A night-out in Grand Baie promises to be a fun-filled experience what with its bars, discos, and restaurants.
A haven for nature lovers
Mauritius is an exquisite cache of nature and nature’s opulence can be glimpsed in many places. Black River Gorge is Mauritius’s solitary national park and is reputable for its hiking trails and scenic waterfalls. The bottomless gorge interweaves through the splendid mountains to present a breath-taking view. One can be witness to more than 150 flowering plants and around 140 species of unique birds, including the rare Pink Pigeon. Bird watching and exploration can also be done at the Casela Bird Park situated in the Riviere Noire district. The lofty palm trees, affable streams and gushing waterfalls only add to the charm of the place. The Pamplemousse gardens situated to the north of Port Louis is one of the world’s most famous botanical gardens that house some of the uncommon species of trees and plants. Officially known as the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam botanical Island, this 300 year old garden is famous for the Lienard Obelisk, the water lily pond, the grand basin, the tortoise pen and the Stag Park. The eye-catching white wrought-iron gate is a fine example of superb architecture.
Mystical illusion – the Chamarel
In the southwest of Mauritius lies the calm village of Chamarel, where one witness the conspicuously colored soil of Chamarel. Nature blends itself harmoniously to form different colored layers of earth - a result of mineral rich volcanic ash. The earth forms resplendent patterns in 7 hues on the dunes and the occasional rains have an almost ethereal effect on the hillside. If you think the multicolored dunes are intriguing, then the 272 feet high Chamarel Falls cascading from the Black River Mountain will take your breath away.
Water lovers’ paradise!
Mahebourg, the former capital of Mauritius, stands as a symbol of the colonial history of the island. Endowed with rich natural beauty, the city is known for its numerous rivers and sophisticated tourist destinations. The Airgettes Bird Sanctuary, the Naval Museum and the Handicraft Village are must-see places in Mahebourg for the venturesome travelers.
Mauritius is a treat for those who love the water and the sun.
Hence, most tourist attractions revolve around these. The major popular tourist destinations are therefore undoubtedly the pristine beaches. Ile Aux Cerfs (Island of Stags), a spacious island on the east coast is noted for its beautiful beach and lagoon in addition to being an acclaimed recreational spot. With a completely developed golf course, Ile aux Cerfs promises you a day full of adventure. Although it has in recent times become quite commercial and noisy, the isle continues to regularly draw a multitude of tourists. Ferry services are available and there are good basic facilities/amenities for the public.
Flic en flac is a pleasing little village known for its geniality and vibrant culture. It is one of the longest beaches in Mauritius, an eye-catching amalgamation of beautiful Casuarina trees, golden sands, and sparkling waters. Offering an incredible view of the sunset, the beach is where you would want to be at dusk. Belle Mare and Blue Bay are two other famous beaches; the latter is prominent for its ancient coral beds that are in recent times, facing the brunt of urbanization and development. Tamarin Bay is an ideal spot for surfing enthusiasts, while Le Morne is famous for its vast turquoise-blue lagoon.
Tropical fiesta
The tropical climatic conditions tempt people to never remain indoors. Summers are hot and dry, while winters tend to be pleasantly cool. However, the climate varies across the island. Outdoor activities like water sports, swimming, biking, trekking, golfing or just strolling down a promenade are ideal for the climate. Cruises are the best way for people who are not into water/adventure sports. There is never a dull moment in Mauritius, with its ample opportunities for leisure and entertainment.
Chillibreeze's disclaimer: This is a contributed article and was published on Chillibreeze in December, 2009. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article. The relevance of the facts and figures cited (if any) could change after a period of time.
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