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Mauritius
Tour Packages
« Introduction
Discovered
by the Portuguese in 1505, Mauritius was subsequently held by the Dutch,
French, and British before independence was attained in 1968. Mauritius
is a remarkably cosmopolitan place. Since it was first settled some 400
years ago, it has accumulated a diverse collection of people from India,
Europe, Africa and China, and could serve as a poster for multicultural
harmony. The island is well known for its exceptional natural beauty; "You
gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that
heaven was copied after Mauritius", as Mark Twain noted in Following
the Equator.
« Weather & Climate
Together with Réunion and Rodrigues, Mauritius is part of the Mascarene
Islands. The local climate is tropical, modified by southeast trade winds;
there is a warm, dry winter from May to November and a hot, wet, and humid
summer from November to May. Cyclones affect the country during November-April.
Weather Overview Arguably the best time for a Mauritian visit is when the
rain eases off from May to December. Maximum temperatures during these months
average around 25°C (77°F) compared to only slightly warmer 30-32°C
(86-89°F) in January, and you'll stay drier.
« Culture
The
mixed colonial past of Mauritius is reflected in its culture. For example,
the cuisine of Mauritius is a blend of Indian Cuisine, Creole, Chinese and
European. The "cari poule" or chicken curry, for example, is a
very popular dish and eaten by all sections of the community.
Mauritian Cuisine is a great leveller and brings together all sections
of the community. Most restaurants are owned by the Sino-Mauritian community,
thus it is not surprising that well-known 'chinese' dishes have become
Mauritian favourites.Moreover, since the food stalls by the streets are
mainly owned by the Muslim and Indo-Mauritian communities, the 'Alouda'
(a milky drink with basil seeds) has become a typical mauritian drink
and the 'dholl puri' is the favourite of all communities.
In 1847, Mauritius became the fifth country in the world to issue postage
stamps. The two types of stamps issued then, known as the Red Penny and
the Blue Penny are probably the most famous stamps in the world, being
very rare and therefore also very expensive.
Mauritius has from time to time also been chosen as setting for films,
most of which are Bollywood productions from India. The latest Hindi film
to feature Mauritius has been Garam Masala (2005).
« Places to visit
Port Louis Port-Louis, the administrative and financial capital of Mauritius
is situated in the North West of the Island. It was founded by the French
Governor Mahé de Labourdonnais in 1735.
It is the only commercial port of the island. The port is active, with many
cargo and fishing vessels stopping over or based there. The elegance of
Port Louis shows in fine French colonial buildings, especially the Government
house and the Municipal Theatre which were constructed in the 18th century.
There are also two eye catching Cathedrals, Anglican and Catholic and also
a mosque. The Supreme Court and natural history museum are also the ideal
places to visit in Mauritius. There is also the Worldwide Masks museum where
a visitor can find a wonderful collection of various tribal masks from Africa,
America, Asia and Oceania
Curepipe
The
wet and cold climate Curepipe makes it the most european of all towns. Curepipe
has some good shopping addresses. "Trou aux Cerfs" Volcano crater
is the town's biggest natural attraction. This crater, which is 85 metres
deep and 200 metres wide, offers a unique panoramic view of the central
plateau at its summit. Other interesting features of Curepipe are its Botanical
Garden which are well kept and informal, with nature trails branching off
of the main paths. The other major attraction of CurePipe is the distinctively
designed colonial houses. One such example of colonial architecture is the
Municipal Hall at the centre of the town.
Rose Hill and Beau-Bassin
The most commercial of all the towns, Rose-hill has a number of shopping
arcades and shops which gives you the various options for shopping. An interesting
feature of Rose Hill is its theatre, Le Plaza, which has become the most
important landmark of the cultural life of the island. Plays, concerts,
operas are regularly held within its walls. Next to it is the Max Boullé
art gallery where Mauritian artists regularly hold exhibitions. Beau Bassin
is mostly residential and has an unfortunately not very-well-known public
garden - Balfour Garden -which offers an extraordinary viewpoint.
Champ de Mars
Constructed in 1812, Chem De Mars is the oldest race course (1812) in the
Indian Ocean and the second oldest in the southern Hemisphere. The ideal
time to visit is during the racing season (May to December). It is at the
centre of all life during weekends when races are held and a thrilling and
adventurous experience to live. Domaine Les Pailles This typical Mauritian
Estate inflames the harmonious union of history, culture and nature of Mauritius
Island. It contains a replica of an 17th century sugar mill whre the famouse
Domaine Rum is made.
Pamplemonsses garden Also known as the Royal Botanical Gardens, Pamplemonsses
garden has a collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the giant
Victoria Amazonica water lilies, many species of palm trees especially the
unique talipot palm, said to flower once every sixty years and then die.
It is away from the coast and existed almost directly south of Grand Baie.
Pamplemousses stretches for four hectares and features plants from all over
the world - wild bananas, camphor trees, clover and nutmeg trees from Manila
and huge water lilies, known locally as 'flan tins' as well as a number
of palms. There is also an art gallery and a cemetery.
HOTELS /RESORTS/BEACHES
Mauritius
is surrounded by beautiful beaches along its 100 miles of coastline. Some
of the best beaches in the North are; Grand Bay, Pereybère, Mon Choisy,
Trou aux Biches. Flic en Flac, Tamarin and Le Morne are the favourites in
the West. Belle Mare, one of the longest beaches in Mauritius is found in
the East. And Blue Bay is the most favoured spot in the South East.
Resorts
Sugar Beach Resort
The Sands Resort
Hotel Indian Resort
Le Preskîl Beach Resort
Belle Mare Plage Resort
Le Prince Maurice
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
Le Tropical
Silver Beach
Royal Palm
The Oberoi
Beau Rivage
The Residence
« Shopping & Entertainment
Shopping
in Mauritius is more than just an interesting experience. It is a journey
in time and space of the civilisation and cultures that have come across
its history. There are a number of shopping centres/arcades in all the towns
and some big villages of Mauritius. The Central Market in Port Louis is
full of beautifully displayed goods, including fruit, vegetables, spices,
fish, meat and handicrafts. Island crafts include jewelry, Chinese and Indian
jade, silks, basketry and pottery.The biggest producer of textiles with
many factory shops around island,Its worthy to shop in Mauritius. Shopping
centers are located at Quatre-Bornes and Rose-Hill. You can find all sorts
of best-branded luxury goods at duty-free prices. There are also jewellery
shops and consumer electronics appliances that can be bought in shops offering
those discounts. Mauritius offers a whole array of entertainment with its
beautiful beaches. Large beach hotels in Mauritius provide entertainment
facilities like water sports, casinos and nightclubs. They also regularly
organize shows at night to entertain their guest. casinos are another feature
of nightlife in Mauritius.
« How To Get There?
Apart from a handful of people who arrive by yacht or cruise ship, visitors
to Mauritius fly into the country. Many flights originate in France, but
there are also flights from several African, Asian and European capitals
as well as from the US (via Europe) and Australia.
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