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 Beautiful Mauritius, with world-class hotels offering the some of the best service in the Indian Ocean and a renowned gastronomy as well as top spas, Mauritius also offers plenty to do for Honeymooners. Initially named 'Dina Robin', meaning 'Isle of Silver', Mauritius is a real treasure. Mauritius is a mountainous island in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar.
Familiar to Malay and Arab sailors from as early as the 10th century, Mauritius was first explored by the Portuguese in 1505; it has since done the usual imperialistic rounds between the Dutch, French, and British before independence was attained in 1968. The friendly Mauritians speak a creolized language. The roots of Creole are in the French language, just skip some grammar and mix it with English, Indian, Arab, and some African dialects and voila! The Official language however, is English, so you will be understood. The main island, from which the country derives its name, is of volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs. Mauritius is a romantic paradise enjoying pristine turquoise lagoons alive with vibrant coloured fish, mile upon mile of fairy-tale beaches fringed by lush green sugarcane and resplendent hotels.  Mauritius enjoys a blend of diverse cultures and religions. The population consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans. With the diversity of the population it is no wonder Mauritius is a paradise for the senses, not only for the eyes with its beautiful landscape, but also for the palate. Gastronomes will find a variety of aromas and flavours inherited from the different migrations through its exciting history. Culinary traditions from France, China, India, and Africa.
Depending on the region, rice or a variety of flat bread called chapattis or roti is eaten with curries. The extensive use of spices like saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves are the common ingredients that provide some powerful, yet subtle, savour. Dals, vegetables and beans, and pickles accompany the dishes. Dholl puri and roti, originally an Indian delicacy have become the fish and chips of Mauritians.
Biryani from Mughal origins is a dish expertly prepared by the muslim community, with meat mixed with spiced rice and potato.
The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer with a high humidity factor. The northern and western regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South. Mauritius is fairly unique for a tropical country in that it is free of such diseases as malaria, yellow fever and cholera. Although as in all tropical countries mosquitoes do exist. We recommend using a mosquito repellant cream to keep them away. Medical standards on Mauritius are well advanced and the hospitals are free of charge. This applies to visitors as well. Places to visit Grand Bay
This was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourism. It has since become a shopping and leisure paradise, not just for the tourists but Grand Bay also happens to be the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out .
The Triolet Shivala
The longest village on the island, Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Brahma, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, and Ganesha. Balaclava Ruins
A few metres away from Baie aux Tortues, which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises in the area, can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate. Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahé de Labourdonnais.  The Labourdonnais Orchards
Discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible.
The Waterpark Leisure Village
Enjoy unforgettable moments sliding on the giant chutes. Relaxation and pleasure guaranteed.
Flacq Market
Flacq is one of the most important villages in Mauritius. This meeting point for inhabitants of the East boasts Ile aux Cerfs
Ile aux Cerfs is a paradise for water sports and has the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. You cannot afford to miss this tiny island, delicately poised on the ocean, a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape. Dutch Ruins
At Vieux Grand Port, the oldest settlements in Mauritius, you can see the ruins of the first Dutch fortifications. Ile aux Aigrettes
Owing to the remarkable work accomplished by the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A few of the world’s rarest birds can be seen there. Casela
Situated in the Rivière Noire district, the bird park stretches over 25 hectares and contains more than 140 bird species from all five continents. Other attractions include fish ponds, tigers, tortoises, monkeys, deer and orchids.  Martello Towers
The Martello Towers represent the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers and the ingenuity of mankind. They are a milestone in the island’s history; they symbolise the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration.
Ganga Talao - Grand Bassin
Beyond La Marie and Mare-aux-Vacoas is found one of the two natural lakes of Mauritius. It rests within the crater of an extinct volcano. Ganga Talao is an important pilgrimage site and many Mauritians of the Hindu faith walk there during the Maha Shivaratri festival or the night fasting dedicated to Shiva. |
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