People and Country

Waves of immigrants to this picturesque island nation in the Indian Ocean have added to the cultural pot pourrie that Mauritius is today. After the Arabs, Portuguese and the Dutch, the French left a lasting impression, even after their surrender to the British in 1810.

Subsequently, the Chinese and Indians sailed to Mauritian shores in large numbers, adding to the quaint ethnic mix with languages as dissimilar as Mauritan Creole, Bhojpuri and Chinese being spoken along with French and English. Since independence in 1968, the Republic of Mauritius stretching across to the islands of St Brandon, Rodrigues and the Agalega has flourished to achieve a stable economy, with tourism as one of its driving sectors.

Port Louis

Port Louis the capital is a harbour city ringed by mountains and carries the stamp of the French rule in its official buildings like the Government House and the Municipal Theatre.

National Park

The Black River Gorges National Park is home to nine species of birds unique to Mauritius, including the pink pigeon within a 6,500 hectare reserve. Stroll through the scenic park to spot the amazing variety of flora native to Mauritius, such as the trochetis, the national flower. Exotic birds can also be spotted in the Casela Bird Park

Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens have a bounty of tropical fauna, including the giant Victoria water lilies brought from the Amazon, and an array of palms introduced by a British horticulturalist.

Striking a different picture are the seven colored dunes in Chamarel in the vicinity of the Chamarel waterfalls, 83 metres high. Similarly, the Trou aux Cerfs, near the urban centre of Curepipe, is the 85 m deep volcanic crater with a splendid view of the island

After you've toured the national museum and the 18th century barracks, drop by the Edward VII Avenue for a breathtaking view of the city, harbour and the Champs de Mars racecourse.

You can spend some time the next day at the unusual L'Aventure du Sucre museum set in the environs of an old sugar factory which tells the story of sugar, slavery and the rum trade in Mauritius. The museum proves to be a family entertainer, with creative quizzes for children, and sugar tastings, all on the house!

Wind up your trip with a trek up the Lion Mountain and a jaunty bus ride to the Tamarin Falls, which descend seven levels.

Best time to visit Mauritius

The warm tropical climate can best be enjoyed between May and December. Being prone to cyclones in January and February, water sports can be a trifle risky. As for accommodation, the range starts from decent accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers to luxury hotel, villas and bungalows.

What to do in Mauritius

The coral reefs and the colorful marine life along the shores are inviting, and a great site for diving and snorkeling. The Grand Baie resort is where you can unwind or amble past the boutiques and souvenir shops at leisure.

Venture out into the sea for a cruise to the islands of Gunners'Quoin, Flat Island, Round Island and Serpent Island. The Grand Gaube, 15 minutes by road from Grand Baie is also a lovely beach to spend some time at. A trip to the little island outside Mahebourg will take you to the Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve inhabited by some of the rarest birds like the Mauritius kestrel.

Hire a glass bottomed boat to further satiate your appetite for some more adventure at the Blue Bay - the wonders of the sea are sure to take your breath away! Some of the resorts also organize mountain biking and kayaking and abseiling - never mind if you've never tried the sport before - the professional guides are always around!

Golfing has gained in popularity over the years, and a number of resorts on the island have golf courses within their enclaves. Mauritius has almost 24 golf courses, half of them of the18 hole grade.

Mauritian hospitality is legendary, and so is its cuisine. From the curry and "dholl puris" to boiled chow mein and fish balls, enjoy them all!