Tourist Attraction : Mauritius, the island of white sand beaches Visit

Mauritius is a small island in the Indian Ocean famous for its white sand beaches. One of the world's biodiversity hot spots, the land has picturesque flora, fauna and beaches. Numerous tourists visit here each year. Range of luxurious hotels and activities like diving, mountain climbing, hiking and water sports are some of the many tourism opportunities.

History behind Mauritius

Mauritius remained uninhabited till the 16th century. Its location played a huge role in this as it was situated far off major shipping routes of the time. However, it was occupied briefly by the Dutch. It was later captured by the French and then the English in 1810. Mauritius is marked by Indian, Chinese, African, French and British influences. Africans were brought here as slaves to work in the sugar plantations at the time of French. It was only in 1968 that Mauritius attained independence.

Places of tourist interest in Mauritius

Black River Gorges National Park - Spread in an area of 6,794 hectare forest area, this park has a variety of local plants and animal species. Close to the Black River Gorge, the park is surrounded by hilly mountains. Mauritius' highest mountain range can be reached via Black River Peak trail.

Casela Bird Park - It is a must visit for the tourists. Spread in an area of 25 hectares, it has around 90 aviaries. The rare bird, pink pigeon can be seen along with more than 140 bird species from all over the five continents.

Blue Bay - It is the marine park of Mauritius with hundreds of fishes and corals visible down a glass bottom boat. A private island, Lies Des Deux Cocos, just off the coast gives a wonderful sight of the marine life.

Charamel colored earths - Formed by different rock stratas from the years old volcanic activity cooling here at varying speeds, these beautiful charamel colored earths are famous worldwide. A nearby waterfall adds to the scenic beauty.

Port Louis - Situated in the hilly ranges, it is a beautiful land close to the village of La Laura. A breathtaking view of Port Louis can be observed from Le Pouce, 2664 feet above the sea level. Port Louis is home to numerous churches, mosques and Chinese & Indian temples. Also, the world's first colonial stamp can be seen here in the Blue Penny Museum.

Grand Bassin - This is a sacred Hindu site and a crater lake. A 108 feet high statue of Lord Shiva heralds the entrance to many beautiful temples in the region.

Le Souffleur - Situated in the southern Mauritius coast, Le Souffleur houses different rock formations like blow hole. Other famous rock formations nearby are rock bridge at Pont Natural and witch like shaped rock near Souillac at the cliff top of Gris Gris.

Mahebourg - Known for delicious snacks, this lively town offers a grand view across the bay of Grand Port to Lion Mountains. Grand Port has a cultural significance as the site of famous naval battle in 1810. Mauritius is also famous for a romantic legend-the story of Paul and Virginie. The inspiration to this legend, the bell of Le San Geran and some rooms belonging to the Dutch, French and the English phases can be visited in the National History Museum.

Pamplemousses Gardens - Created in the 18th century, Pamplemousses Gardens are the third oldest botanical gardens in the world and houses rare and amazing plant species like Amazon lilies and tailpot palms which flower only once in every60 years.

Trou aux, Cap Malheureux & Mony Choisy Beaches - These are some of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius. White sand and green shady trees mark the stunning beauty of northern beaches. A boat can be hired or one can swim in the clear waters of the land. Pereybere, a small cove between Cap Malheureux and Grand Baie is another beautiful site.

Grand Baie - Grand Baie is another northern beach particularly famous for water sports. Many activities like parasailing, submarine scooting, under water walk, water skiing and wind surfing are tourist attractions. Waters port activities can also be enjoyed at La Cuvette.

Interesting things to do in Mauritius

Diving - The Mauritius Scuba Diving Association provides diving facilities and information to the tourists. Diving can be done in the months of November to April on the northern beach of T Trou aux or the west coast around Flic en Flac.

Other water sports - Numerous water sports can be enjoyed at Grand Baie and La Cuvette. Lie aux Cerfs are a popular playground for water sports & golf and can be reached easily from Trou deau Douce via any speed boat.

Where to shop in Mauritius

Port Louis' Central Market is the most popular shopping destination in Mauritius. A range of fashionable outfits, jewellery and other items can be purchased from here. The Indian & Chinese shops of the inland towns here are also popular among tourists for the Bargain hunt. Craft lovers can head to The Caudan Waterfront and the surrounding region.

List of some eating joints in Mauritius

Panoramour Restaurant in Domaine du Chasseur - With a beautiful view of Mauritius kestrels nearby, the restaurant is one of the preferred eating joints and offers some dishes like roasted wild boar, deer and duck curries, etc.

Big Willy's
La Barachois, Tamarin Bay, Tamarin
Phone: (230) 483 7400
Fax: (230) 483 7040

Casela Restaurant
Casela Nature & Leisure Park, Royal Road, Cascavelle
Phone: (230) 452 2828
Fax: (230) 452 0694

Le Chamarel Restaurant
La Crete, Chamarel main road, Chamarel
Phone: (230) 483 6421,(230) 483 6937
Fax: (230) 483 5449

White Shell Lounge & Restaurant
Coastal Road, Flic en Flac (wolmar)
Phone: (230) 453 5620,(230) 722 4105
Fax: (230) 453 5620

Aqua Bar
Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa,
Wolmar, Flic en Flac
Phone: (230) 403 1000
Fax: (230) 403 1111

Accommodation

Le Victoria Hotel
Pointe Aux Piments,
Mauritius, Balaclava
(0)20 420 00

Shandrani Resort & Spa
Blue Bay, Mauritius
(0)603 4343

The Oberoi Hotel
Turtle Bay
Pointe aux Piments
Mauritius
+230 204 3600

Climate in Mauritius

Mauritius has a warm tropical climate all round the year. The months of January to March should be avoided by tourists as it is the peak cyclone period. The months of May to December are best periods to visit the tropical island.

Mode to reach Mauritius

By Air - The international airport in Mauritius, Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam Air Terminal is served by numerous airlines like Aeroflot, Air Mauritius, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways and others. In India, only one direct flight from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore exists which is offered by Air Mauritius. The visa is valid for up to a period of 60 days.

Tourist Attraction : Mauritius, the island of white sand beaches