Mauritius - Welcoming Island Paradise in the Indian Ocean
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Mauritius Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
With its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, Mauritius welcomes travellers from around the globe seeking an unforgettable island escape.
About Mauritius
Mauritius is a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2,400 kilometres off the south-east coast of Africa; east of Madagascar.
Known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and rich cultural heritage, Mauritius is a tropical paradise that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and warm hospitality; making it a popular tourist destination and a fascinating place to explore.
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Mapping Mauritius
Map of Mauritius
The 1,865 square kilometre island is of volcanic origin, with coral reefs surrounding most of the coast except the south.
Mauritius Overview
Known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage Mauritius is a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the south-east coast of the African continent.
Biodiversity
Despite its small size, Mauritius boasts remarkable biodiversity and is known for its unique flora and fauna.
The island is home to several endemic plant and animal species, including the famous dodo, an extinct flightless bird.
The government of Mauritius has implemented conservation efforts to protect its natural heritage, including national parks and marine reserves.
Culture and Festivals
The culture of Mauritius is a fusion of different traditions and customs brought by its diverse population.
Festivals such as Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Chinese New Year are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Sega, a traditional dance and music form with African origins, is an integral part of Mauritian culture and is often performed during festivals and cultural events.
Economy
Mauritius has a relatively small but diverse economy.
It has transitioned from an agrarian economy, dependent on sugarcane production, to a diversified services-oriented economy.
Key sectors include tourism, financial services, textile manufacturing, information and communication technology (ICT), and seafood processing.
The country has experienced rapid economic growth and development, earning it the status of an upper-middle-income country.
Geography and Climate
Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands.
The island is of volcanic origin and features a central plateau with rugged mountains, lush forests, and fertile valleys.
The climate is tropical, with warm temperatures throughout the year, moderated by south-east trade winds.
The summer season lasts from November to April, while the winter season runs from May to October.
History
The island of Mauritius was first discovered by the Arabs in the 10th century, but it remained uninhabited until the arrival of the Dutch in the late 16th century.
The Dutch abandoned the island, and it was subsequently colonised by the French in the 18th century and later became a British colony.
Mauritius gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1968 and became a republic in 1992.
Languages
The official language of Mauritius is English, but most Mauritians also speak Mauritian Creole; a French-based creole language.
French is widely used in business, government, and education.
Additionally, Hindi, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Urdu, and Chinese are spoken by various communities in Mauritius .
Multicultural Society
Mauritius has a diverse population with a rich blend of cultures and ethnicities.
The majority of the population is of Indian descent, followed by Creoles (people of African and European ancestry), Indo-Mauritians, Sino-Mauritians (people of Chinese origin), and Franco-Mauritians.
This multicultural society has influenced the island's cuisine, language, music, and festivals.
Tourism
Mauritius is renowned for its picturesque beaches and luxury resorts.
Visitors come from around the world to enjoy the white sandy beaches, clear waters, and abundant marine life.
The island also offers various outdoor activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, hiking, and golf.
Inland, visitors can explore nature reserves, waterfalls, and vibrant markets.
The People of Mauritius
Most of the population are Indo-Mauritians, with those of mixed European and African blood known as Creoles.
The official language of Mauritius is English, although French and Creole, a French patois, are also spoken.
The Dutch settled on the island in 1598, and named it Mauritius, in honour of their ruler, Prince Maurice de Nassau; although the island was probably visited by Arab traders before the 10th century.
The Dutch settlers deserted the island in 1710, and were replaced by the French who renamed it Ile de France.
When the British took control during the Napoleonic wars, the name reverted to Mauritius and Indian contract labourers were introduced, to make up for the demise of slavery in the British Empire.
Mauritius gained independence from Britain on 12 March, 1968; with republic status arriving in 1992.
History
of Mauritius:
A brief history provided by the Government of Mauritius.
Visiting Mauritius
Mauritius is a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse natural landscapes.
Beaches
Mauritius is renowned for its pristine beaches with turquoise waters and white sands.
The most popular beaches in Mauritius include Trou aux Biches, Flic en Flac, Le Morne, Belle Mare, and Pereybere.
Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing by the sea.
Black River Gorges National Park
If you're a nature lover, don't miss the opportunity to explore the Black River Gorges National Park.
It's home to diverse plant and animal species, including the rare pink pigeon and the iconic Mauritian kestrel.
Hiking trails offer breathtaking views of waterfalls and lush greenery.
Chamarel Coloured Earths
Located in the south-west of Mauritius, Chamarel is famous for its unique natural phenomenon of multi-coloured sands.
The dunes feature various shades of red, brown, and purple, creating a visually striking landscape.
Ile aux Cerfs
Take a boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs, a stunning island off the east coast of Mauritius.
It offers beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a range of water sports activities such as snorkelling, parasailing, and jet skiing.
Local Cuisine
Indulge in the flavours of Mauritian cuisine, which is a fusion of Indian, Chinese, Creole, and European influences.
Don't miss trying dishes like dholl puri (a popular street food), seafood vindaye, and gateau piment (chili bites).
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Known officially as Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, this garden is a must-visit for botany enthusiasts.
It features an extensive collection of plant species, including giant water lilies and various types of palm trees.
Port Louis
The capital city of Mauritius, Port Louis, is a bustling cosmopolitan hub.
Visit the historic central market, explore the Caudan Waterfront for shopping and dining, and discover the fascinating mix of cultures at places like the Jummah Mosque and the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage site.iling, and jet skiing.
Underwater Activities
Mauritius is a paradise for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.
Explore the coral reefs teeming with marine life, including coloruful fish, sea turtles, and even shipwrecks.
Some popular diving spots include Blue Bay Marine Park and Coin de Mire.
Mauritius Tourism
Mauritius Tourist:
Where else can you find the exhilarating mix of Indian, Chinese, French, Creole, and
English people with smiles for each other as well as for you... asks the Mauritius tourist
promotion.
Visa Requirements For Mauritius
A visitor's visa is normally granted for one month, but can be renewed for a further period upon request.
Port Louis
Map of Port Louis
The capital of Mauritius is located on the north-west coast of the island.
Port Louis was founded by the French, around 1735, and developed as a deep-water port for ships travelling between Europe and Asia.
The port's importance declined after the Suez Canal was opened, in 1869.
Getting to Mauritius
Airlines and Airports:
Mauritius is served by the Sir Sewoosagar Ramgoolam International Airport, named after the
former Prime Minister who is acknowledged as the Father of the Nation, about one hour from
Port Louis.
Air Mauritius:
Get the route network, destinations, schedules and reservations from the official Air
Mauritius site.
Around Mauritius
Mauritius celebrates a variety of festivals that represent the diverse cultures of the islands.
Mauritius Festivals:
The main festivals and religious events celebrated in Mauritius are Cavadee, Chinese
Spring Festival, Christmas, Divali, Easter, Eid-ul-Fitr, Ganesh Chathurti, Holi, Maha
Shivaratree, Pere Laval Pilgrimage and Ugadi.
Hotels in Mauritius
Resort Hotels in Mauritius
JW Mariott Mauritius Resort
JW Mariott Mauritius Resort: Le Morne Peninsula, Le Morne, Mauritius.
On the south-western side of the island, the soft white sands of Le Morne Beach and its turquoise lagoon create a magical setting for this five star luxury resort's 172 guest rooms and suites; with breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean.
Guests at the JW Mariott Mauritius Resort raved about its great location, superb dining and wonderful views.
La Pirogue Resort
La Pirogue Resort: Royal Road, Wolmar, Flic-en-Flac, Mauritius.
This elegant resort made up of authentic and comfortable Mauritian bungalows is situated within the scenic countryside of Flic en Flac.
Guests at the Mauritius resort of La Pirogue rated the excellent service, stunning pool and tasty breakfast.
Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius
Shangri-La Le Touessrok Mauritius: Coastal Road, Mauritius.
Nestled on the quiet shores of Trou d’Eau Douce this is a luxurious private hideaway embodying the true spirit of Mauritius. The resort offers uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean from its exclusive accommodations and sandy white beaches.
Discover the rich history of Shangri-La Le Touessrok and indulge in trendy dining experiences on private island retreats with touches of Asian hospitality.
Hotels and Resorts in Mauritius.
Mauritius Maps and Travel Guides
Mauritius Travel Guides - Mauritius Maps.
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