Have you ever imagined tucking your toes in warm, soft, smooth, powdery sand with azure blue waters lapping the coast? As the sun breaks through the winter clouds, you will find your tiredness fading, and you will soon be raring to explore this island destination and soak in its timeless beauty. Mauritius, a scenic island dotted with huge rocks, gives you a glimpse into its volcanic past. Scenic coasts are fringed by reefs that separate the aquamarine waters from the deep blue waters of the open sea. The sandy expanse of beaches is dotted with vibrantly-coloured umbrellas where tourists laze around, soaking in the warmth of dappled sunlight. Big cane plantations can be seen as far as you can see.
Mauritius Island is small and manageable. It is sprawled over an area of approximately 2000 sq km. Traffic is smooth, and the roads are excellent. Since this island nation is not thickly populated, there are no issues like traffic jams, pollution, or scarcity of limited resources. No area in the country can be considered remote or cramped. Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is not too large, so exploring it is easy. During festivals like Christmas, the destination comes alive with joie de vivre, which seems infectious. Even tourists love soaking in the beauty of this coastal destination.
Soul-seekers, nature lovers, beach buffs, and photography enthusiasts love enjoying Mauritius tourism which has carved a niche for itself in the international holiday destination. Let us know more about this lovely destination and spend some time in the lap of nature!
Best Time to Visit Mauritius
The mild climate and salubrious weather make Mauritius an all-year destination. The average temperature of this awe-inspiring destination is 25°C. It is perfect for indulging in fun-filled activities like swimming, engaging in water sports, lazying around in the sun with sunblock slathered on the body, enjoying chilled drinks, and more. Thus, there is no best time to visit Mauritius as such. Mauritius has only two seasons, winters and summers. Mostly, tourists plan a trip to this coastal island from September to December or April to June. This way, peak winters and peak summers. February and March experience heavy rainfall, which makes it tough for beach bums to enjoy beach-related activities. Moreover, the destination is prone to cyclonic activity, but due to its small size, it is usually spared from the wrath of cyclones. Mauritius also enjoys a microclimate. Its climate and weather vary from one region to another. Plan a trip to this magnificent destination any time of the year and enjoy changing weather and climates as you explore one region after another!
History and Culture of Mauritius
The history of Mauritius is rich but jumbled. This island was uninhabited for a long time and came to be inhabited by the Aram Sailors in the 10th Century. It was in the 16th Century that the Portuguese officially explored it. Later, it was occupied by the Dutch and named the country after the Governor of Holland, Prince Maurice van Nassau. After 1710, the Dutch left the island to pirates, but before leaving, they introduced Java Deer and sugarcane to the landscape. Five years later, the French Governor settled the new capital city, Port Louis. They treated it as their naval base. This base was used for trade purposes. As this century ended, the French Crown claimed the island and brought a lot of African slaves to set up the sugarcane industry. By 1814, Britishers invaded and dominated the island. They renamed it Mauritius but carried on with French laws, customs, and language.
Soon, Mauritius was inundated with Indians who replaced slavery and provided cheap labour. In 1968, the country gained independence from the Commonwealth and became a republic in 1992. The country still faces economic hardships and is largely dependent on tourism.
Mauritius enjoys a melting pot of cultures as diverse countries occupied the land and left an indelible mark on its history and culture. The impact of diverse dominions can be seen in their food, culture, and language. Although English is the official language, the local population also speaks multiple languages and Creole-French.
Mauritius is populated with people from multiple ethnicities. Most people belong to India and Pakistan, who are mostly the descendants of indentured labourers. 25 percent of the population is a mix of African and French, referred to as Creole. The remaining are Franco-Mauritian and Chinese. The local cuisine mixes European, Indian, and Asian specialties. The tradition of table d’hote is quite popular, wherein signature dishes are served at a family table and are open to all for sharing. The popular sega dance form is the folk dance of this coastal destination. The country is famed for artists, novelists, and poets. The art scene is flourishing, with abstract painting the major form of expression.
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Things to Do in Mauritius
Lush natural landscapes, idyllic beaches, turquoise waters, awesome villas with butlers on demand, and infinity pools, Mauritius is a popular destination among honeymooners. Its dramatic interior landscape adds a unique charm. Dizzying gorges, plunging waterfalls, unique geological phenomena, and whatnot will entice you and make you fall in love with this completely magnificent destination. Have a look at some of the best and most interesting things to do in Mauritius and enjoy its multifaceted charm.
1. Explore The Scenic Beauty of Port Louis
The capital of Mauritius, Port Louis, is the first place to explore when visiting this stunning destination. This bustling city has a lot to offer to discerning tourists. Named after King Louis XV, the capital city is known for its interesting and exciting festivals, traditions, lifestyle, art, and food scene. The scenic Central Market has an amazing vibe. Some of the major attractions worth checking out are Jummah Mosque, Place d’Armes, Blue Penny Museum, Mauritius Photography Museum, Apravasi Ghat, Citadel Fort, and more.
2. Explore The Deep Sea World
The sea near the Mauritius Coast is home to diverse species of fish like yellow tuna, black and blue marlin, sharks, barracuda, and more. If you plan a trip to Mauritius in February or March, you can witness the famous Marlin World Cup for fishing. This annual fishing tournament is held on July 4. Many World records have been set up for fishing, including blue shark, Mako shark, becune, and Bonito. Anglers from all over the world participate in this event.
3. Head to Caudan Waterfront….A Perfect Place for Shopaholics
Besides delightful blue lagoons and scenic beaches, Mauritius is also famous for being a shopaholic. If you love splurging, head to the Caudan Waterfront, a commercial shopping area packed with restaurants, cafes, shops, movie theatres, the art market, casinos, and more. This area is also a perfect meeting place for locals and lovers. Enjoy savoring lip-smacking food options, a trip to Kiddyland, performances by street entertainers, and a unique shopping experience. You can also check out nearby attractions like the Mauritius Natural History Museum, the Stamp Museum, and Blue Penny Museum.
4. Soak in The Unique Culture of Mauritius in China Town
China Town is one of the major attractions that must be added to your bucket list when travelling to Mauritius. Peppered with famous restaurants and shops, this area of Port Louis showcases the unique flavors and culture of the destination. This area also has many pharmacies selling traditional Chinese and modern medicines. You can also try mouth-watering traditional cuisines like fish balls, chow mein, etc.
5. Mahebourg. The Untouched Portion of Mauritius
Besides soaking in the dappled sunlight coming through palm trees and engaging in interesting water sports activities, do check out unexplored and untouched areas of Mauritius. Mahebourg is one such area located in the southern area of the island. Since this area has no beach, it is relatively visited by a fewer number of tourists and is less developed. If you wish to glimpse true Mauritian life, this is the place to be in! Dotted with the wildest landscapes and magnificent scenery, Mahebourg is also known for its attractions like Lion Mountain, Ile aux Aigrettes, etc.
6. Ile Aux Aigrettes-The Globally Renowned Nature Reserve
A scenic islet nestled in the southern area of Mauritius, Ile aux Aigrettes is made up of a calcareous coral reef. This area is globally recognized because of the unique flora found here. In 1965, it was declared a nature reserve. Some of the rarest birds that can be spotted in this area are pink pigeons and kestrels. Animals in this area are the green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise. Spend some time in this area and enjoy a relaxing tour.
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7. A Fun-Filled Night in Grand Bay
Not a well-kept secret in Mauritius, Grand Bay is the place to visit for a fun-filled night. Classy restaurants, pubs, bars, and discos, along with amazing shopping options, have become popular among tourists. Close to this area lies the stunning La Cuvette Beach, where you can spend some time soaking in the beauty of waves crashing at the shore and relaxing in the lap of nature.
8. Measure The Depth of the Sea at Blue Bay
If you are a diving enthusiast, visit Blue Bay, a beautiful place perfect for diving and exploring the treasures hidden deep in the sea. Crystal clear waters and amazing visibility allow divers to soak in the beauty of magnificent marine life. Indulge in scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, surfing, and sunbathing. Spend time surrounded by more than fifty species of vibrantly coloured coral reefs and unique marine species. Find time to visit the famous Blue Bay Marine Park and Ile des Deux Cocos, an islet within a lagoon. There is no other way to enjoy a relaxing vacation!
9. Check Out the Cultural Scene of Mauritius at the Apravasi Ghat
If you wish to know more about the rich and unique cultural scene in Mauritius, do visit Apravasi Ghat and Le Morne Cultural Landscape. Both are popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Apravasi Ghat was the landing point for indentured slaves who mostly belonged to Pakistanis and Indians. It was in use in the 19th Century. Visiting these attractions gives a glimpse into the rich and eventful history of the nation.
10. Discover the Wildlife Wealth of Mauritius at Casela Wildlife ParkIf you are a true nature lover and a wildlife enthusiast, add Casela Wildlife Park to your to-do list of places to visit in Mauritius. This reserve is home to more than 140 bird species. You can also spot animals like deer, tortoises, lions, fish ponds, tigers, and monkeys. A variety of plants unique to this area can be seen. Moreover, gorgeous views of the vast expanse of the azure blue sea add to the splendor of this area.
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How To Reach Mauritius
Like a gem floating in the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is accessible from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. Peppered with azure water and bone-white beaches, the African Island of Mauritius represents an amalgamation of diverse cultures. Even if it is small in size, the island is packed with attractions that keep visitors completely engaged and excited. Its awe-inspiring beauty leaves indelible memories etched forever. Mauritius is well-connected with different parts of the world with diverse modes of transportation and is perfect to visit for families, honeymooners, couples, and friends. Here’s how you can arrive at this delightful destination in the most convenient and hassle-free way. Have a look.
International Airport of Mauritius
- Sir Gaëtan Duval Airport, Plaine Corail on Rodrigues (RRG)
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MTU)
By Air
One of the best ways to reach this mesmerizing destination is by flight. Considering the distance, it is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach this island country. There are two international airports. Book flights depending on the area in Mauritius you would like to visit first. The journey from Delhi to Mauritius takes approximately seven hours and thirty minutes. Other Indian cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai also provide connecting flights via Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Jeddah to Mauritius.
By Train
Mauritius is not connected by train as it is an island country.
By Road
Mauritius is an island nation and is not connected by road.
By Cruise
There are a lot of cruise options from India. Some are direct cruises between the two destinations, while some can be taken from Mauritius to arrive at the island nation. Mauritius cruises originate from Mumbai and Chennai. The famous options available are Catamaran Sunset Cruise, Gabriel Island Cruise, Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs, Flat Island Cruise, and West Coast Catamaran Cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Mauritius
Q 1. What is Mauritius famous for?
A 1. Mauritius, a scenic island dotted with huge rocks, gives you a glimpse into its volcanic past. Scenic coasts are fringed by reefs that separate the aquamarine waters from the deep blue waters of the open sea.
Q 2. What language is spoken in Mauritius?
A 2. English is the official language. The local population also speaks multiple languages and Creole-French.
Q 3. Do they speak English in Mauritius?
A 3. Yes, people in Mauritius speak English.
Q 4. Why is Mauritius the best destination to visit?
A 4. Mauritius is a popular destination among honeymooners with lush natural landscapes, idyllic beaches, turquoise waters, awesome villas with butlers on demand, and infinity pools. Its dramatic interior landscape adds a unique charm.
Q 5. How many days in Mauritius is enough?
A 5. Mauritius is an island country known for its scenic attractions and awe-inspiring cultural scene. You can enjoy staying here for as many days as your schedule and budget allow. Stay here for a minimum of seven to ten days to soak in the beauty of this place.
Q 6. What is the famous food in Mauritius?
A 6. Bol Renverse, Dholi Puri & Roti, Biryani, Mine Frite, Vindaye, Gateau Piment, Riz Frite, and Rougaille are some of the delightful delicacies in Mauritius.
Q 7. Do I need a visa to Mauritius?
A 7. Indian passport holders can travel to Mauritius without any visa as it is available on arrival. They must visit the country for tourism purposes and should not exceed their stay for more than 60 days.
Q 8. Is Mauritius safe to travel to?
A 8. Yes, Mauritius is completely safe to travel to.
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