Mauritius - Travel Guide

Basic Information

● Capital – Port Louis
● Currency - Mauritian rupee
● Language – French & English
● International Airport –Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport & Sir Gaëtan Duval Airport
● Telephone Code - +230

Getting into Mauritius

● Two airlines fly non-stop to Mauritius from the UK: Air Mauritius (020 7434 4375;www.airmauritius.com) and British Airways (0844 493 0787; www.ba.com) both from London Heathrow.
● The best non-direct service is with Emirates (0844 800 2777, www.emirates.com), via Dubai, from London Heathrow and Gatwick. Return economy fares to Mauritius on direct flights start from approximately £770 per person.

Cities

● Port Louis – The crown lodge,Port Louis Race Track,Blue Penny Museum,China Town,Citadel Fort Adelaide,Sunset Cafe,Le Pouce, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolan Botanic Garden,Jummah Masjid
● Vacoas – Domaine des 7 Vallees, Atelier De La Patisserie Et Boulangerie
● Curepipe -- Trou aux Cerfs,Mare aux Vacoas,Tamarind Falls
● Quatre Bornes –Nature Trails Mauritius,Zoobar
● Triolet ,Goodlands –Temple de Triolet ,Historic Marine
● Bel Air - Liriodendron,Liriodendron Mansion,Hays House
● Mahebourg – Divers Ocean,Heritage Golf Club, Trou d'Argent Beach
● Chamarel – Rochester Falls

What to See

North :
● Grand Bay :- Grand Bay was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Bay also happens to be the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars and discos). Recently renovated, La Cuvette beach is well worth a visit.
● 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, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.
● The Labourdonnais Orchards :-Discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible.
● Pereybère :- The wonderful Pereybere public beach is popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.
● 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 Mahe de Labourdonnais.

East :
● Flacq Market :-Flacq is one of the most important villages in Mauritius. This meeting point for inhabitants of the East boasts the country’s largest open air market. The extremely colourful market attracts a large number of people.
● 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.

South-East:
● 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, including the kestrel, can be seen there. You can also discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise.
● Domaine du Chasseur :- Nestling in the Anse Jonchee hills, the Domaine des Grand Bois has splendid hunting grounds covering an area of 900 hectares. Stags, monkeys and boars live amidst the luxuriant vegetation of the hillside.One can watch a few species of endangered birds, including the kestrel.
● Mahebourg :- Mahebourg is one of the main fishing villages on the island. Built on the magnificent Grand Port Bay it was founded in 1804 by the French G 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.

West:
● 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.
● Chamarel :- A winding road leads from Case Noyale village to the coloured earths of Chamarel: an undulating landscape of different and contrasting shades of colours. The different shades of blue, green, red and yellow are apparently the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. The neighbouring waterfalls of Chamarel rise from the moors and the native plant life. The site possesses a rare beauty.Some «Table d’hôtes» have been recently created in the Chamarel Village where you can enjoy the taste of typical Mauritian cuisine.
● Yemen:- Yemen Reserve may not be the largest game reserve on the island, but there is still lots to see. You will be able to get close to the herds of deer, as well as admire some splendid species of Mauritian fauna. A few rustic kiosks available in the reserve provide an unobstructed view of the sea. There you can sip a local punch while watching the sun going down.
● 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.

5) Inland :
● L’Aventure du Sucre:-Visit an interactive and ultra modern exhibition situated at the heart of an ancient sugarmill and discover the fascinating history of Mauritius and its sugarcane adventure exposed over 5000 sq meters!

● 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.

● Black River Gorges
This national park of 6,574 hectares was created in 1994 for the protection of Mauritius’ remaining native forests. Visitors can enjoy magnificent landscapes, with endemic plants and rare bird species. A trail leads from the Petrin information centre to an area of typical plant life and to a conservation area. orchids.

● Eureka :- An old Creole residence built in 1830, Eureka is an essential place to visit during your stay in Mauritius

Beaches

a. Lagoons of a typically tropical sweetness and endless white beaches : Mauritius is a real paradise for those who want to enjoy the sea or just to soak up the sun. Here is a list of the island’s finest public beaches.
b. Grand Bay :- One of the best areas for sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. La Cuvette beach has been recently upgraded.
c. Pereybere :- This remarkable small cove half-way between Grand Bay and Cap Malheureux is one of the finest bathing spots on the island.
d. Belle Mare:- Miles and miles of white and spotless beaches from Belle Mare to Trou-d’Eau Douce
e. Blue Bay :-Blue Bay beach is one of the most popular bathing spots in the South-East of the island. An ideal spot for windsurfing and sailing.
f. Le Morne & Tamarin:- Offer kilometres of beaches for bathing and are very popular for surfing.
g. Flic en Flac :- White beaches fringed with filaos or Casuarina trees.