Mauritius beckons with its natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Whether you
seek relaxation on pristine beaches, adventure in lush landscapes, or a taste of diverse
cultures, Mauritius promises an unforgettable journey. Plan your escape to this tropical
paradise and immerse yourself in all it has to offer.
Beach Resorts:
Mauritius is dotted with luxurious beach resorts such
as Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita and
Constance Prince Maurice.
Spa Resorts:
Many resorts offer world-class spa facilities,
perfect for relaxation year-round.
Travel Adventure Locations
Mountain Locations:
Explore the rugged terrain around Black
River Gorges National Park.
Seaside Locations:
Enjoy water sports and diving adventures at
Île aux Cerfs and Blue Bay Marine Park.
Cultural Travel Locations:
Visit the vibrant markets of Port Louis and the temples scattered
across the island, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage.
Ethnicity and Languages:
The population is predominantly of Indian, African, Chinese, and
European descent. English and French are the official languages,
with Mauritian Creole widely spoken.
Average Weekly Budget for Accommodation:
Hostel: $150 - $200 per week
Hotel: $700 - $1500 per week
(Depends on season, location and category)
Average Daily Budget for Food:
Street Food: $15 - $20
Restaurant: $50 - $80
(Depends on season, location and category)
Best Season to Visit:
The best time to visit Mauritius is from May to December when
the weather is cooler and drier, ideal for enjoying outdoor
activities and exploring the island
Brief Travel Information about Mauritius
Drinks
Rhum Agricole: Made from fresh sugarcane juice, this local rum
is renowned for its smooth, rich flavor and is often enjoyed neat or
in cocktails.
Fresh Sugarcane Juice: A popular street drink, this refreshing
beverage is sweet, slightly grassy, and perfect for cooling down on
a hot day. Sometimes, it’s mixed with lime or ginger for an added
kick.
Mauritian Tea: Often flavored with spices like cinnamon, cloves,
and cardamom, this tea is a comforting, aromatic drink that’s a
favorite among locals.
Tamarind Juice: This tangy and sweet drink is made from
tamarind pulp, sugar, and water, offering a unique blend of flavors
that’s both refreshing and thirst-quenching.
Coconut Water: Straight from the young green coconuts, this
hydrating drink is naturally sweet and packed with electrolytes,
making it a perfect drink for the tropical climate.
Lemonade with Basil Seeds: This cool, sweet, and slightly
herbal drink is made by soaking basil seeds in water and mixing
them with fresh lemon juice and sugar.
Fruit Cocktails: A blend of tropical fruits like mango, papaya,
banana, and pineapple, often served with a splash of lime or mint
for a burst of freshness.
Mauritian Beer: Local beers like Phoenix and Flag are light,
crisp, and perfect for pairing with spicy dishes. They offer a
refreshing break from the heat.
Sorrel Drink: Made from the hibiscus plant, this deep-red drink is
tangy and slightly sweet, often enjoyed chilled and spiced with
cloves and cinnamon during the festive season.
Mauritian Rum Punch: A delightful cocktail mixing Rhum
Agricole with fresh fruit juices, grenadine, and a hint of lime,
creating a sweet, fruity, and potent drink.
Foods
Dholl Puri: This is a must-try flatbread stuffed with ground yellow
split peas, seasoned with turmeric, cumin, and coriander. It’s often
served with a variety of accompaniments like bean curry, chutney,
and pickles.
Gateau Piment: These spicy lentil fritters are crunchy on the
outside and soft on the inside, flavored with garlic, chili, and fresh
coriander. Perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Fish Vindaye: A Mauritian take on pickled fish, this dish features
tender pieces of fish marinated in a tangy mixture of vinegar,
turmeric, mustard seeds, and garlic, offering a delightful blend of
sour and spicy flavors.
Biryani: Influenced by Indian cuisine, this aromatic rice dish is
cooked with marinated meat (chicken, fish, or mutton), saffron, and
a medley of spices. It’s often garnished with fried onions and boiled
eggs.
Alouda: This is a sweet, milky drink typically made with basil
seeds, sweetened condensed milk, and flavored with rose or vanilla
syrup. It’s especially refreshing on a hot day.
Mine Frite: A local version of fried noodles, this dish is stir-fried
with a variety of vegetables, shrimp, or chicken, and seasoned with
soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of chili for that perfect balance of
flavors.
Samosa: These triangular pastries are stuffed with spiced
potatoes, peas, and sometimes minced meat. Golden and crispy,
they are usually enjoyed with tamarind chutney or mint sauce.
Fish Curry: A staple in Mauritian cuisine, this curry features fresh
fish cooked in a fragrant blend of coconut milk, turmeric, mustard
seeds, and curry leaves. It’s often served with rice and a side of
pickles.
Mine La Poivre: This unique noodle dish is cooked with black
pepper, bringing a distinctive, spicy kick. It’s typically served with
seafood, chicken, or vegetables.
Boulettes: These Chinese-style dumplings are filled with minced
meat, prawns, or vegetables, then steamed or fried. They are often
enjoyed with a tangy dipping sauce.
Mauritius Cusine and Beverages
Mauritius is a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean and a melting
pot of cultures and flavors where flavors burst with diversity, making
every meal and drink a new and exciting experience.
Trou aux Cerfs Volcano Crater. Located in the heart of
Curepipe, Mauritius, the Trou aux Cerfs crater stands as a
testament to the island's volcanic origins. This dormant volcano
offers visitors a panoramic view of Curepipe and its surroundings,
with lush greenery carpeting the rim and a serene lake at its center,
reflecting the changing hues of the sky.
Black River Gorges National Park. Covering vast swathes of
Mauritius's interior, the Black River Gorges National Park is a
sanctuary of biodiversity and natural beauty. Verdant rainforests
give way to cascading waterfalls like Chamarel, where the air is
alive with the calls of exotic birds and the rustling of endemic flora.
Hiking trails wind through dense foliage, leading to breathtaking
viewpoints over the island's rugged southwestern coast.
Chamarel Seven Colored Earths. In the village of Chamarel,
nature unveils a surreal masterpiece known as the Seven Colored
Earths. This geological wonder features undulating dunes of sand
in seven distinct shades, ranging from vibrant reds and purples to
earthy browns and yellows. The phenomenon is a result of volcanic
ash cooling at different temperatures, creating a visually striking
kaleidoscope that is both mesmerizing and unique.
Île aux Cerfs. A short boat ride off the eastern coast of Mauritius
reveals the pristine beauty of Île aux Cerfs. Fringed with palm trees
and lapped by turquoise waters, this island paradise beckons with
its powdery white beaches and vibrant coral reefs teeming with
marine life. Activities abound, from snorkeling in clear waters to
indulging in delicious local cuisine served at beachside restaurants.
Le Morne Brabant. Rising dramatically from the southwestern tip
of Mauritius, Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO World Heritage site
and a poignant reminder of the island's history. This basaltic
monolith, surrounded by azure waters, once served as a refuge for
escaped slaves. Today, it stands as a symbol of resistance and
freedom, offering visitors panoramic views from its summit and a
chance to explore its rugged cliffs and endemic flora.
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden. Stepping into the
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is like entering a tropical Eden.
Established in the 18th century, this historic garden is a sanctuary
of rare palms, towering banyans, and exotic flowers from around
the world. The centerpiece is the giant water lilies of Victoria
Amazonica, whose expansive leaves float serenely on tranquil
ponds, providing a haven for colorful fish and visiting birds.
Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao). Tucked amidst the mountainous
landscapes of Mauritius, Grand Bassin is a sacred crater lake that
holds deep spiritual significance for the island's Hindu community.
Set in a natural amphitheater, the lake is surrounded by temples
adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant flags fluttering in the
breeze. Pilgrims journey here during the Maha Shivaratri festival,
carrying offerings and prayers to Lord Shiva, creating a vibrant
tapestry of devotion and cultural heritage.
Blue Bay Marine Park. Off the southeastern coast of Mauritius
lies the Blue Bay Marine Park, a haven for underwater enthusiasts
and nature lovers alike. Crystal-clear waters reveal a kaleidoscope
of coral reefs teeming with marine life, including colorful fish,
graceful sea turtles, and gentle rays gliding over sandy seabeds.
Snorkelers and divers can explore this aquatic wonderland,
discovering hidden coves and vibrant coral gardens beneath the
sunlit surface.
Port Louis Market (Central Market). At the heart of Mauritius's
bustling capital, Port Louis, lies the Central Market - a vibrant
tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors. Here, vendors proudly
display a cornucopia of fresh produce, aromatic spices, and
handmade crafts, while the air is filled with the melody of Creole
tunes and the chatter of bargaining. It's a sensory journey through
the island's cultural diversity and culinary delights.
Flic en Flac Beach. Stretching along the western coast of
Mauritius, Flic en Flac Beach captivates with its endless stretch of
white sand and azure waters. Palm-fringed shores invite visitors to
unwind beneath the shade, while gentle waves beckon swimmers
and water sports enthusiasts alike. As the sun sets over the Indian
Ocean, the beach transforms into a picturesque canvas of hues,
casting a spell of tranquility over all who visit.
Each of these destinations in Mauritius offers a unique glimpse into
the island's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant soul,
making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking both
relaxation and adventure.
Interesting Places to Visit Mauritius
A Gem in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius, nestled as a radiant gem
in the heart of the Indian Ocean, unveils a captivating narrative of
history beginning in the 10th century. It was then that Arab mariners
first navigated its pristine shores, marking the island's initial
encounter with foreign civilizations. This period heralded an era of
discovery and cultural interplay, setting the stage for the rich
historical tapestry that would follow.
A Tapestry of Cultures. Throughout the centuries, Mauritius
evolved into a vibrant tapestry of cultures, each layer woven by
successive waves of colonization. The Dutch, drawn to its natural
splendor, named it after their ruler, Prince Maurice van Nassau.
The French, captivated by its allure, transformed the island into "Île
de France," embedding a lasting Gallic influence on its language,
customs, and refined way of life. Later, the British, pragmatic and
determined, strengthened its economic foundations and integrated
it into the Commonwealth, leaving an indelible mark on its
administrative landscape.
A Sanctuary Lost. Once a sanctuary for the now-extinct dodo
bird, Mauritius stands as a poignant testament to the delicate
balance between human advancement and ecological vulnerability.
The island's lush panoramas and azure waters whisper of a bygone
era, when species thrived in harmony with nature, offering a solemn
reminder of what has been lost.
Scars of the Past. Amidst its sun-kissed beaches and verdant
landscapes, Mauritius bears the poignant scars of a tumultuous
past, notably its involvement in the Indian Ocean slave trade. This
somber chapter is etched deeply within the collective memory of its
inhabitants, symbolizing resilience in the face of adversity and an
ongoing commitment to confronting and reckoning with historical
legacies.
Independence and Identity. The year 1968 marked a historic
leap for Mauritius into sovereign nationhood, as it proudly shed the
remnants of British colonial rule. Embracing self-governance and a
newfound national identity, this pivotal moment signaled not just
independence, but a spirited pursuit of autonomy and self-
determination, forging a path toward a vibrant future.
Cultural Mosaic. Mauritius is a captivating tapestry interwoven
with the rich legacies of Indian and Chinese cultures, brought by
waves of indentured laborers who sought new lives on its emerald
shores. Their work in the sugarcane fields not only shaped the
island's economic landscape but also enriched its cultural mosaic,
blending traditions, languages, and culinary delights into a vibrant
and unique fusion.
Legacy of Sugarcane. The lush valleys of Mauritius once
resounded with the rhythmic hum of sprawling sugarcane
plantations, each stalk a testament to the island's agricultural
prowess and economic backbone. From the verdant heartlands to
the coastal plains, the legacy of these plantations continues to
permeate Mauritius's identity, fostering a deep-rooted connection to
its agrarian past.
Port Louis: A City of Heritage. At the bustling core of Mauritius
lies Port Louis, a city whose name evokes the regal splendor of
King Louis XV of France. This historical moniker reflects Mauritius's
colonial heritage, recalling an era when European powers, drawn
by its strategic location and abundant resources, vied for control
over its bustling port and cosmopolitan streets.
A Kaleidoscope of Faith. Religion in Mauritius thrives in a
kaleidoscope of expressions, where Hindu temples, Christian
churches, Islamic mosques, and Buddhist pagodas stand as
enduring symbols of the island's commitment to religious tolerance
and pluralism. Each place of worship echoes with prayers and
rituals, weaving a spiritual fabric that enriches Mauritius's social
landscape and underscores its ethos of unity amidst diversity.
The Treaty of Paris. Mauritius ,previously known as Isle De
France, etched its place in history through the Treaty of Paris
(1814), a pivotal moment marking the end of the Napoleonic Wars
in the Indian Ocean region. This landmark agreement not only
redrew geopolitical boundaries but also solidified Mauritius's role on
the global stage, highlighting its strategic importance and shaping
its trajectory as a crossroads of international diplomacy and
commerce.
Interesting Historical Facts about Mauritius
Mauritius, a picturesque island nation in the Indian Ocean, is
renowned for its stunning beaches, diverse culture, and warm
hospitality. Located off the southeast coast of Africa, it boasts a
unique blend of Creole, French, Indian, and Chinese influences,
making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking both
relaxation and adventure.
Mauritius