Mauritius basks in splendid isolation of the Indian Ocean, surrounded by Africa, India and Australia. A perfect island for an unforgettable holiday under the sun, enjoy the numerous sports and leisure activities available, along with experiencing the inhabitants' rich and colorful culture. Along with sun, sand and water comes a fascinating blend of cultures. You can alternate visits to temples, mosques and markets with swimming, fishing or diving and treks through nature preserves.

People And Culture

Going to the discovery of Mauritius and also of its people is a journey in some of the most fascinating and refined ancestral traditions. The legacies of those who for the past 400 years have settled on its shores, where Europe meets India, China and Africa in a frenzy of colours, scents and savours. Festivals and religious ceremonies in Mauritius have passed untouched the test of time and are still celebrated with much fervour and devotion, bearing testimony of the inhabitants' ties to their origins. On the other hand through the years the mixture of people has brought about quite a unique Mauritian culture, derived from the riches of such diverse customs and traditions.

Shopping

Shop for local handicrafts such as hand-embroidered tablecloths, teak knickknacks, sailing-ship models, tents, wood carvings, rare postage stamps, Indian jewelry, Chinese artifacts and a variety of duty-free items. Be sure to get a permit from the controller of supplies should you purchase more than 1,000 rupees worth of merchandise.

Places To See

Port Louis : Capital and main part of Mauritius, Port Louis was founded by the French governor Mahe de Labourdonnais in 1736. The harbour lies sheltered in a semi-circle of mountains.

Champ de Mars : Champ de Mars, originally laid out by the French for military parades, is now a racecourse.

Mahebourg :As one on the main fishing centers, it lies in the bay of Grand Port and has a Naval Museum, housed in the French colonial mansion where in 1810 the English and French commanders, both wounded in battle, were brought to be given medical aid.

Pamplemousses Gardens : The gardens are known to naturalists throughout the world for their large collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the giant Victoria Regia water lilies and many species of palm trees. Of particular interest is the Talipot palm, which is said to flower once every sixty years and dies thereafter.