Mauritius- Paradise uncovered

Mauritius might seem like a tiny little island between Asia and Africa, but it’s a lot more than that in terms of its significance for tourists.

Black River Gorges National Park: The only national park in Mauritius is nothing short of an outrageously large expanse of forests that covers 3.5% of the island’s area. More than 300 species of plants and 9 species of birds that are unique to Mauritius, including the pink pigeon, which is now slowly coming back from the threshold of extinction. One can take a drive through the park, but the perfect mean of exploration is on foot. There is an extensive network of hiking trails that runs through the wilderness. However, there are also some really detailed maps available, to ensure that one does not get lost. Also, one should check the condition of the trails at the information centre before starting off exploring. A guide can also be hired at the visitor centres. The best time to visit is during the flowering season between September and January, when the exotic trees of rare tambalacoque and black ebony are in their pristine glory. Among the birds, the most interesting sights are those of the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon, echo parakeet and the Mauritius cuckoo-shrike.

South Mauritius: Any trip to the Mauritius is incomplete without spending some time at the underdeveloped (read ‘strikingly natural’) southern part of the island, where some of the most breathtaking scenery and spectacular landscapes lie. The area around the Blue Bay has always been a tourist hotspot, thanks to the great beaches and clear waters. There are 3 big hotels at the erstwhile sugar estate of Bel Ombre, which were opened in 2005, followed by another luxury hotel at St. Felix, resulting in better accommodation options. Although the locales fear this development will spoil the natural beauty of what is the only ‘Mauritian’ part of the island, there are no alarm bells ringing as of now. Also one must visit the town of Mahébourg, the Île aux Aigrettes nature reserve and the Lion Mountain.

Le Morne Peninsula: Located at a height of 556 metres, Le Morne Peninsula is a vast rock that is visible from most parts of Southern Mauritius. There are many splendid beaches located alongside the peninsula’ shores that span 4kms, besides great accommodation options. Le Morne is close to being totally uninhabited, and has a rather brutal history attached to its name, which translates to ‘Mournful One’. In the 19^th century, a group of slaves were hiding at the top of the mountain to escape. They were not aware of the fact that slavery has been abolished, and panicked when they saw a troop of soldiers coming their way, and finally jumped off the cliff.

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Mauritius: The explored paradise that retains its charm

Countries like Mauritius really don't need an introduction, but if at all it is needed (for the sake of formality), let's just say that it is a slice of paradise, and this is NOT a cliché! The deep blue seas, the white sandy beaches in stark contrast, and of course, the world's most luxurious hotels – all make up for a dream holiday setting. However, besides swimming and sunbathing, there is a lot more to do, and one might find himself/herself pressed for time, so diverse are the options. There are historical sights, geographic diversities. The country is the most developed among the Mascarene Islands, but that does not mean one can't find privacy here, just that some extra effort needs to be put in.

Port Louis, the mercantile capital, is also Africa's richest city and offers all the hustle-bustle of a global metropolis. On the other hand, the garment markets of Quatre Bornes and Curepipe and the virgin forests of the National Park at Black River Gorges lend their own special touch to the island which is otherwise only known as a spectacular beach destination. However, coming to the topic of the sand and the sea, the scenic lagoons and exotic public beaches, alongside the picture perfect islands are a magical experience altogether. And the food just adds on to the magic, with Indian, French, Chinese and African cuisines fusing together to offer and exciting potpourri.

Rodrigues: One of the most popular islands in Mauritius, Rodrigues is situated 500 kms north-east of the mainland, and is the result of a one million year old volcanic activity. The island is so isolated in its entirety that it feels hard to connect it even with Mauritius, let alone the rest of the world. Many popular guides and travel houses market it as 'mini Mauritius', but there are quite a few differences. To begin with the topography, the island is covered completely with mountains, is drier that Mauritius, and there is a plethora of vegetables and fruits planted practically everywhere. There are very few beaches, and the people are also of the local ethnicity, i.e., African and Creoles

Grand Baie: Earlier known as De Bogt Zonder Eyndt (Bay Without End) in the 17th century by the Dutch, Grand Baie is today renowned for its nightlife. Misconstrued as a resort, Grand Baie is actually a very sophisticated town and is the centre of the tourism industry of north Mauritius. True, the beaches are not too spectacular and the water is crowded with fishing boats, but there are many exciting options to eat, shop and have a good time. One can also go for cruises to the northern islands, and one can also visit the surrounding villages for better beaches.

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Mauritius: The Island of Dreams

The island complex of Mauritius has always been a favourite among tourists. Following are some of the main regions of interest to first time travellers.

Rodrigues is clearly one of the best places to visit in Mauritius, if not THE best. Located 500 km east of the mainland, the island is one million years old (relatively young, and a result of a volcanic creation). The most peculiar, albeit fantastic, part of being in Rodrigues is that one does not ever get a feeling of being connected with either Mauritius, or for that matter, the rest of the world. Its beauty can be estimated from the fact that it is also often known as mini Mauritius in many parts of the world, but it is actually the differences from the latter that set this tiny island apart, and make it such an attractive destination. The terrain is full of mountains, and is drier than the mainland with fruits and vegetables plantations abound. The beaches are sparsely located, but are very well maintained. Despite measuring only 8km X 18km, the island has a population of 37,000. It offers a fantastic platform of sorts for diving, and has many coral reefs surrounding it. It is often promoted as, and rightly so, as a back-to-nature destination.

Once called De Bogt Zonder Eyndt (Bay Without End) by the Dutch in the 17th century, Grand Baie is today spoken of as a happening resort that is famous for its nightlife, but is also quite a high-brow metropolitan town. True, it is the centre of northern Mauritius’ tourism industry and does not have the most low-population beaches or waters (with numerous fishing boats crowding for their daily catch), but is still a hotspot of sorts for eating, shopping or just chilling out in the surrounding villages.

Having a spectacular visual impression on practically every tourist that visits, Port Louis, set against the backdrop of the mountain peaks of Le Pouce and Pieter Both, gives a glimpse of all that it has to offer in the drive from the airport to the main city. Coming from the Central Plateau into the city with water spread all around is in itself a fascinating experience. Port Louis is the biggest city in the country, its economic powerhouse and national capital. However, because of its low lying position, the city has not been seen as a favorable place to live by the local population, and this is one of the main reasons why one would find Mauritians living on the outskirts, like in the Central Plateau towns of Rose Hill, Moka, Vacoas and Quatre Bornes. However, the city is as lively as can be, with the beautiful Caudan Waterfront only being the starting of many great things to come. The thronging of people in the market streets, including the most iconic 'Chinatown', along with many museums and centuries old colonial buildings ensure a worthwhile visit to this part of the country.

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