Mauritius Island

Mauritius Island, officially referred to as the Republic of Mauritius, or in French as République de Maurice, is an Island country in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2,000 kilometres off the South-East coast of the African continent. The country has a total surface area of 2040 km², and encompasses the Islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agaléga and Saint Brandon. The capital city of Mauritius is Port Louis, where the nation’s biggest seaport is also located. In 1 July 2012, the estimated population for the entire Republic was 1,291,456. Due to its volcanic origin, age, isolation and its unique terrain, Mauritius is home to a variety of flora and fauna, not usually found in such a small area. English is the most widely spoken language on the Island, though French is also considerably spoken there. While all official documents for the nation are written in English, most of the citizens are equally fluent in English and French.

Mauritius is one of the world’s top lavish tourist destinations. The refreshing and charismatic Island is endowed with a vast array of natural and man-made attractions.  It boasts an ideal and sub-tropical climate, with lucid warm sea waters, alluring white sandy beaches and beguiling geniality. This is coupled with tropical fauna and flora, along with a convivial multi-cultural population.

For the third time, Mauritius was the recipient of the World’s Leading Island Destination Award and the World’s Best Beach, at the World Travel Awards in January 2012. Mauritius also has one of the highest rates of returning tourism visitors in the world.

Beaches in Mauritius Island

Mauritius constitutes a matchless beach lover’s ultimate wonderland. The shoreline of Mauritius is approximately 200km long, for which beaches occupy about 160km of that coastal length. Nearly all beaches in Mauritius manifest certain generic characteristics; for instance, they all bear the fine white coral sand; the water is crystal-clear and mostly calm and warm, with temperatures ranging between 23°C to 29°C. During sunshine, the sea reflects an assortment of enticing blue hues, turquoise and often even green, giving rise to a charismatic and blissful atmosphere. The following are some of the highly rated beautiful beaches in Mauritius: Flic en Flac Located on the western part of Mauritius, this is evidently the most frequented beach on the island. It also features among the longest beaches in Mauritius, providing ample space for proper relaxation. However, on weekend, this beach can become quite crowded. Indeed, this is the ideal venue for Mauritians who inhabit the central area of the island. Mon Choisy Located in the northern part of the island, Mon Choisy is another prominent beach in Mauritius. Just as with the Flic en Flac beach, on weekend, this beach can become quite crowded. In its vicinity are numerous food outlets. Pereybere beach Located between Grand Bay and Port Louis, this is probably the most recommended place with respect to a perfect swim. The water is crystal clear and the beach is clean and refreshing. The beach usually attracts more people on weekend than week days. Therefore, visiting this beach on a week day may yield the highest level of freedom and satisfaction. Blue Bay This is a truly beautiful and spotless beach, conducive for uninterrupted relaxation. Located in the south-eastern part of the island, the beach maintains proximity to the airport. This is an ideal place for those residing in the southern part of Mauritius; or those touring the central part of the island. Trou aux Biches This is another ideal beach located in the north of the island. White sand and crystal-clear water characterise the beach, which is excellent for relaxation and swimming. The vicinity of this beach equally boasts numerous food outlets.

Attractions in Mauritius Island

Below are among the most visited attractions in Mauritius Island: Mauritius Botanical Garden: Located near Port Louis, and also referred to as Pamplemonsses Garden and SSR Botanical Garden, this is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere; and features among the most visited attractions on the Island. Stretching across an area of 37 hectares, this stunning garden was established in 1767, and harbours a broad spectrum of flora. Among the plants most renowned in the garden are its giant lilies, spice garden and an exceptional collection of 85 varieties of palms from Central America, Africa, Asia; and the islands in the environs of the Indian Ocean. Black River Gorges National Park is nestled in the hilly south-western section of Mauritius, and covers an area of 6,574 hectares. The park sprang from the imperative to safeguard the natural vegetation of the Island, and is one of the most craved visual feasts on the Island. In the park is a highly vitalising area of greenery, through which one can walk to attain the highest point on the island, which indeed is the Black River Peak. The park shelters most of the island's remaining rainforest, in which dwells numerous species of wild animals and birds. Various endemic animals prevail in the park; among them, the Mauritian flying fox, Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon, Mauritius parakeet, Mauritius cuckoo-shrike, Mauritius bulbul, Mauritius olive white-eye, Mauritius grey white-eye and Mauritius fody. Île aux Cerfs Island, referred to in English as the Deer Island, is an islet situated near the east coast of Mauritius in the Flacq District. Île Aux Cerfs is famed for its sandy beaches, gorgeous lagoon and a broad assortment of activities and facilities. The Island’s formidable picturesque beaches offer an unassailable opportunity for relaxation, swimming and snorkelling. Though deers do not inhabit the island anymore, it nonetheless offers some of the most breathtaking beaches in Mauritius. Port Louis is the capital city and main port of Mauritius. It is also the largest city on the Island. It’s encircled by a mountain range called the Port Louis Moka Range, which provides a breathtaking backdrop to the city. Numerous historical buildings provide a silent testament of the past; among them, a fortification named Fort Adelaide or La Citadelle; built in 1835; which is the most imposing structure in the city. The main tourist attractions in Port Louis include the Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis Bazaar, Police Barracks, the Mauritian Chinatown and the old Port Louis theatre. The city’s three museums comprise: the Blue Penny Museum, the Mauritius Natural History Museum and the Mauritius Stamp Museum. In the city centre are numerous captivating stylist buildings. Grand Bassin, also referred to as Ganga Talao, is a lake situated in an isolated mountain area in the district of Savanne, right in the heart of Mauritius. It is about 600m above sea level; and has been declared a Holy lake by the Hindu community in Mauritius. The water in the lake is alleged to communicate with the water of the Holy Ganges in India. Each year, the Hindu community performs a pilgrimage on the Maha Sivaratri or“Siva’s Great Night”, a consecrated day in honour of Lord Shiva. Beside the lake is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and other Gods; including Hanuman and Lakshmi. Also overlooking the lake is the statue of Mangal Mahadev (Shiva statue) which is 33m high, rendering it the highest statue in Mauritius. Chamarel park - 7 coloured earth & Chamarel falls : The “seven-coloured earth” of Chamarel is an area of a unique geological phenomenon; for, this interesting site is the only place in the world to witness a clay earth with seven different colours on one place, comprising; red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow; with the two latter colours largely predominant. At close distance to the park are waterfalls and lush vegetation. The Waterfall of Charmarel is quite spectacular because the waters of three different streams drop freely into the gorge over a distance of 100m. Trou aux Cerfs depicts a 605 high extinct volcano located in Curepipe. The volcano is deemed to have been formed millions of years ago.The crater is said to measure 300 m in diametre and 85 m in depth. In the centre of the crater prevails a small lake. The main vintage point of the crater offers spectacular views of a major part of Mauritius Island. Ile aux Aigrettes is a 25 hectare coral island just off the coast of the town of Mahebourg. The island has been declared a nature conservation site and is under the mandate of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. Gabriel Island, also known as Îlot Gabriel, is located near the Round Island and the Flat Island, at the extreme north of Mauritius, about 10 km north of Cap Malheureux. Famous for its beautiful unblemished beaches, with crystal clear water encircling the entire island, it is renowned for snorkelling, diving and relaxation on the beach.