Beyond its famed beaches and sea, Mauritius unveils a surprising wealth of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal tropical paradise with diverse attractions. Catering to a wide spectrum of interests, it stands as a versatile destination for those craving adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or a blend of these elements.
– Prashant Nayak
Mauritius, an island nestled in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, transcends its reputation as a sought-after destination for honeymooners and families, revealing a plethora of attractions that extend beyond its popular image. The island’s awe-inspiring natural beauty unfolds across a varied tapestry of landscapes, featuring enchanting soft sand beaches, majestic mountains, verdant tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and pristine lagoons with crystalline waters embraced by coral reefs. This diverse and picturesque scenery firmly establishes Mauritius as the perfect tropical paradise for travellers in search of a multifaceted and captivating escape.
A Cultural Symphony of Diversity
Mauritius is known for its ethnic diversity, with a population that includes people of Indian, African, Chinese, and European descent. This aspect creates a fascinating, vibrant, and peaceful island community, contributing to a sense of harmony and tolerance making it an inviting and safe destination for tourists. Also, this diversity has contributed to a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and cuisines, creating a harmonious and multicultural society. A majority of the population speaks Mauritian Creole, while French is the most commonly used language in media and education. Other languages spoken in Mauritius are Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Marathi, Mandarin, and Gujarati. Visitors to Mauritius have the opportunity to experience a variety of cultural practices, festivals, and events that showcase the island’s multicultural identity.
Mauritius Tourism’s recent award-winning campaign ‘Feel Our Island Energy’ is a tribute to the rich melting pot of cultures on the island, which is unique and invites travellers to dive into immersive experiences that are offered by the locals, reflecting the harmony, generosity and welcoming nature of the Mauritian people. The campaign is an open invitation from Mauritians to come and explore mountains, lagoons, waterfalls, beaches, national parks and buzzy markets. Feel Our Island Energy embodies a perpetual celebration of life and love in every moment.
More to Discover in Mauritius
Mauritius is a small island country stretching across an area of 2,040 km and has no trains or trams. One can travel from the north to the south of the island in just three to four hours! However, Mauritius is big enough for extraordinary adventures and small enough to do it all in one holiday.
Other than the much-sought-after beach and sea adventures, in Mauritius, one can embark on extraordinary hikes in lush national parks like Black River Gorges, climb majestic mountains for breathtaking views, and discover waterfalls, viewpoints, and unique plants. Witness the wonder of the Seven Coloured Earths in Chamarel, and it is a delight to explore Bois Chéri’s tea plantations and the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden’s wonders. Take a trip to Ile aux Aigrettes and search for rare species like pink pigeons and giant tortoises. Gain a bird’s-eye view with a helicopter tour, enjoy golf at scenic courses, and join yoga classes with stunning views from the resorts or wellness centres. For adventure, try zip-lining, quad biking, canyoning, and mountain biking, creating a truly immersive and diverse experience.
Mauritius has a rich history of its thriving sugar cane industry and one can see vast sugar cane fields around. A visit to rum distilleries is recommended for insights into Mauritius’ rum and sugar culture and to sample a variety of these. Also, exploring historical sites like the UNESCO-listed Aapravasi Ghat reflects cultural and historical significance, especially in relation to indentured labour.
Mauritius, with its enchanting blend of calming landscapes, euphoric adventures, insatiable curiosity, and a spirit of boundless adventure, welcomes visitors to embrace every facet of its scintillating energy.
A Delightful Fusion of Flavours
Food enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of culinary delights that showcase the island’s diverse influences. The local street food, as well as the gourmet offerings in upscale restaurants, cater to different tastes. During a Mauritius visit, savouring local specialties like Dhal Puri, Gateaux piment (chilli fritters), Mauritian Cari, Dumplings, Bol renversé, Pineapple and Chilli salt, Vanilla Tea, Ti’ Punch or Rum, Biryani, and Rougaille will render a true taste of the island’s unique food culture.
Recommended places to eat include Bagatelle Mall, Port Louis Market, Le Caudan Waterfront, and Central Flacq Market. These locations offer a mix of authentic local experiences and diverse culinary options, allowing one to savour the unique flavours of Mauritius. Other than that, if you are seeking beachfront dining, a vineyard experience, or panoramic views, Mauritius has a variety of options to suit different preferences.
Bringing Home Mauritian Mementos
Exploring the vibrant markets of Mauritius offers a delightful opportunity to shop for unique souvenirs, ranging from exquisite jewellery and handmade gifts to iconic Dodo paraphernalia, coloured sand creations, ocean-themed mementos, stylish clothing and accessories, as well as local specialties like Mauritius rum, spices, and sugar. Engaging in souvenir shopping not only allows travellers to bring home tangible memories but also contributes to supporting local artisans and businesses.
It’s worth noting that bargaining is a common practice in local markets, so visitors are encouraged to negotiate prices, especially for handmade items. In more formal settings like shops and shopping malls, requesting a receipt for significant transactions is advisable, and always inquire about the price of products before making any purchases to ensure a smooth and transparent shopping experience.
