Exotic Island Paradise of Mauritius
19 Oct 2015
Want to know more about Mauritius….
Mauritius is a beautiful island in the Indian Pacific known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. The capital, Port Louis, blends foreign influences and offers sites such as the Champs de Mars horse track, colonial Eureka plantation and 18th-century botanical garden. The island is loaded with historic sights, cultural diversity, geographic variation and almost limitless activities to distract you from the daily grind of beach and pool. But perhaps its single biggest asset is the relaxed charm of its warm and welcoming people.
Mauritius has a unique blend of cultures and peoples from Europe, Asia and Africa. English is the official language; however French and Creole are commonly used. Hindi & Bhojpuri are also spoken in Mauritius. The currency of Mauritius is the Rupee.
The climate in Mauritius is largely tropical, though the humid hot conditions are moderated by the south east trade winds that blow across the region. From May through until October Mauritius enjoys a warm, dry winter (with temperatures ranging from 17 – 23 degrees Celsius) - while it is only slightly cooler the conditions aren’t as wet and humidity is slightly lower so it provides for a great winter escape.
Shopping in Mauritius:
- The Sunset Boulevard is home to chic boutiques, including knitwear specialists Floreal, Maille St and Shibani; Harris Wilson for menswear; and Hémisphère Sud for fabulous leather goods.
- Located 200m inland from Grand Baie's main drag, the vast Super U Hypermarket is, by far, the best supermarket on the island and sells almost everything you can imagine, including the North's best range of books and magazines. You will also find the cheaper clothing stores in and around the Super U Hypermarket.
- Grand Bair Bazaar: A craft market hidden down an inland street away from Royal Rd. There's a broad range of touristy Mauritian and Malagasy crafts.
- Port Louis' Central Market has a wide selection of T-shirts, basketry, spices and souvenirs; bargain to get a decent price.
Sights to see in Mauritius:
- Chamarel – Grand Bassin Statue, Temple & Sacred Lake, Macabée Forest, Black River Gorge, Chamarel Waterfalls & Coloured Earth
- Le Morne Brabant Unesco World Heritage Site & Slave Route Memorial
- Catamaran ½ Day Scenic Lunch Cruise West Coast
- Casela Wildlife & Nature Park “Interaction with the Lions & Cheetahs” or optional “Walking with Lions”
- Lunch & Scenic Views “Mirador Restaurant”
- Traditional Salt Pans of Tamarind
- Saint Aubin Estate Sugar Plantation Mansion & Rum Distillery Tour & Taste, Anthurium Nursery Green House, Vanilla Factory House
- National History & Naval Museum
- Mahébourg Seaside Markets
- H. Rault Biscuit Factory
- Fredrik Kendriks Museum
- 150 Year Old Eureka Mansion & Garden
- Mauritian Capital of Port Louis
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden
- Natural History Museum of Mauritius – skeleton of the extinct Dodo Bird
- Highlights Tour Port Louis – La Citadel (Fort Adelaide) & Champ de Mars (horse race track), Colourful Bazaar, Le Caudan Waterfront Precinct, Blue Penny Museum
- Highlights Grand Baie – Cap Malheureux Red-Roofed Church, Sugar Museum
For your next group tour to Mauritius, contact Trade Travel - The Group Travel Specialists
Australia Tel: 1800 034 439
New Zealand Tel: 0800 443 044
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tradetravel.com.au
®