A proud Mauritian islander is said to have told Mark Twain, ‘Mauritius was made first and then heaven…’
Sunny, multi-cultural Mauritius certainly seems close to heaven, if your idea of heaven is miles of white beaches, warm turquoise seas, colourful street markets, diverse culinary traditions and excellent accommodation and activities for all budgets. While you savour your own particular experience of Mauritius tourism, you’ll notice that even the air seems purer and fresher than anywhere else. The World Health Organisation has declared that Mauritius has the second cleanest air on earth!
| Mauritius Tourism | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Language | English |
| Also Known as | Republic of Mauritius |
| Currency | Mauritian rupee (MUR) |
| Time Zone | UTC+4 (MUT) |
| Area | 2,040 Square Kilometer |
| Best known for | Sweets, Bottle Art and Seven-Coloured Earth |
| Things To Do | Deep Sea Fishing, Trekking And Blue Bay Marine Park |
| Places To Visit | Port Louis Theatre And Fort Adelaide, Caudan Waterfront, Champ De Mars And Trou Aux Cerfs |
Located in the African continent, the country is made up of the main island of Mauritius, the island of Rodrigues, the small Agalega islands and some smaller shoals. Most of the population lives on the island of Mauritius, which lies 800km east of Madagascar and approximately 4000 km southwest of India. Its capital is Port Louis. Mauritius is ringed by three mountain ranges, the Moka, the Black River Chain and the Grand Port. 160 km of silky white beaches fringe its coastline and it is almost completely surrounded by coral reefs. No spot on the island of Mauritius is more than 45 minutes’ drive from the sea.
Being isolated for thousands of years, Mauritius has developed a unique flora and fauna. The famous flightless bird, the extinct dodo, was found only on Mauritius. The country’s national flower, the Boucle d’Oreille, grows only on the top of one mountain, Le Morne Brabant. Mauritius also has the world’s third-largest coral reef.
With mountains, forests and seas to explore, eco-treks, hiking, birding, diving and snorkelling are some of the major attractions of Mauritius tourism.
vMauritius Climate
Mauritius enjoys warm weather round the year, with the average temperature ranging between 17 deg. C and 30 deg. C. The best time to visit Mauritius is between May to December, when the weather is cool, dry and sunny. Try not to plan your trip during the wet cyclone season, from January to March.
As you’ll spend a fair amount of time on the beach, you’ll be most comfortable in light cottons, shorts and t-shirts. Swimming costumes, sun hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and sandals are essential. We suggest you also wear protective shoes while swimming, as you might encounter sea urchins, lionfish and stone fish.
Mauritius unfolds before you like an exciting, multi-cultural tapestry. With the mingling of the island’s Indian, African, Chinese and French heritage, you’ll find that there is true inter-racial harmony among people. They take pride in being Mauritian, despite not having a shared language or shared customs.
With its rich diversity in cuisine, architecture and social customs, Mauritius is considered a true melting pot of cultures.
Most of Mauritius is quite conservative. Removing your leather shoes and belts, and being modestly dressed when visiting places of worship, is recommended.
Children and family occupy centre stage in Mauritian culture. Kids are welcomed everywhere. Most places offer child and family-friendly facilities, another factor that makes for the perfect family holiday.
As a further testament to its peaceful, welcoming and tolerant culture, Mauritius has been declared to be one of only four countries in the world which was not involved in any international or domestic conflict. It has friendly and cordial relations with all its neighbouring countries.
There are so many things to do in Mauritius for every family member. From heritage structures to adventure sports to fun-filled shopping to luxury experiences, Mauritius tourism opens up a world of possibilities.
Driving along lovely coastal roads, you can go north to Grand Baie, a lively resort town that offers shopping, fine cuisine options and nightlife. On the west coast stretch the stunning beaches of Mauritius. With its safe, clear waters and pristine sands, Trou aux Biches has often been called the world’s best beach destination and is very popular with families. At the other end is Le Morne, with its long beach, lagoon bordered by a reef and a magnificent golf course, all designed around the foot of an imposing mountain.
Get picture-perfect selfies at the Seven Coloured Earths – these are stunning sand dunes in the south-west Chamarel region of Mauritius, dating back approximately seven million years. The dunes are a geological formation composed of seven colours of sand, ranging from yellow and brown to dramatic black, red and purple. The different layers form and settle spontaneously, giving the dunes their unique, striped appearance. Besides, it is said that the dunes never erode, despite the torrential rains that lash Mauritius.
The intriguing history of the island is on display at Eureka House, the largest house in Mauritius, with 109 doors and windows. It is a beautiful museum dedicated to the island’s colonial history, with lush gardens and waterfalls surrounding it.
Of course, Mauritius tourism has many other places of interest and there are multiple places to visit in Mauritius including pretty towns, nature reserves, museums and luxury malls.
Whether you want an action-packed holiday or a relaxed beach vacation, with nothing more to do than explore the street food and vibrant flea markets, you’ll find it in Mauritius.
Mauritius tourist visa is not required for citizens of India for a stay up to 60 days. Also, the official Mauritius currency is Mauritian Rupee (MUR).
