From Wikitravel

Mauritius [1] is a small island country in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar.

Contents 1 Regions 2 Cities 3 Understand 3.1 History 4 Geography 4.1 Climate 4.2 Terrain 5 Get in 5.1 By plane 5.2 By boat 6 Get around 7 Talk 8 See 8.1 Northern Touristic Zone 8.2 East 8.3 South East 8.4 West 8.5 The Interior 9 Do 10 Eat 11 Drink 12 Sleep 13 Work 14 Stay safe 15 Stay healthy 16 Respect

Regions

There are 9 districts

• Black River
• Flacq
• Grand Port
• Moka
• Pamplemousses
• Plaines Wilhems
• Port Louis
• Riviere du Rempart
• Savanne

And 4 dependencies

• Agalega Islands
• Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon)
• Rodrigues

Cities

• Port Louis - Capital

• Victor Harbor

Understand

History

Discovered by the Portuguese in 1505, Mauritius was subsequently held by the Dutch, French, and British before independence was attained in 1968.

A stable democracy with regular free elections and a positive human rights record, the country has attracted considerable foreign investment and has earned one of Africa's highest per capita incomes. Recent poor weather and declining sugar prices have slowed economic growth leading to some protests over standards of living in the Creole community.

Geography

Mauritius is located at 20 17 S, 57 33 E. It has 177 km of coastline and a total area of 2,040 sq km (which includes the Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals, and Rodrigues Island) - almost 11 times the size of Washington, DC, 2.5 times the size of New York City, and a little more than 1.5 times the size of Los Angeles. Half of its land is arable, of which 20% is irrigated. Mauritius is one of a chain of islands produced by a volcanic hotspot that now rests beneath the French isle of Reunion.

Climate

Tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May); Natural hazards : Tropical cyclones (November to April);

Terrain

Small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling central plateau. The main island, from which the country derives its name, is of volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs that may pose maritime hazards. Highest point: Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, 828 meters.

Get in

By plane

The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport [2] at Plaisance is the major gateway for travellers coming from abroad.

• Air Mauritius [3] is the home carrier and operates a network of routes to the local islands and to international destinations in Africa, Australia, Europe and Asia.
• Regional airlines Air Austral [4], Air Madgascar and Air Seychelles [5] connect Mauritius with the surrounding islands.
• International airlines such as Air Europe, Air France [6], Air Zimbabwe, Austrian Airlines [7], British Airways [8], Condor, South African Airways [9], and Emirates [10] all serve Mauritius from their home bases.

You can take a helicopter ride around the island with Air Mauritius and can be booked at their main office at the Paille en Queue building in the centre of Port Louis near the Museum.

By boat

Get around

Talk

Languages : English (official), Creole, French (official), Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, Bhojpuri

See

Northern Touristic Zone

Grand Bay was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Bay also happens to be the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars and discos). Recently renovated, La Cuvette beach is well worth a visit.

• Pereybere The wonderful Pereybere public beach is popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.

• Balaclava Ruins A few metres away from Baie aux Tortues, which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises in the area, can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate. Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahé de Labourdonnais.

• The Triolet Shivala The longest village on the island, Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.

• The Labourdonnais Orchards Discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible.

East

• Flacq Market Flacq is one of the most important villages in Mauritius. This meeting point for inhabitants of the East boasts the country’s largest open air market. The extremely colourful market attracts a large number of people.

• The Waterpark Leisure Village Enjoy unforgettable moments sliding on the giant chutes, with family or friends. Relaxation and pleasure guaranteed.

• Ile aux Cerfs Ile aux Cerfs is a paradise for water sports and has the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. You cannot afford to miss this tiny island, delicately poised on the ocean, a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape.

South East

• Dutch Ruins At Vieux Grand Port, the oldest settlements in Mauritius, you can see the ruins of the first Dutch fortifications. Excavation work is underway in a bid to uncover an important part of Mauritian history.

• Ile aux Aigrettes Owing to the remarkable work accomplished by the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A few of the world’s rarest birds, including the kestrel, can be seen there. You can also discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise.

• Mahebourg Mahébourg is one of the main fishing villages on the island. Built on the magnificent Grand Port Bay it was founded in 1804 by the French Governor Charles Decaën.

• Domaine du Chasseur, Tel: (230) 634-5011, Fax: (230) 634-5261. Nestling in the Anse Jonchée hills, the Domaine des Grand Bois has splendid hunting grounds covering an area of 900 hectares. Stags, monkeys and boars live amidst the luxuriant vegetation of the hillside.One can watch a few species of endangered birds, including the kestrel. The Domaine contains four thatched-roof bungalows and a restaurant with a panoramic sea view. Take an opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal of venison.

• Souillac A small seaside resort along the rugged coast of the Savanne district. A famous feature is the garden overlooking the sea and named after Dr. Charles Telfair. A popular viewpoint is found at the southern end of the village, right on the cliff top : Gris Gris.

West

• Martello Towers The Martello Towers represent the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers and the ingenuity of mankind. They are a milestone in the island’s history; they symbolise the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration.

• Chamarel A winding road leads from Case Noyale village to the coloured earths of Chamarel: an undulating landscape of different and contrasting shades of colours. The different shades of blue, green, red and yellow are apparently the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. The neighbouring waterfalls of Chamarel rise from the moors and the native plant life. The site possesses a rare beauty.

• Salt Pans Owing to the exceptional high level of sunshine the district receives, Tamarin is naturally the heart of salt production in Mauritius.

• Casela, Tel: (230) 452-0693/4 Situated in the Rivière Noire district, the bird park stretches over 25 hectares and contains more than 140 bird species from all five continents. Other attractions include fish ponds, tigers, tortoises, monkeys, deer and orchids.

• Yemen Yemen Reserve may not be the largest game reserve on the island, but there is still lots to see. You will be able to get close to the herds of deer, as well as admire some splendid species of Mauritian fauna. A few rustic kiosks available in the reserve provide an unobstructed view of the sea. There you can sip a local punch while watching the sun going down.

The Interior

• L’Aventure du Sucre, Tel: 243 06 60. Daily 9AM-6PM. Visit an interactive and ultra modern exhibition situated at the heart of an ancient sugarmill and discover the fascinating history of Mauritius and its sugarcane adventure exposed over 5000 sq meters! Then, let yourself be tempted by our boutique with its unique gifts, souvenirs and tasting of special unrefined sugars as well as local rum. Do not miss the opportunity to relish authentic Mauritian cuisine with refined flavours at our restaurant "Le Fangourin". Free access to the restaurant and the Village Boutique Beau Plan-Pamplemousses

• Ganga Talao - Grand Bassin Beyond La Marie and Mare-aux-Vacoas[11] is found one of the two natural lakes of Mauritius. It rests within the crater of an extinct volcano. Ganga Talao is an important pilgrimage site and many Mauritians of the Hindu faith walk there during the Maha Shivaratri festival or the night fasting dedicated to Shiva.

• Black River Gorges This national park of 6,574 hectares (16,244 acres) was created in 1994 for the protection of Mauritius’ remaining native forests. Visitors can enjoy magnificent landscapes, with endemic plants and rare bird species. A trail leads from the Pétrin information centre to an area of typical plant life and to a conservation area.

• Eureka, Tel: (230) 433 8477, Fax: (230) 433 4951. Is an old Creole residence built in 1830, Eureka is an essential place to visit during your stay in Mauritius if you wish to immerse yourself in tropical sweetness.

Do

Eat

When leaving Mauritius, don't wait until you go through passport control if you want to have a snack. The coffee shop after passport control is not value for money. You would be better off visiting the snack bar before check-in and taking your purchases through with you.

Mauritius is a paradise for the senses, not only for the eyes with its beautiful landscape, but also for the palate. Gastronomes will find a variety of flavours and aromas inherited from the different migrations through its history. Culinary traditions from France, India, China and Africa, the best-known and appreciated cuisines in the world, have been passed on through generations.

Depending on the region, rice or a variety of flat bread called chapattis or roti called farata by the local people, is eaten with curries. The extensive use of spices like saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves and herbs like thyme basil and curry leaves are the common ingredients that provide some powerful, yet subtle, savour. Dal a variety of lentil soups are many and varied according to which type of lentil is used, vegetables and beans, and pickles accompany the dishes. Dholl puri and roti, originally an Indian delicacy have become the fish and chips of Mauritians.

Biryani from Mughal origins is a dish expertly prepared by the muslim community, with meat mixed with spiced rice and potato.

You can buy many snacks on the streets of Mauritius including the famous gateaux piments or chilli cakes and vegetable or meat samosas along with octopus curry in bread. The tomato and onion based dish called Rogai is a variation of the Ragoux of France and all mauritians eat this dish often if not daily.

Mauritians have sweet tooths and make many types of 'gateaux' as they are called. The cakes vary and you can find cakes very much like at home and others similar to Indian cakes like Gulab Jumman and Rasgoola among many others.

Check out the queues where the street sellers are selling their type of snacks and the longest queue will probably have the tastiest food on sale and is very cheap.

Drink

Mauritius produces a wide range of cane rum. It is very cheap and is a nice drink when mixed with cola and ice. Don't forget the coconut water with a dash of lime and a splash of local rum over ice.

If you are staying in a hotel where the drinks are wildly expensive consider collecting your tipples while you are out and about from the local village shops or supermarkets where the prices are much cheaper.

The local beer Phoenix is considered to be one of the best in the world and costs around 30 rupees (less than one pound sterling) for a pint. Serve very cold. Delicious !

Sleep

• Hibiscus Holidays, [12]. Beach villas with swimming pool & jacuzzi. Car hire and excursions arranged at discounted rates.

• Ocean Villas, [13]. A 3 star beach resort in Grand Baie, with a broad range of accommodation with lots of exterior activities.

• Beachcomber Hotels, [14].

• Royal Palm, [15]. A Member of the Leading Hotels of the World

• Dinarobin, [16]. An elegant 5-star beach resort with spa

• Paradis, [17]. 5-star golf resort.

• Shandrani, [18]. Resort for action-packed holidays, for families, couples, and nature-lovers.

• Silver Beach, [19]. Nestled on the shores of beautiful Spirit Lake we offer cabin rentals, boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming on our sandy beaches.

• Trou Aux Biches, [20]. Ideal for weddings and honeymoons

• Le Victoria, [21]. Family holiday resort.

• Le Canonnier, [22]. Set on a private peninsula.

• Le Mauricia, [23].

Work

Stay safe

Stay healthy

Mauritius is a risk area for infection with dengue fever (also known as "breakbone fever" from the muscular paroxysms sometimes induced). No vaccine is available.

Since 2005 during the high season a certain type of mosquito called the Aedes aegypti causes the viral illness Chickungunya and the insect is more likely to be around in the daytime.

It is important to use anti-mosquito protection at all times. It is more prevalent in rural areas but I caught it at the beach in the tourist zone and had swollen joints and a rash on my legs. It lasts from one week up to several months depending how you are affected. Some people recover quickly but it took 5 months for me to recover completely.

It shouldn't put you off visiting Mauritius. Just take good care to cover yourself completely in the best mosquito repellant you can find and reapply again after swimming. Sleep under a mosquito net. Spray the bedroom well before going to bed with a good repellant and take an electric repellant to plug into the power supply. You can buy plenty of repellants of all types locally in mauritius quite cheaply including bracelets for kiddies.

Here is a website with comprehensive information on the Chickengunya virus - Health Protection Surveillance Centre’s website: http://www.ndsc.ie/A-Z/Vectorborne/ChikungunyaFever/

In 1991, 86% of the population had antibodies indicating that they had been exposed to the hepatitis A virus, following an epidemic of the disease in 1989. Hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended for travel in East Africa (and most other places) by the CDC.

Due to recent efforts transmission of schistosomiasis in Mauritius has been "virtually eliminated", according to the WHO.

Reef fish in Mauritius have been found containing a ciguatoxin similar but not identical to that found in Caribbean reef fish.

It is important not to eat peanuts or take alcohol if you eat coral or reef fish like sea bass, snapper, mullet, grouper, there are many more. The fish eat the toxic algae that grows on the coral reefs. Don't eat intestines or testes of the fish as higher concentrations of the toxin collect here. The symptoms include gastrointestinal upset, vomiting and diarrhoea and sometimes numb feelings of the arms and legs. More info: http://www.info.gov.hk/dh/new/2004/Nov/041112e2.htm

Respect

When tourists and Europeans go to Mauritius many look for the typical Mauritian. They will not find them. There is no typical mauritian, as mauritians are a sum of different cultures. You have, white mauritians, african mauritians, indian mauritians, muslim mauritians, buddhist mauritians ... the only thing you should know is that they all have different ways of life and most of the time do not mix together. Each ethnic group fits a role in the mauritian community.

The Mauritians all get on well together and respect each others traditions and way of life religions and customs. They are proud of their country and join together on many occasions to celebrate being Mauritian especially on Independance Day March 12th achieved in 1968 when Dr Seewoosagur Ramgoolam now deceased was Prime Minister and is now regarded as the revered father of Mauritius. Presently his son Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam is the Prime Minister.

Each morning the children sing the national anthem in the playground before commencing classes and it is a joy to hear them sing.

Mauritius Motherland, 
Glory to thee Motherland, 
O motherland of mine. 
Sweet is thy beauty, 
Sweet is thy fragrance, 
Around thee we gather 
As one people, 
As one nation, 
For peace, justice and liberty. 
Beloved country, may God bless thee for ever and ever.

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