Mauritius – Visit your Own Paradise on the Planet

Mauritius is an alluring island encompassing a small world of tropical opulence and terrific prosperity. On my visit to the region, I could discover that this interesting island possess different varieties of sights and activities that has the power to captivate any visitor and lighten him/her serving the purpose of the holiday mood. Historic locations, natural environs, splendid sceneries, topographical variation, and adventurous boundless activities – one of these will definitely make up your holiday as per your interest.

For me, the most joyful experience was at its cobalt-blue seas offering white sandy beaches and a few thrilling water sports to pull me away from the relaxing on sands and swimming.

Thanks to our guide without whom my friends and I could not explore the country so closely, as it is tough to find out what to do next here. Astonishingly, I could also spot some Hindu religious places that reminded me of the Hindu spiritual flavor. This is was one of the happiest moments while looking for different sights. Above all, the plus point of Mauritius in being the world famous tourist destination is its tolerable and inviting, smiling people who make you feel as you are in your country. Simply amazing!

We first visited the north region followed by the southeastern one culminating with the western part of Mauritius.

Prime Destinations

North Side

• Grand Bay:
  This was the first spot that attract tourists on this island from all over the world. This sight is ideal for shopping and sparing free time particularly at night enliven with energetic discos and good restaurants offering varied cuisine. We could not be the part of this fun-filled night, but visited the most famous and currently renovated La Cuvette beach where we played in water on the shore and stroll.
• Pereybere:
  This is another beautiful beach where he had delicious lunch in one of its restaurants and did window-shopping.
• Balaclava Ruins:
  Located nearby Baie aux Tortues that was named so due to numerous tortoises in the 17th century, we saw the wonderful sea walls that were originally laid down by Mahe de Labourdonnais.
• The Triolet Shivala:
  Alas! We were fortunate enough to spot the biggest Hindu temple in the longest village, Triolet. The Maheswarnath temple originally created in 1819 A.D. are dedicated to Hindu deities – Lord Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma, and Ganesha.
• The Labourdonnais Orchards:
  Here, we could see varieties of tropical fruit trees, and colorful and aromatic flowers. You can also go for mountain bikes or hike from here.

Southeast Side

• Dutch Ruins:
  This is where we explored the Mauritian history at the Vieux Grand Port, which is one of the oldest settlements. We could see the ruins of the first Dutch fortification around which excavation work is still being carried on.
• Ile Aux Aigrettes:
  The island is considered as an international standard for safeguarding natural resources and extinct wildlife. We were happy to see some of world’s extinct species – the kestrel bird, Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma, and the Aldabra giant tortoise.
• Domaine du Chasseur:
  Located in the Anse Jonchee hills, the Domaine des Grand Bois offers viewing wildlife including stags, monkeys, and boars, and kestrel. The Domaine itself possesses four thatched-roof bungalows along a restaurant from where we enjoyed looking at the comprehensive sea view.
• Souillac:
  This is a cute seaside resort located along the rocky shore of the Savanne district. The attraction here is to visit the garden dominating the sea. For more enchanting view, we reached at the southern tip of the village upon the cliff. This is was seriously mesmerizing!

West Side

• Martello Towers:
  This is the historic sight of old rivalry among the old colonial rulers. Theses powers are the highlights of the island’s history that marls the culmination of slavery with the advent of Indian colonization.
• Chamarel:
  This is the most colorful place on the planet where different colors are reflected on the soil here. A rare wonder to explore and accessible by a twisted road from Case Noyale village, this sight will soak you in its rolling landscape of varied shades of colors – blue, green, red, and yellow due to the effect of the attrition of the volcanic ash. Also, do not miss the accompanying waterfalls that emerge from the moors. You can taste the traditional Mauritius food in the newly opened Table d’hôtes in the Chamarel village.
• Salt Pans:
  We visited these pans in the Tamarin district due to good amount of sunshine.
• Casela:
  This is the bird park located in the Riviere Noire district that offers over 140 bird species from five different continents. We could also see a few fish ponds, tigers, tortoises, monkeys, deer, and orchids.
• Yemen Reserve:
  Here, we were able to be close to the deer groups and explore a few stunning varieties of Mauritian fauna. Other attraction here is to look for some rural stands from where one can have a clear view of the sea.

Inland

• Ganga Talao – Grand Bassin:
  This is a natural sacred lake located beyond La Marie and Mare-aux-Vacoas in the crater of a vanished volcano. This place is worth visiting on the festive day of Maha Shivaratri (March/April) or at the night fasting dedicated to Shiva.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Mauritius is between May to early December.

Accommodation

Try some of famous beach resorts – Le Touessrok, Le Sugar Beach Resort, La Pirogue, and Le Coco Beach. Otherwise, each corner offers you some comfortable stay that can fit your budget. Regarding the cuisine, Chinese, Indian, French, and African delights can be found at many places.