History
Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers
of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear
lagoons, Mauritius has long been a dream destination.
Known to
the Arabs as early as the 10th century, but officially “discovered”in
1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas,
the island was occupied successively by the Dutch
(1598-1712)
and the French (1715-1810), and was ceded to Great
Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris. On 12
March 1968,
Mauritius became Independent. Republic Day was proclaimed
on 12 March 1992.
What to see and do in Mauritius
Watersports
Mauritius' long sandy white beaches are naturally
protected by a coral reef, which encircles almost
the entire island. The clear and calm waters off
the coast make conditions for all types of watersports
that include scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing,
water-skiing and kayaking.
Deep-sea fishing
Mauritius is a paradise for deep-sea fishing, the area
outside the reef being home to one of the most prolific
deep sea fishing areas. Species include the blue or
black marlin, all types of sharks, yellow tuna, the
Bonitos, the ‘emperor’, the ‘pélerin’, the ‘bécune’or
the barracuda.
Huge fishes like the Blue Marlin roam our seas and hunt around the island from November to April, and very often until May.
The ocean is 70 metres deep one kilometre away from
the coast. Mauritius holds several world-fishing records
(IGFA), including that of the mako shark of 1115 pounds,
the blue shark of 400 pounds, a bonito of 41.5 pounds,
a white tuna of 224 pounds and a ‘bécune’of
125 pounds.
Underwater activities
One of the most spectacular ways to explore the ocean
beds is to go on board the Blue Safari submarine. You
will enjoy a superb encounter with the marine life
and get a chance to see various wrecks dating back
to the 17th century. Night diving, “honeymoon”diving
and training sessions are available.
Le Nessee, a semi-submersible, will provide you a one-hour trip under the sea in complete safety. A unique experience with optimal viewing for passengers of all ages. And for those who want to experience the feeling of walking on the seabed, there is an Undersea Walk.
Places to visit
Grand Baie
Grand Baie was the first area of the island to fully
experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure
paradise, Grand Baie is also where Mauritians head
when they want a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars
and discos).
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.
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.
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. Full day tours to the island include a fish barbeque that defies description.
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 Governor Charles Decean.
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 said to be 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.
L’Aventure du Sucre
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 the tropical boutique with its unique gifts, souvenirs and tasting of special unrefined sugars as well as local rum.
Ganga Talao - Grand Bassin
Beyond La Marie and Mare-aux-Vacoas is Ganga Talao,
one of the two natural lakes of Mauritius. It rests
within the crater of an extinct volcano. It 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.
Pamplemousses Gardens
The Gardens are known to naturalists throughout the world
for their large collection of indigenous and exotic
plants, including the giant Victoria Amazonica water
lilies and many species of palm trees. The 60-acre
garden boasts 500 different species of plants, of which
80 are palms. Of particular interest are the giant
water lilies, a spice garden and the Talipot Palms,
said to flower every 60 years after which they die.
The deer and tortoises are a delight for youngsters,
whilst an old French mansion, Château Mon Plaisir,
and an old sugar mill conjure up pictures of Mauritius’rich
historical past.
Central Market
The picturesque Port-Louis central market continues
to be a meeting point for Mauritians looking for a “cari” (curry) or “dithé” (tea). Here you will find all the ingredients that help to create the charm of Mauritius: local crafts, vegetables, famous “dholl purris”as
well as herbal tea sellers. Built in 1844 the market
is currently being renovated.
China Town
Enjoy a picturesque and affordable visit to Port-Louis’Chinatown.
The sellers of boiled chow mein and fish balls form
part of the picturesque scene in an area where you
can find almost anything at an affordable price.
Caudan Waterfront
Caudan Waterfront has become an unavoidable route for those who wish to have a taste of the best of Mauritius. Offering more than just rows of shops and restaurants Caudan Waterfront also enables you to discover Mauritian expertise in all fields, as you stroll around the area. Fast food or gourmet cooking, jewellery and local crafts, everything to suit all tastes.
For further information and itinerary
opinions contact us at:
Tel : +27 11 887-5262
Fax : +27 11 885-3097
E-mail : reservations@celafrica.com
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