Mauritius is known for being a beautiful tropical island. You can enjoy the turquoise waters, golden beaches and coral reefs that almost surround the island. This is a paradise for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy waterskiing, parasailing, deep-sea fishing, catamaran cruising and other adventure sports like windsurfing, wind surfing, sailing, kayaking and diving. Visitors are captivated by the mountains and forests away from beaches. These include a variety of bird and plant life, as well as historical, cultural and natural sites like giant lilies or craters. You will discover an entirely new rhythm to life in Mauritius, called the Sega rhythm.
CAPITAL:
Port-Louis
CLIMATE:
Tropical. All months are rainy except for Dec-May, which is the wettest month. Cyclones occur Nov-May. It is possible to get phased warnings through a structured system. Visitors are prohibited from leaving their homes during a cyclone and insurance policies for cars often stop being valid.
CURRENCY:
1 Mauritian rupee is equal to 100 cents. Use Rupees, Euro traveller’s check or Rupees to pay for your trip. The country does not have any restrictions on the entry of local or foreign currency. Foreign currency cannot be exported beyond the amounts declared upon arrival. On departure, the airport bank can exchange Rupees for foreign currency. American Express and Diners Club credit cards are accepted. Visa, Mastercard, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards also accept. The main hotels can exchange travelers’ cheques or bank notes.
ELECTRICITY:
230 volts, 50Hz. Most common are 2-pin Continental plugs, although 3-pin flat or round plugs have also been reported. Travel plug.
HEALTH:
Travellers over one year old who are from yellow fever-infected regions will need a certificate of vaccination. It is recommended that visitors take precautions to prevent malaria. This disease can be found in rural areas and there are no risks on Rodrigues Island. High constant humidity can cause arthritic condition; sinusitis, hay fever (Jul–Aug); influenza (risk all year); diarrhoea.
LANGUAGE:
English is spoken throughout the island as the official language. French is the main language, and all residents speak Creole. Also spoken are languages from India and Oriental.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day (1 January); Day after New Year’s Day (2); Chinese New Year (2 Jan); Maha Srivatri (8 Feb); Thaipoosam Cavadee (2 Feb); Maha Srivatri (22 Jan); Labour Day (9 Apr); Assumption (15 Sep); Ganesh Chanthi (18 Sep); All Saint’s Day (1 November); Arrival Of Indentured Labourers (2nov); Deepavali (12nov); Christmas Day (25 December); Ramadan (14/11); Christmas Day (25 Nov); Christmas Day)
SHOPPING:
Saris; Indian textiles; basketwork; knitting; hand-embroidered tablecloths. Macrame; wood carvings. Pottery. Model boats. Jewellery. Casual wear. Lower prices restrict bargaining.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS
Respect the traditions of Hinduism and more than half of the people are Hindu. When visiting religious shrines, dress appropriately (no mini-skirts or shorts). When entering temples or mosques, remove your shoes. Beachwear is worn during the day, and casual attire at night.
TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT +4
TIPPING:
Hotel and restaurant invoices are subject to an additional 10% government tax. Tipping is voluntary and is a sign of appreciation. It is not common to tip taxi drivers.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION
Port-Louis:
French colonial architectures, including the capital and major port of Mauritius. The 18th-century Government House and Municipal Theatre; Natural History Museum, market; Edward VII Avenue and Fort Adelaide; The Worldwide Masks Museum and the Caudan-Port-Louis Waterfronts.
Pamplemousses
Naturalists around the globe are familiar with these gardens for their extensive collection of exotic and indigenous plants. There are many palm tree species and the Victoria Amazonica giant water lilies. The talipot palm is a particular highlight. It is believed to bloom once every 60 years, then it will die.
Grand Bassin
A natural lake that is located in the crater of an extinct volcano. It’s the site of Hindu pilgrimage, particularly on Maha Shivaratree.
Chamarel:
An undulating mound with contrasting colour layers; these patches are thought to result from weathering. The nearby waterfall is strikingly stunning and emerges out of the moors.
Trou Aux Cerfs:
Extinct crater, 85m in depth and over 200m across; enjoy a wide view of the island at the rim.
Souillac & Gris Gris
This is a small resort on the coast with beautiful cliffs and no swimming. To the south you will find the popular viewpoint called Gris-Gris. From here, the waves can be seen crashing against the hollowed-out, dark rocks.
Domaine Du Chasseur:
A forest park is located near Mahebourg with lush vegetation, wild orchids, and other animals. Covering 2000 acres, stags and deer, wild boars, monkeys, etc.
National Park Black River Gorges:
It protects large areas of native forest and offers spectacular scenery, some of the rare endemic birds and plants as well as a number of viewpoints and walking trails.
Strandes Grand
Baie has many beaches and spots for safe bathing, sailing, windsurfing and water skiing; Blue Bay is one of the finest bathing spots of the islands, is close to Mahebourg and has a natural bathing pool; Le Morne & Tamarin are known for their surfing spots; Iles aux Cerfs is an island resort with 2 restaurants, a boat-house and beautiful beaches.
Rodrigues Island
You can find the Caverne Patate, an area 560km east of Mauritius, where nature lovers will be enchanted by the locals’ simple way of living. You can arrange for Ile aux Cocos, which is a sanctuary to rare seabird species.