Mauritius happens to be one of my favourite destinations; I’d like to visit atleast once again in my lifetime. I had been there sometime in May 2002, well I know one thing that its not just beaches!
Flanked by the Indian Ocean, and situated in the Southern hemisphere, this African island has more than just surprise to offer!
So take my advice, keep down those guidebooks(this is just a reviews without pictures) and move on to explore yourself to meet these surprises(unless you have a trustworthy guide !)
In social terms:
It is an island of 1865 sq .km. with 330 km of coastline and beaches. Though colonized by the French, Dutch and British, the French has had the greatest impact on this country. Not to forget, it has a strong multi-ethnic background- people having immigrated from India, Africa, China and Europe. Hinduism is the major religion there, followed by Islam and Christianity.
Population:- 1.2 million.
Economy is based on sugarcanes, textiles and tourism.
Though the official language is English, French and Creole (a variant of French) are widely spoken. It also has the lowest crime-rate in the world.
CHIEF PLACES OF INTEREST:
PORT LOUIS: Capital city, Le Caudan waterfront, a shopping mall, runs along the harbour.
PAMPLEMOUSSES:a botanical garden, famous for Giant Water lilies and over 200 varieties of palm trees.
CHAMAREL: A small hill in southern Mauritius with the soil of 7 different colours. Truly spectacular!
GRAND BASSIN: a sacred lake (also known as Ganga talao) with temples and images; hindus visit regularly.
CASELA: A bird park
GRAND BAIE: exotic beaches
TROU AUX BICHES/BLUE SAFARI SUBMARINE: once in a lifetime experience diving in a submarine well below 30 metres. One of the few kinds found in the world!
Main cities include Curepipe, Pheonix, Quatre Bornes. Beaches include Mont Choisy, Flic en Flac, Le Morne etc.
Thirty minutes by boat take you to ILE AUX CERFS, an island typical for diving and watersports.
THE CULTURE: Its certainly not a complete blend, take these examples – vanilla flavored tea and the Sega Dance.
Well that’s all I had to write. So incase you are planning to go there, let me wish in advance –
BON VOYAGE!!