Port Louis
Port Louis is the Capital city and also the harbour of Mauritius. It lies on the north-western coast and is surrounded by a semi circle of mountains. The city covers only 45 square kilometers. It is the hub of all business activities in Mauritius. Port Louis shows the signs of its past elegance through the Government House off the Place d' Armes, the Supreme Court, the Museum and also the colonial houses lodged between modern buildings. There is a bustling market with stalls selling everything from spices to T-shirts, postcards to pareos and dried fish to jewellery. From the heights of the Fort Adelaide, now an open air theatre, magnificent views of the Champ de Mars race course, the town and the harbour can be enjoyed.
The Caudan Waterfront
In November 1998 Port Louis got a new look with the addition of 'The Caudan Waterfront' to its skyline. It's an architectural marvel. It houses large & spacious shopping centers, fast food outlets, restaurants, cinemas, casino apart from a luxury hotel. Overlooking the harbour this place is a must see.
Grand Bay
Grand Bay lies 20 kilometers north of Port Louis with its splendid beaches and its deep and sheltered bay, often as calm as a lake. It is the main tourist attraction and has been aptly named the ' Mauritian Cote D' Azur '. Grand Bay has a host of restaurants, discotheques, clothing and craftwork shops, self catering bungalows, hotels & beach resorts. It is also the main water sports hub in Mauritius where one can indulge in all kinds of water sports like the Undersea Walk, Semi-submersible rides, the submarine apart from a host of other water sport activities. The high class shopping arcade the Sunset Boulevard is also located in Grand Bay. . It is a must visit
Pamplemousses Garden
This famous botanical garden was started in year 1735 by Mahe de Labourdonnais, with Mon Plaisir Castle, once his residence. The 60 acre garden boasts of 500 different species of plants of which 80 are palms. Of particular interest are the giant water lilies, a spice garden & the Talipot Palms. Talipot Palms are said to flower once every 60 years after which they die.
Domaine Les Pailles
A unique site where Mauritius can be observed as it used to be. Discover the traditional way of making sugar from freshly crushed sugarcane and see rum being distilled from sugarcane syrup. The train, a horse-driven carriage and the colonial architecture blend in to complete the picture. Tours can be done in the natural reserve on horse back or in land rovers. Equestrian sports are also available at the stables. There is a selection of the finest restaurants here specializing in Chinese, French, and Indian & Creole Cuisine.
Ile Aux Cerfs
Located on the east coast, this emerald lagoon is easily accessed through the regular half-hour boat service that runs to the island from Pointe Maurice. With clear calm waters & long beaches fringed by filao trees, Ile Aux Cerfs is a heaven for lovers of the sea, the sand & the sun. Abundant water sports facilities & the two open - air restaurants are available on the island. It is a must visit.
Casela Bird Park
This beautiful garden & a bird sanctuary spread over 25 acres is located in the west of the Island. Almost 2500 birds of 140 different species are housed in 90 aviaries. One of the rarest bird, the Mauritian Pink Pigeon can be seen here. Casela also houses wallabies, ostriches, crown-cranes, cassowaries, axis deer, giant tortoises, lemurs, tigers & emus.
Chamarel Coloured Earth
The Coloured Earths of Chamarel were promoted as Mauritius' first tourist attraction back in the 1960's. Located in the district of Black River these are coloured dunes of volcanic ash which are naturally displayed in an orderly pattern of seven distinctive colours, result of weathering - a fascinating phenomenon worth the visit.
Trou aux Cerfs
This is a crater of an extinct volcano located in Curepipe. It is 85 metres deep & more than 200 metres wide. From here one can have a panoramic view of the western part of the island. It is also possible to go down the crater. There is plenty of parking and a kiosk to shelter walkers. There are spectacular views of the island: looking west the first majestic vista is Rempart Mountain which Mark Twain described as a "vest pocket Matterhorn". This is flanked to the right by the three peaks of Les Trois Mamelles, standing proud, as Mauritian say, like three breasts.
Grand Bassin
This natural lake resting in the crater of an extinct volcano is a place of pilgrimage for all hindus, especially on the occasion of Maha Shivratree. Grand Bassin is the most famous of all the lakes and water ways of Mauritius in a secluded mountain area in the district of Savanne, deep in the heart of the country, it lies about 1,800 feet above sea level and is surrounded by natural scenery of breathtaking beauty. Also known as the Ganga Talab, it has now become a sacred place of pilgrimage for hundreds of thousands of Hindus who every year goes there on the occasion of the Maha Shivaratri festival.
La Vanille Crocodile Park
South of the Island in the heart of an unspoilt forest lies this farm where Nile Crocodiles imported from Madagascar are bred. Also to be found is a small zoo with wild animals that can be found in Mauritius. The crocodiles are kept in secure enclosures, according to age, until they reach maturity. The site is a tourist attraction with a collection of monkey, deer, giant tortoise, tenrec, rabbits, bats, wild pig and a giant Telfair Skink which is indigenous to Round Island. There is also an exhibition room containing specimens of Mascarene reptiles with descriptive notes in English. Among the exhibit are the luminous green True Chameleon and one of the largest species of lizard, the giant Phesuma from Madagascar. There is a car park, restaurant / snack bar and toilets.
Waterfalls
There are two main waterfalls in Mauritius. One is the Rochester Falls near Souillac in the south, formed by strange columns of contracted lava. The other one is the Chamarel Falls with its fairy-like atmosphere in the south-west next to the seven coloured earth.
Undersea Walk
This is one of the most unique & enthralling activity that one MUST experience when in Mauritius. Just off the coast from a floating platform one goes under the water, which is about 3 meters deep. A Helmet with a transparent visor is placed on your head. A special apparatus allows normal breathing under the water. Life Guards assist in taking you down. Once there it gives the feeling of walking on the moon. You witness the beautiful fauna, corals & the wide variety of fish in their natural habitat with assistance from a guide who takes you around. You could make it a photo opportunity too. Offering a piece of bread brings in fish by the droves to you. The Guide could then click you with them with his special underwater camera & give you the roll for developing.
Catamaran Cruises
Reach the jetty in Pereybere ( North ) or Riviere Noire ( West ) and get on board the catamaran boat.After an exciting 2 - hour long boat crossing in the open sea , reach Ilot Gabriel, a perfectly preserved small Eden. Discover the beautiful submarine marvels, the immaculate beaches. Throughout the cruise, fresh soft drinks are offered. Lunch is served on board the catamaran in an abundance of fresh drinks and food.
Deep Sea Fishing
For people interested in Deep sea fishing Mauritius offers a lot. Its waters abound with large varieties of fish: marlis, dorados sharks, sailfish, yellow fin tuna, wahoo, barracuda & bonitos among others. Big Game fishing competitions are organized from October to March. From March to May is the yellow fin tuna season. The main fishing activities extend from the south - west to the north coast. Boats for deep sea fishing can be booked from most of the beach resorts.
Blue Safari
The Blue Safari 600, a unique Submarine in the Indian Ocean, can make your dreams of a nice trip under the sea come true. The Safari will last one hour. The submarine can accommodate 5 passengers and the pilot. The submarine is air-conditioned with fully transparent-glassed cabin at atmospheric pressure. You will thus enjoy exceptionally clear panoramic views of the extraordinary underwater world. At 25 or 30 meters undersea, you may notice some rare species, just like on any other traditional safari. Around a coral massif, at the foot of a ridge, or even at a wreck spot, you will discover a vivid fresque made up of fish and coral. The amazing maneuverability of the submarine and the pilot's dexterity, will allow you to move around or follow a fish or even watch, remaining standstill, a morray eel, coming in and out of its hole. Diving in the night is also possible. Under powerful spotlight beams, you can well witness the most fascinating show on earth, a silent symphony, fish performing a memorable ballet, a colourful choreography.
Diving
The Mauritius Scuba Diving Association consists of about 5 Diving Centres located in large hotels along the coasts. Aqualung diving lessons can be had from these centers. Beautiful coral gardens are found at the depth of 15 metres and are home to over 1000 different species of fish. Note that the use of spear-guns is forbidden & the collection of shells & corals is strictly prohibited.
Horse Racing
From the beginning of May until the end of November the horse racing season would interest the horse racing enthusiasts. The meetings are held during weekends at the Champ de Mars racecourse in Port Louis.
Sega
It is a local specialty dance which is a must see. The music for the Sega is derived from the African music of the old slave days, with added Creole patois lyrics. Listening to its beats & the overall atmosphere it creates will make the most inhibited & introvert visitor join the dance floor trying to match the swaying hips. Most of the hotels have a Sega performance once a week.
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