[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]Mauritius arguably Africa’s wealthiest destination is a beautiful island with tones of many places to visit. Port Louis, the modern capital of this 38-mile by 29-mile island, is a bustling port with a revitalized waterfront and a busy market. Mauritius is an island with rich mix of people of different descent including African, Chinese, Indian and European, with various cultures and traditions that flourish in peace to create a colourful, multicultural society.[/dropcap]
Places to Visit
Le Morne Cultural Landscape
Le Morne cultural landscape found in the southwest of Mauritius is a beautiful and historically rich mountain commonly referred to as “the wild South“. This hammerhead shark mountain formed refuge for slaves who escape from their masters in the 18th and 19th centuries. The escaped slaves formed small settlements in the caves and on the summit of Le Morne. The place is full of nice viewpoints over the west coast of the island and over the of the island. The oral traditions associated with the maroons, have made Le Morne a symbol of the slaves’ fight for freedom, their suffering and their sacrifice, all of which have relevance to the countries from which the slaves came from- the African mainland, Madagascar, India, and South-east Asia.
Champ de Mars in Port Louis
In 1968, Mauritius independence was announced in this racecourse. Within the racecourse stands a statue of King Edward VII by the sculptor Prosper d’Épinay, and the Malartic Tomb, an obelisk to a French governor. It is the second-oldest racecourse in the world.
The racing season lasts from around April to late November, with meetings usually held on a Saturday or Sunday. The biggest race of all is the Maiden Cup in September. Tickets for the stands and loges ranges from Rs 50 to Rs 100.
Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mauritius/
Ile Aux Cerfs
Ile Aux Cerfs Island is a private Island near the coast of Mauritius which is also known as Deer Island. It is a stunning island that forms a popular place for snorkeling lovers. It is a place to enjoy the purest form of relaxation while soaking up the sun on the dazzling white sand and swim in the warm turquoise waters of the beaches. Ile Aux Cerfs Island is amazing paradise with captivating mountains on the south east of Mauritius.
Seven Coloured Earths At Chamarel Park
The ‘Seven Coloured Earth’ is a private property, so ticket is needed for entry. It is a small area made up of sand dunes of different distinct sand colours including red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow. This occurs due to the cooling at different temperatures of volcanic rocks which resulted in dunes of different colours. The colours are created by the chemical content present in the soil. It is said that if you mix the colours together, they will separate on their own and also that the dunes never seems to wear away in spite of Mauritius’ torrential, tropical rains.
The different colours are best seen when there is bright sunshine!
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Garden
This botanical garden is famous for its long pond of giant water lilies but also have spices, ebonies, sugar canes, abundant birdlife and 85 species of different palms with different shapes and forms across the world from Central America, Asia, Africa and the islands around the Indian Ocean. It is said that many world leaders and some British royals planted trees in the garden.Some of who are Princess Margaret, Nelson Mandela, Robert Mugabe ,Countess of Snowdon, Indira Gandhi and more.
To get the best of the garden, it is advisable to hire a guide, who wait just inside the gardens’ entrance.
Grand Bassin
Grand Bassin is a sacred lake preserved as a place of worship for the Hindu worshippers.
Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital and largest city of Mauritius, situated on the north-west coast. It is also one of the best place to learn and appreciate more about the Mauritian cultures and traditions with many historical buildings and places to visit.
Rodrigues Island
Rodrigues is a mountainous island in the heart of the Indian Ocean, north-east of Mauritius. It is the part of Africa that is closest to Australia. It is formed between 1.3 and 1.5 million years ago as a result of volcanic activity.
Rochester Fall
http://www.mauritius-tourist-guide.mu/listings/tourist-attractions/rochester-falls/
Rochester falls is found at the cross point of Souillac and Saint Aubin village in the south of the island. The best feature of the falls is of its lava cliffs which is formed as a result of many years of erosion leading to the formation of a spectacular backdrop of rectangular blocks stuck together. The water falls down a height of 10 meters through the rocky beds of the Savanne River in thick white foam but with gentle gurgling sounds. The white water that falls down the rocky cliffs into a pool of clear water reflecting the patch of blue sky above, makes it a magnificent site to behold. It sure makes an ideal place to have a nice picnic with the serene atmosphere and sounds of the falling water and happy chirping of birds.
Source: http://www.indian-ocean.com/
