Mauritius

Saras AgrawalMTTM 2nd Semester

Banaras Hindu University

MAURITIUSMauritius, a volcanic island nation in the Indian Ocean, is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. The mountainous

interior encompasses Black River Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and native fauna like the flying fox. The capital, Port Louis, blends foreign influences and offers sites such as the Champs de Mars

horse track, colonial Eureka plantation and 18th-century botanical garden.

Capital: Port LouisCurrency: Mauritian rupee

Prime minister: Anerood JugnauthPresident: Ameenah Gurib

Continent: Africa

Currency: Mauritian rupee

ECONOMY

What To See(North)

Grand BayGrand Bay was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure

paradise, Grand Bay also happens to be the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars and discos). Recently renovated, La Cuvette beach is well worth a visit.

PereybèreThe wonderful Pereybere public beach is popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.

Balaclava RuinsA few metres away from Baie aux Tortues, which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises in the

area, can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate. Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahé de Labourdonnais.

The Triolet ShivalaThe 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.The Labourdonnais Orchards

Discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible.

EastFlacq 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.The Waterpark Leisure Village

Enjoy unforgettable moments sliding on the giant chutes, with family or friends. Relaxation and pleasure guaranteed.

Ile aux CerfsIle 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.

South EastDutch Ruins

At Vieux Grand Port, the oldest settlements in Mauritius, you can see the ruins of the first Dutch fortifications. Excavationwork is underway in a bid to uncover an important part of Mauritian history.

Ile aux AigrettesOwing 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 the French G 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.Domaine du Chasseur

Nestling in the Anse Jonchée hills, the Domaine des Grand Bois has splendid hunting grounds covering an area of 900 hectares. Stags, monkeys and boars live amidst the luxuriant vegetation of the hillside.One can watch a few species of

endangered birds, including the kestrel. The Domaine contains four thatched-roof BUNGALOWS and a restaurant with a panoramic sea view.

SouillacA small seaside resort along the rugged coast of the Savanne district. A famous feature is the garden overlooking the sea

and named after Dr. Charles Telfair. A popular viewpoint is found at the southern end of the village, right on the cliff top : Gris Gris.

WestMartello 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 apparently 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.Salt Pans

Owing to the exceptional high level of sunshine the district receives, Tamarin is naturally the heart of salt production in Mauritius.

CaselaSituated in the Rivière Noire district, the bird park stretches over 25 hectares and contains more

than 140 bird species from all five continents. Other attractions include fish ponds, tigers, tortoises, monkeys, deer and orchids.

YemenYemen Reserve may not be the largest game reserve on the island, but there is still lots to see.

You will be able to get close to the herds of deer, as well as admire some splendid species of Mauritian fauna. A few rustic kiosks available in the reserve provide an unobstructed view of

the sea. There you can sip a local punch while watching the sun going down.

InlandL’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 our tropical boutik 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 found one of the two natural lakes of Mauritius. It rests within the crater of an extinct volcano. Ganga Talao 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.

Black River GorgesThis national park of 6,574 hectares was created in 1994 for the protection of

Mauritius’ remaining native forests. Visitors can enjoy magnificent landscapes, with endemic plants and rare bird species. A trail leads from the Pétrin information

centre to an area of typical plant life and to a conservation area orchids.Eureka

An old Creole residence built in 1830, Eureka is an essential place to visit during your stay in Mauritius if you wish to immerse yourself in tropical sweetness.

Exotic Beaches

Grand BayOne of the best areas for sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. La Cuvette beach has been

recently upgraded.Pereybere

This remarkable small cove half-way between Grand Bay and Cap Malheureux is one of the finest bathing spots on the island.

Belle MareMiles and miles of white and spotless beaches from Belle Mare to Trou-d’Eau Douce

Blue BayBlue Bay beach is one of the most popular bathing spots in the South-East of the island. An

ideal spot for windsurfing and sailing.Le Morne & Tamarin

Offer kilometres of beaches for bathing and are very popular for surfing.

Mauritius is a real paradise for those who want to enjoy the sea or just to soak up the sun. Here is a list of the island’s finest public

beaches.

Eco TourismCentral 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 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

During the past years the 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.

Domaine les PaillesNestling in the Pailles Valley, Domaine les Pailles takes a trip back in time through the history of

Mauritius and offers a unique culinary experience. This typical Mauritian estate inflames your imagination with its harmonious combination of history, culture and nature.

What to doMauritius is a paradise for deep sea fishing.

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. African records (GFUA) mention a yellow tuna of 212 pounds and a white tuna of 224 pounds. Other specimens recently

caught include blue marlins of 1430 and 1355 pounds. Fishing boats can be hired

from almost all hotels. The most prestigious deep sea fishing competition is the Marlin World Cup which is hosted in

December by La Pirogue Hotel.

Deep Sea Fishing

GETTING MARRIED IN MAURITIUS The «Marital Status Act» specifies that non-residents can get

married the day following the posting of the marriage banns.

However, the couple must obtain a certificate that the Prime Minister’s Office issues to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and

Marriages stating that they are notMauritian citizens or Mauritian residents.

This certificate can be obtained beforehand by sending a request Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, 7th Floor, Emmanuel

Anquetil Building, Port-Louis.

The document must be accompanied by 2 birth certificate copies of both spouses and of their passports (first three pages), as well as any other document relating to cases of divorce or

widowhood.

A request for a non-resident certificate must reach the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages at least 10 days before the date set for the marriage. A Marriage can take place in the presence of a Registrar of Births, Deaths and

Marriages or at the hotel.

HONEYMOON

If you are looking for a very special place to spend your honeymoon, Mauritius is definitely the place for you. Every

hotel on the island offers extensive wedding and honeymoon packages. They can also help you in organising every single

detail of the ceremony.Everything is possible. You can choose to have an intimate, private occasion or a more adventurous way of exchanging

vows.On a sunny beachside, under the sea or in the sky, Mauritius

will transform your wedding or your honeymoon into an unforgettable moment.

SPASThose seeking well-being during their holidays should be sure to visit the

spas, new oases of peace where time stands still. Mauritius offers several world-class items.

If the seemingly endless miles of beaches, the natural hospitality of the Mauritian people and the huge range of different types of food are not

enough , why not set off on a very special journey !Pay a visit to some of the spas, where you can put yourself into the capable

hands of experts and allow yourself to be carried away by your senses. These spas are now regarded as a must, on the tourist itinerary.

The islands most famous spas include One&Only Le Saint Géran, the Royal Palm, Hilton, Prince Maurice, Beau Rivage, Oberoi, The Residence, Sofitel

Imperial and Dinarobin hotels where holidays also mean fitness and enlightened senses.

GOLFINGWhat could be more pleasant than being on holiday on a dream island whilst having the

opportunity to improve your golfing skills.

Several of our hotels have excellent golf courses. Three 18 holes : Le Paradis at Le Morne Belle Mare Plage hotel, and One&Only Le Touessrok Golf Course.

Five 9 holes: at Trou aux-Biches, Shandrani (Blue Bay), St Géran (Poste de Flacq), Maritim(Balaclava) and the Sofitel Impérial (Wolmar). Belle Mare Plage has two championship golf courses : Legends and Links. Most of these hotels have a club house with a locker room for

customers’ equipment and a shop.

There are instructors to attend to customers’ needs including private tuition. Golf balls, clubs and caddies can be hired. An 18-hole golf course also exists at the Gymkhana private club

in Vacoas. Visitors have to pay an entrance fee to be able to play.

The most spectacular golf course of Mauritius is probably the “One&Only Le Touessrok Golf Course”. One&Only Le Touessrok Golf Course is on its very own tropical island, fringed by

white sands with a backdrop of green mountains - truly one of the world’s great golf settings. All 18 holes have views of the ocean. There are nine lakes in all, with a number of holes requiring tee shots across sea inlets to the fairways. Bernard Langer has designed the

course to challenge advanced players, while remaining exciting and playable for recreational golfers.

SHOPPING

The number of tourists-only duty-free shops where passports and air tickets must be shown is on the increase. Prices are very reasonable. What can one buy in

Mauritius?Models of old ships. Mauritius has an enviable reputation for textiles production,

namely for pull-overs and knitwear. Leading brands of shirts, trousers, suits, dresses, suits for women, shorts or swimwear are sold at unbeatable prices.

Basketwork, embroidery, pottery, cut stones and recycled glass are very much in demand. Those who love cooking will be able to take back fruit jellies, chillies, and

other types of spices and pickles - delicious bits of raw vegetables soaked in oil, spices and chilly. Do not forget to buy some vanilla tea or rum. Only accredited

shops are allowed to sell duty-free goods to tourists.

CULTURE

CavadiThis festival is celebrated in January/February. Bodies are pierced with needles, tongues and

cheeks with pins, devotees in a trance carry the ‘Cavadi’ on their shoulders as a penitence. The ‘Cavadi’ is a wooden arch, covered with flowers and with a pot of milk at each end.

Father LavalEvery September 9, Mauritians of all faiths walk or drive towards the tomb of the Blessed Jacques Désiré Laval, the «Apostle of the Black People» at Ste-Croix, Port-Louis. The belief in Père Laval, to whom powers of healing are attributed, reminds us of the Lourdes Pilgrimage

in France.Ougadi

Ougadi is the Telugu New Year and is usually celebrated in March.

Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions which our immigrant population

brought from their ancestral countries. Their festivities are celebrated in a spirit of peace

and harmony throughout the year.

CUISINE

Mauritius is an island where people originate from a wide variety of places, the local cuisine is a testament to the influence of this melting pot. This produces remarkable results: in

Mauritius, you can travel to all corners of the globe without leaving the tableMauritian cooking is in a class of its own: it is a combination influenced by people of different

cultures and cooking traditions. Mauritian people are adventurous with food, and are perfectly happy to eat Creole, Chinese, Indian or Muslim food.

Mauritian cuisine is proud of its past but is still firmly rooted in the contemporary world.

You can eat at the «Spoon des îles», (One&Only Le Saint Géran) of Alain Ducasse, where cooking is an art. However, during your holidays do not deny yourself the pleasure of eating

local food, at a table d’hôte or in the various specialised restaurants.Do not hesitate to try the «dholl purri» (wheat pancake stuffed with dholl and served with a

tomato sauce), the «farata», the «gâteaux piments» or the «samosas».