Mauritius Tourism and Travel Guide

Black River Gorges National Park
Black River Gorges National Park is the largest national park in Mauritius. If you do step out of your luxury villa to explore the country, there isn’t a better place to start with. With infrastructural changes, Mauritius tourism has made it easier and more convenient for travellers to explore the national park through walking tours and treks. If you are keen to head out on a hike, there are multiple hiking routes and you can choose any depending on your expertise as well as preference for the terrain. While some routes will take you through rugged, mountainous terrain and offer spellbinding views of the coast, others promise beautiful waterfalls and picturesque lakes. Do spend a couple of days here to explore the fauna and flora and appreciate Mauritius’ untainted beauty. With descriptive information boards, Mauritius tourism has ensured that travellers don’t feel lost in the huge park. With 300 plant species, nine endemic bird species and an astounding population of 4000 giant fruit bats, the biodiversity park promises a tryst with nature and wild that will leave you asking for more.

Belle Mare Plage Beach
The island is home to a number of beaches and each is more beautiful than the last. What stands out for Belle Mare Plage beach is the neighbouring Belle Mare village which offers you a glimpse of the laidback local life and is strongly promoted to benefit Mauritius tourism. Belle Mare Plage is visited by a number of travellers and is also home to one of the most luxurious resorts in the country, the Constance Belle Mare Plage. The longest beach on the island, despite the crowds, it offers everyone a space to call their own. Surrounded by a shallow lagoon, it is the ideal spot for a relaxing swim and also for little ones who’d like to enjoy the cool, blue waters. Owing to the efforts of Mauritius tourism, the beach is quite clean and we suggest to completely avoid littering as the management here is quite strict.

Seven-Coloured Earth in Chamarel
Have you seen the earth light up in seven different hues at the same time? At Seven-Coloured Earth or Terres de 7 Couleurs you can. Owing to a geographical phenomenon, the multi-coloured dunes in the area are in different colours of green, brown, red, yellow, purple, blue and violet. The contrasting, vivid hues against the layers of brown sand paint a stunning picture and it’s almost magical to spend time here. The phenomenon occurs due to the volcanic origin of the sand in combination with the tropical weather conditions. Since all other water-soluble elements are washed out in the rain, the undissolvable compounds of aluminium and iron remain. Locals will tell you that the best time to visit is during sunrise and we completely agree. Shimmering in shades of crimson and orange, the sunrise is breathtaking. The sands are protected by wooden fences and Mauritius tourism has made provisions for observation decks so tourists can enjoy uninterrupted views of the sands.

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Bringing together history, architecture and abundant natural beauty is the majestic Pamplemousses Botanical Garden. Located in Port Louis, it is the largest garden in Mauritius and is home to a wide variety of rare flora and fauna. It’s a huge area so exploring the lush gardens might take a while, considering the time you’ll be spending admiring Giant Water Lilies. The diameter of these beautiful oversized plants is sometimes as much as 3 meters and they are truly a rare sight considering that they are in full bloom only for two days. The Aldabra tortoises are another big attraction for Mauritius tourism and you must take some time out to visit these gentle creatures. Another treat for nature lovers and a big draw for admirers of unique flora is the talipot palm which blooms once in 50 years. If you happen to be present during the blooming season, you are in luck.

Mauritius tourism has left no stone unturned to make sure that the garden is kept in pristine condition. After a relaxing tour of the gardens, you can also visit SSR Memorial, which is the funerary monument of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and was built as a tribute.

Ile Aux Aigrettes
Ile aux Aigrettes is a small, yet enchanting coral islet in Mauritius. This little piece of heaven is just off the coast of the town of Mahebourg and a big part of the growing popularity of Mauritius tourism. The islet is a nature conservation site, a scientific research station and a popular destination for travellers. Ile aux Aigrettes is home to a number of endangered wildlife species and if you are in luck, you might just catch a glimpse of a few. The islet got its name from a colony of egrets, local birds that calls Ile aux Aigrettes their home since the 1600s. It is one of the few places left in Mauritius where you can witness the remnants of coastal forests that once surrounded the island. One can explore Ile aux Aigrettes in about 1 to 2 hours with attractions like plant nursery, Aldabra giant tortoises, ebony trees, wild orchids, the endangered pink pigeon and other rare bird species to keep you busy.

Trou Aux Biches
An idyllic beach town in Mauritius, Trou Aux Biches is where you should be if snorkelling and swimming are on your mind. A busy town in the northwestern part of the island, it is popular for its street food offerings as well as high-end resorts and luxurious restaurants. Thronged by tourists, the scenic beauty this town offers tends to stay with you. You can also try submarine diving here but make sure to choose an operator approved by Mauritius tourism. Allowing travellers to observe the mysteries of the deep ocean through a 35-meter-deep submarine dive, the experience is unforgettable. Since the dive allows a maximum of four people on the dive, it is perfect for those travelling in groups.

Visit Mahebourg
If your idea of a perfect vacation is to explore lesser-known areas and enjoy the local vibe of the place, then Mahebourg should definitely be on your Mauritius itinerary. A fishing village, it is not visited by many tourists and that’s exactly what makes it special. With quite a few historical museums, a bustling market and small cafes, Mauritius tourism has made noteworthy efforts to make the village tourist-friendly. The charm of the place lies in its non-touristy vibe and of course the ever-welcoming locals in Mauritius.

Explore Chamarel waterfalls
One of the highest waterfalls in Mauritius, Chamarel waterfalls cascade through craggy rocks against the backdrop of stunning blue skies. Located close to Chamarel waterfalls is the site for Seven Coloured Earth and picturesque trekking trails that you must explore.  Set out on a memorable trek to explore the beautiful Tamarind falls. Since the area is visited by many nature lovers, Mauritius tourism board has ensured proper signs and information boards in respect to the area, the fauna and flora and general safety guidelines.

Visit Port Louis
Chances are that the busy capital city will be the first on your itinerary and rightly so. Giving you a glimpse of what is to come, Port Louis is as welcoming as it is charming. Do spend a couple of days here to explore the local market, the museums, and the lip-smacking food the city promises. If you’d like to take back souvenirs for family and friends back home, Port Louis is where you will find Mauritius tourism gift shops. You can choose among local artefacts, teas, spices and locally-made apparel as gifts.

Places to visit: Mauritius Photography Museum, Rochester Falls, La Cuvette Beach

Explore the busiest town in Mauritius
Grand Bay is one of the biggest reasons why Mauritius tourism has witnessed such a surge in the last few years. A surreal stretch overlooking the emerald green waters, Grand Bay or Grand Baie is where tourists can experience the island’s energy and lively nightlife. It’s also home to some of the best restaurants and hotels so if you’d like to experience the island like a tourist, this definitely needs to be on your list. With a little something for all kinds of travellers, water sport enthusiasts will especially enjoy Grand Bay since it’s the starting point for all deep diving excursions. For those of you who can’t enjoy a vacation without a little shopping, the bustling town is home to innumerable fashion boutiques and souvenir shops selling jewellery, apparel and home decor.

Scuba Diving
If you visit Mauritius and don’t scuba dive, you will miss out on a memorable experience. A volcanic island, it offers a surreal experience to divers, one that is unlike any other scuba diving site in the world. Through tunnels and caves, diving here is a little tricky, but just choose a reliable Mauritius tourism diving operator and you can rest assured. The best deep diving sites are Belle Mare la Passe du Puits, Tamarin Bay and Blue Bay.

Mauritius is a favourite with honeymooners and couples. Owing to this the accommodation options are some of the best in the world, especially after the sincere efforts to boost Mauritius tourism. Whether you are looking for a resort which offers you an all-inclusive Mauritius tour or for a budget resort which gives you basic comforts - the island has it all.

Luxury Resorts in Mauritius
Crystal clear waters, blue skies and a sprawling villa designed to offer you all comforts for a perfect holiday - if this sounds like something you will enjoy, you must you must choose a luxurious resort in Mauritius for your vacation. Here are some of our top picks:

• Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius
• Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
• Club Med La Plantation
• One&Only Le Saint Geran
• Constance Prince Maurice

Mid-range Resorts in Mauritius
Promising a comfortable vacation, the mid-range resorts in Mauritius are definitely worth a try. With stunning views surrounding you and efficient, warm service, there is little else you'll need. Here are some of the best mid-budget resorts in Mauritius:

• Hennessy Park Hotel
• Aanari Hotel & Spa
• Merville Beach Hotel
• Marlin Creek Residence
• Friday Attitude
• Coral Azur Beach Resort

Budget Resorts in Mauritius
If you think you can't plan a budget trip to Mauritius, think again. The growth in Mauritius tourism has led hotels and homestays to open their doors to backpackers and travellers on a budget. With all basic amenities in place and beautiful views, you can't ask for more. Take a look at some of the best budget resorts and homestays in Mauritius:

• Toparadis Guest House
• Casa Florida Hotel
• Blue Shell Apartments
• Easy Stay Residence
• Shanti Ghar Guest House

Mauritius has been a favourite honeymoon destination for travellers for decades. With its pristine beaches, gorgeous landscape, it offers a memorable vacation for couples. In fact, Mauritius tourism has witnessed a growth owing to couples who would like to spend some time here. Among things to do for couples, our top recommendations are:

Hiking
There is no better way to see Mauritius than through its fairytale forest paths and gorgeous views. You can book a tour through your resort or through recognised Mauritius tourism operators to one of the many national parks. If you aren’t in the mood to travel far, you can even choose to explore the rocky terrains surrounding most beaches.

Spa
Is there a better way to enjoy the charming hospitality that Mauritius offers than a relaxing spa? Most resorts have spas within their premises which offer therapeutic massages, sauna and many other treatments and facilities. And the best part is that they are often included in your package!

There are a plethora of honeymoon packages available for Mauritius and we suggest to customise these according to your budget and preferences. Typically a honeymoon package in a luxury resort in Mauritius will cost you anywhere between Rs.50,000 to Rs.1,00,000 depending on the number of days you spend on the island.

You'd think the small island of Mauritius may not have too much to offer for food lovers. But you couldn't be more wrong. The island has a long history of people of different cultures who have called it home. With influences of Indian, French and Chinese cuisines, it's truly a melting pot of flavours. The major part of Mauritius cuisine comprises of sea-food curries, faratas and tea.

Mauritius tourism has drastically benefited from the extraordinary culinary experience the island offers its visitors. From local eating joints to high-end restaurants, the island has everything. You must start with the busy capital and try their street food including mazavaroo, dholl pori and farata. Farata is inspired from its Indian counterpart paratha.

Also, the locals love their chilli so if you have a low tolerance for spicy food, we recommend letting your chef know in advance. To ensure that travellers experience the best of local cuisine, resorts have taken special care to accommodate popular dishes in their menu. Among the dishes you must try, here are our top five:

Curries
With a base of onion, garlic and turmeric, the curries in Mauritius are some of the best you'll taste. The curries are mostly seafood based but you must also try the vegetarian ones since the crops grown here are super fresh,owing to the lush tropical climate.

Gajak
An Indian sweet, you'll find most vendors selling this wrapped in newspapers or small glass jars.

Dholl Pori
Also inspired from the Indian flatbread - paratha, dholl pori is typically served with a filling of either fish, chicken or vegetables - depending on what you are in the mood for. Made on a flat pan, it's wrapped around butter bean curry and extremely spicy Creole sauce.

Pineapples
Treat yourself to the sweetest pineapples while you enjoy your time on the beach. A healthy and delicious snack, you'll find many vendors on the beach as well as in the city offering you this delectable snack.

Tea
Mauritius is home to many tea plantations and locals in Mauritius are very fond of their tea. If you happen to be around a tea plantation, you must try the delicious and subtly flavoured Vanilla tea.

There are quite a few places to eat in Mauritius which will ensure you have a great time, here are a few that we recommend:

• Citronella Restaurant & Cafe
• La Spiaggia
• Palais de Barbizon
• Safran
• Dewa and Sons

Owing to a typical tropical climate, Mauritius tourism witnesses a surge during the months of May to December. The temperature is moderate throughout the year and you can dive for a swim anytime in this gorgeous island.

It’s best not to visit from January to March, a time when Mauritius tourism is at its lowest due to regular cyclone warnings. We would also recommend avoiding the east coast during the months of July to August owing to strong winds.

The typical costs of visiting any country depend entirely on what you plan to do and most importantly your accommodation. The island nation of Mauritius welcomes all kinds of travellers and Mauritius tourism has ensured that there are restaurants and accommodation options for everyone from luxurious to budget travellers. Our top travel tip for Mauritius is to book your flight tickets way in advance and to choose a Mauritius travel package that is customised to your needs.

For luxury travellers, per day costs including eating out and travelling can be anywhere between Rs.15,000 to Rs.20,000.

For mid-range travellers, we suggest activities included in your resort package. It will save you cost for additional activities that you’d like to try. The typical costs for a one day trip would come up to Rs.7000 to Rs.10,000.

Budget travellers are usually a step ahead with their planning and bookings since they are on a tight budget. Gradually becoming a significant contributor to Mauritius tourism, budget travellers know the best way to explore a country. Typical costs for a budget traveller in Mauritius can be anywhere between Rs.5000 to Rs.3000.

The increase in Mauritius tourism has made travelling to Mauritius easier. With more information available and clear guidelines, you only need to plan your trip a couple of months in advance. Indian citizens travelling to Mauritius are eligible for visa on arrival provided their stay isn’t for more than 60 days. For the 60-day visa, below are the documents that are required.

• An original passport which is valid for the next six months
• Two copies of recent photographs
• Accommodation proof or hotel bookings
• Confirmed return or onward ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds in the form of foreign exchange endorsement on passport and on an original receipt as well

If you’d like to stay for more than 60 days, you will have to apply for a tourist visa and will have to adhere to additional requirements.

Owing to the considerably small area of the island, it’s quite easy to reach from one end to another. Furthermore, the increasing number of tourists and the growth of Mauritius tourism has ensured that travellers face no issues while travelling within the island.

The easiest and best way to get around is through a scooter. If you need to travel short distances and want to do your bit for the environment, you can also request your resort for a cycle.

Bus
Public transport in Mauritius is a smart way to travel. With timely express bus services between Port Louis and other main towns, you can be in any of the main towns within 30 minutes.

Taxis
Another cost-effective way to travel around the island is taxis. For the convenience of travellers, Mauritius tourism board has ensured that all taxis display a listing of their tentative routes on both sides of the car - enabling tourists to easily hail taxis. You can also request your resort to arrange a taxi for the entire duration of your Mauritius vacation.

Written by Kirat Sodhi, an in-house Tripoto writer. Kirat is a proud mom of three cats and lives for lemon tea, a good book and spontaneous travel plans. Follow her to ignite your wanderlust.

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