Mauritius Island

about mauritius island

Mauritius – The Pearl of the Indian Ocean

The real meaning of beauty can be translated in Mauritius, known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean . Its paradisaical landscapes with forest, mountains, lagoons, beaches with crystal clear and warm waters, in exaggerated turquoise and emerald tones will remain forever in the memory of visitors. But it is possible to appreciate other charms too, among them, the historical details, the mixture of cultures and authenticity of an African tropical island.

In Mauritius, the people are hospitable, the wide smile is a trademark. There, African exoticism also finds luxury and a high level of refinement , there is no lack of options for hotels and resorts that offer a multitude of activities for all ages, on their premises or on the outskirts of the island. Not to mention the impeccable service. All of this contributes to making the travel experience one of the best.

This 2,040 square kilometer piece of land once housed Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, French, British, Indians, Chinese, and all this legacy from the colonial period is perceptible in culture, in multicolored settings, in cuisine, in the religions worshiped. The linguistic variety is also easily noticeable on the streets: traffic signs in English, advertisements in French and the accent of the local population when communicating in Creole languages. This diversity coexists in perfect harmony and adds even more charm to the country.

Without a doubt, a perfect destination for couples in love who wish to exchange rings or honeymooners , for families with children and also suitable for lovers of water sports and nature.

geography

Island country, located north of the Tropic of Capricorn, has no land borders, but located 800 kilometers from Madagascar. The island was formed approximately 10 million years ago by the volcanic eruption under the sea. Mauricio’s regions are divided into central, north, south, east and west.

Bathed in warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the white sand beaches and lagoons are protected and surrounded by colorful coral reefs on practically the entire coastline (3,030 kilometers), with the exception of the southernmost part where more agitated waters are found. and gorges.

On the northern plains, the land rises to a central plateau surrounded by blue lakes and endangered volcanic craters. Several uninhabited islets are scattered around the main island. It is worth mentioning that there is no volcanic activity in Mauritius, only one volcano is active on Reunion Island and is known as Piton de La Fournaise .

Although part of the Mascarenhas archipelago, a group of atolls and islands such as Réunion and Rodrigues, Mauritius is the most sought after destination in the region. The population of Mauricio and the outer islands, including Rodrigues, reaches 1.2 million and is made up of Hindus, Creoles, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans.

vegetation

Mauritius has tropical forests, with very rare species of flora and fauna. In the name of economic development, much of the native vegetation of Mauritius has been destroyed due to the construction of houses, sugarcane plantations and the introduction of exotic and non-native species. But, there are also preserved areas and it is estimated that one third of its endemic species are exclusive to the country.

weather and best season to travel

Looking for sun and warmth? This is the right destination at any time of the year, as temperatures generally range between 20 and 32 ° C. The dry season comprises the months of April and October, when temperatures are around 18-20 ° C, in the summer between November and March the thermometers register even higher temperatures and can reach up to 35 ° C.

Being below the Equator, the climate is subtropical, very mild and ideal for enjoying the island’s natural attractions. However, in high season (November to March) the costs are higher and between January and February it rains more.

language

The official language is English, but French is widely spoken and Mauritian Creole languages. Hindu and Bhojpuri, considered a dialect of Hindu, are also widely used. As one of the foundations of Mauritius’ economy is tourism, many hotels have staff who speak German, Italian and Spanish.

history

The Arabs discovered Mauritius in the 9th century and the Portuguese visited the island in the 16th century, however, the Dutch were the first settlers and the name of the island was a tribute to Prince Maurice Van Nassau . In 1958, the ebony forests were destroyed due to their great exploitation and the bird Dodo , which was abundant on the island, was exterminated . Later the animal became the symbol of endangered species and the struggle for conservation in the world .

It was only in 1710 that the Dutch left Mauritius and lost their power locally, five years later the French dominated the island , which came to be called the “Isle of France” . At that time, Port Louis was founded – which later became the capital, by the French governor and settler Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais. Between 1715 and 1721, the island became a thriving colony and an important sea route for connecting Europe with the Cape of Good Hope. Port Louis became a naval base and many bridges and streets were built and other great achievements date from this period, such as: Government House, the imposing building that housed the military forces ( the Line Barracks ), the immense colonial house called Château from Mon Plaisir ( inside the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden).

Wars went on for years over the dispute over territory between the French and the British. The largest naval battle took place at Grand Port, on the island’s southwest coast, in 1810. This was the only naval battle that Napoleon Bonaparte won and is recorded at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris . However, three years later the British surprised the French with an attack on the north of the island and French Governor General Charles Decaen was surrendered. In 1814, the Treaty of Paris ratified the question of Mauricio, which became a British colony, in addition to the Rodrigues and Seychelles islands. In contrast, Reunion Island, in the west of the island of Madagascar, has returned to French rule. It was from that year that the island was renamed Mauritius and English became the official language, however, the Treaty of Paris ensured that existing languages, religions and laws were maintained. It is for this reason that French is still widely spoken, despite British hegemony for more than 158 years.

In 1835, the recent slaves refused to work on the plantations and this was the trigger for the British to abolish slavery throughout the territory . The solution was to hire workers from India, but also Chinese and Muslims were attracted to the coast. In the first half of the 19th century, Mauritius received many Indians from Calcutta and Bombai who, hopefully, were looking for job opportunities in the sugarcane plantations, one of the main bases of the Mauritian economy. This mix of cultures today constitutes the new population of Mauritius.

Mauritius’ independence was not recognized until 1968 and Sir Seewosagur Ramgoolam became Prime Minister. But the island is still part of the British Commonwealth , an association of 53 countries with a historic connection to the United Kingdom that offers programs for sustainable development and support for democracy and human rights. In addition, it follows the parliamentary system of government of the British known as Westminster . In Mauritius, there are 62 members of parliament, elections are held every five years and the president is the leader of the state, but constitutional power is centered on the figure of the prime minister and his cabinet. Only on March 12, 1992, Mauritius became a Republic .

visa

A foreign national wishing to enter Mauritius must obtain a visa prior to arrival, unless they are eligible for visa-free entry or eligible to obtain a visa on arrival.

Under Mauritian law, all visitors are required to hold proof and have the below documents:

1. A valid passport, where the expiry date is beyond the intended period of stay.
2. A valid return or onward ticket to the country of origin or residence.
3. A confirmed booking for accommodation – for example, a booking at a hotel. If the person travelling is being sponsored by a Mauritian citizen, they will need to produce evidence of sponsorship, stating their name, address, profession, relationship, national identity card number and telephone number.
4. Sufficient funds to meet the costs of stay (US$100 per night).
5. A pledge not to engage in any profit-making activities.

You can find more at passport.govmu.org/English/Passport%20and%20Visa%20Requirement%20in%20Mauritius/Pages/Visa-Requirements-in-Mauritius.aspx

national parks

Around Mauritius there are 49 islets, 7 of which have been declared natural reserves and 8 are national parks. These small pieces of land surrounded by the Indian Ocean hold the last remnants of the native forest, home to a colony of sea birds, in addition to several species of reptiles that are threatened with extinction in the country.

In Mauritius, on the main island, the main attraction is the Black River Gorges National Park . Following the trails in the park is a great experience and photographic opportunity, in addition to having contact with the wild nature, the visitor will find numerous waterfalls and beautiful landscapes. The park has a protected area of ​​16,680 hectares and aims to preserve the ecosystems of the gorges of Riviére Noire , or Black River. In this area there is still native vegetation and all this wealth is a source of pride, since it is estimated in one third the percentage of species that are endemic to the island and do not exist anywhere else in the world. There are more than 315 native species and endemic flowers and nine species of birds exclusive to the country.

For more information on parks and nature reserves, visit: http://npcs.gov.mu/English/Pages/default.aspx

why mauritius island ?

The geography of the country is very interesting, its volcanic origin gave the place with rocky contours between mountains and valleys. Not only do the countless beaches fill your eyes, but the whole set of natural beauty makes the destination unforgettable.

A paradisiacal and exotic island for all ages, at any time of the year it has sun and heat, the water temperature is warm and it is possible to not only rest, be well served, but also to venture into water sports (diving, surfing, kayaking) , among others or on national park trails.

There is no lack of options for hotels and resorts with great structure, high quality standards and service that offer various activities on its premises or on the coast of Mauritius.

It is possible to explore both land and sea. One of the attractions is the unusual walk on the seabed between fish and corals. Be sure to witness the colorful and beauties hidden in the Indian Ocean. There are also options for a glass bottom boat tour for those who don’t enjoy diving.

Sailing through crystal clear waters, with turquoise and emerald tones, is fascinating. But it is much better when there is the possibility to stop at the tiny deserted islands off the coast of Mauritius and discover the charms of each one.

The interior of the island also hides natural beauty. The incredible tropical vegetation, the waterfalls in the mountainous landscape, the cane fields and the villages enchant any visitor.

Mauritius is home to one of the 10 most beautiful gardens in the world: the 
Pamplemousses Gardens. Declared a National Heritage Site, it is home to 500 species of plants, including the famous Talipot, which blooms only when the palm is between 40 and 70 years old and dies within five years.

A melting pot of ethnicities, religions, accents, flavors, colors, coexist harmoniously and attract tourists who want to know the local diversity, the country’s historical and cultural details. A tip is to visit the National History Museum ( www.mauritiusmuseums.org ).

In addition to harboring the most important port, the capital Port Louis offers a municipal market, good shopping centers, great regional restaurants and lively nightlife with shows in clubs and casinos are always full of people.

Forest trails in the Black River Gorges National Park are a must-see attraction . The tourist will find indigenous plants, birds, lots of wildlife, falls and even the biggest mountain in Mauritius.

Vanilla Crocodile Park, located in Riviére des Anguilles , is known as the Park of Crocodiles and Giant Turtles . It is small, but it contains thousands of Nile crocodiles . Children like it even more because they can climb and ride the turtles. It is recommended to be in the park at 11 am, just at the crocodiles’ feeding time .

Located in the Rivière Noire district, Casela Bird Park covers an area of ​​25 hectares and is home to more than 140 species of birds from all five continents. Other attractions are: fish tanks, tigers, turtles, monkeys, deer and orchids.

what to wear ?

A paradisiacal and tropical island calls for casual, comfortable clothing. Items that can not be missing in the suitcase: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, slippers, swimsuits, repellent and camera. UV-protected shirts are very useful to face a lot of heat and diving goggles. In winter (June to September) it is recommended to take lighter coats for the late afternoon when it gets cold .

As Mauritius is a country that allows the worship of various religions, it is worth remembering the use of appropriate clothes to visit religious places and, as a sign of respect, it is important to remove shoes and belts at the entrance to the temples.

transport

Those who intend to rent a car on the island need to take their international driver’s license and know that the direction of traffic is in the English hand , in addition, the routes are narrow, most with only one lane and without shoulder.

A suggestion is to rent a bicycle, which will cost, on average, 8 dollars a day and provides greater contact with nature. But, for long distances the most recommended are taxis, which have standardized prices. Buses are more popular options, but they do not arrive in certain places, and do not be surprised by loud music and decoration because they vary according to the driver’s taste.

currency

The Mauritian rupee (MUR) is the local currency , which is divided into 100 cents. Coins range from 1 cent to 5 rupees and banknotes from 10 to 2,000 rupees.

Foreign currencies like Euro, Dollar are easier to exchange at banks, accredited hotels and exchange offices. In general, the bank’s opening hours are from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm and on Saturdays until 11:30 am .

Most international cards are accepted in commercial establishments, a tip is to check with your bank before departure if international withdrawal is cheaper than credit operations. Sometimes it pays more to unlock your credit card for withdrawals on the island. Always have cash on hand, especially in local markets or to buy some products from vendors who frequently travel on the beaches.

vat (value-added tax)

A 15% tax on the circulation of goods (VAT) is added to the price of most products and services, including in hotels and restaurants. Be aware that not all stores allow you to return the tax, so when shopping, check if the establishment has any sign or poster written “Tax Refund” .

To receive VAT, you must have invoices of at least 300 Mauritian rupees and fill out a form. Save all invoices and present the products purchased at the airport just outside Mauritius to get the money back.

For more information on the procedure, visit: http://www.touristrefund.org/faq.php

important to know

Be aware of the restrictions on purchases at Duty Free Mauritius. Passengers over 18 can obtain 250 grams of tobacco (including cigarettes and cigars), 1 liter of alcohol, 2 liters of wine or beer, 250 ml of Eau de Toilette products (after bath, after shave, for example ) and perfume cannot exceed 100ml.

Bottled mineral water is recommended, as tap water is semi-salted .

Mauritius has a difference of 7 hours more in the time zone in relation to Brazil.

The country’s voltage is 220 volts, so set yourself up if you need to bring a universal adapter.

When visiting religious sites, wear appropriate clothing and at the entrance to temples, remove shoes and belts as a sign of respect. The majority of the population is Hindu, but there are Catholics, Islamists, Buddhists, among other religions.

Couples who purchase special honeymoon packages must present their marriage certificate at the hotel check-in.

travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential and must be purchased prior to departure. It must cover personal accidents and medical costs. If you have a medical plan, consult international coverage options and all conditions of use prior to travel.

curiosities

As a volcanic island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the country’s fauna is limited to a few birds and reptiles, the only local mammals are bats and there are no amphibians. It is worth mentioning that several animal species were introduced to the island over time.

The Dodô, a bird symbolized in the country’s coat of arms, existed only in Mauritius and was extinguished by Dutch navigators . The animal lost the power to fly due to the abundance of food found on the island and when it became heavy it became easy prey for man. The bird’s extinction, 80 years after its discovery, transformed it into a world symbol against species threatened with extinction.

The Grand Bassin lake, located in the southern part of Mauritius, is formed in an extinct volcano area. It is considered a holy lake for Hindus on the island, who visit the place in procession, always in early February.

In the Rio Negro region, tourists visit the waterfalls and there is an interesting natural phenomenon known as colored land. The volcanic lava basalt, subjected to sudden cooling by the action of cold water, gave rise to different colored earth segments, ranging from ocher to dark red.

Thanks to the presence of the Indians, it is common to walk the streets and smell the scent of saffron and cinnamon, which refer to India.

“ Creole dish ”, is a typical Creole dish, which can be based on meat or seafood, and is served with an accompaniment of traditional sauces. Rougaille is also a specialty of the region, usually made with fish or shrimp and the sauce is prepared with tomatoes, onions, garlic, pepper, ginger and herbs.

Mauritius, Libya and Seychelles form the group of countries on the African continent with a Human Development Index (HDI) considered high. Mauritius is ahead of Brazil in the ranking.

Typical purchases in Mauritius include: vanilla and rum tea, fruit jams.