Mauritius, a glimmering jewel in the blue seas of the Indian Ocean, beckons with an irresistible blend of endless white sand beaches, waving palm trees, surf and plenty of sunshine. A remarkable combination of lush plantations, abundant birdlife and scenic mountains, Mauritius is an all-year-round leisure holiday destination. A fascinating potpourri of cultures, colourful traditions and festivals - that's Mauritius for you.

Visit the seven Tamarind Falls, which empty themselves into a serene pool- or Coloured Earths, where the earth is actually a medley of seven different colours. Wander through the Black Gorges National Park, trek to the sacred Lake Bassin, or the lonely, windswept summit of Trou aux Cerfs, an extinct volcano. Breathe in the spicy aromas of cinnamon and cardamom, ginger and sandalwood at the Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens.

Go for lead-booted, bubble-headed 'undersea walks' or ride on a La Nessee near Grand Baie or shake a leg at a beach party. Hike through the stunning Moka Range mountains- or stick to the towns: the capital, Port Louis, bustling and historical; the commercial centre of Mahebourg; or the delightful Pamplemousses.

Getaway to the less crowded island of Rodrigues and laze around Pointe Coton, the best beach on the island.


Making your way here…
You can get to Mauritius either by air or by sea. Apart from a small number of people who arrive by yacht or cruise ship, stopping at Port Louise or another Mauritian town, most visitors to Mauritius prefer to fly in. Mauritius has flights coming in from all over the world, be it Europe, Africa, Asia or Australia.

…and getting around
There are lots of ways you can move around in Mauritius. The national airline Air Mauritius flies daily to Rodrigues Island but you will have to buy a return ticket, which will be valid for a month. You can rent a boat at major tourist spots.

If you opt to travel by road, you can choose from a bus, a taxi, a rented car or boats. Travelling by a bus is a good idea to get anywhere on the island but, is slow because of the snail-paced moving traffic. Renting a car in Mauritius is easy as long as you have an international driving license and can prove that you are above 23 years of age. But watch out for the local drivers who rarely observe the traffic rules, the potholed roads without pavements and tardy pedestrians! Taxis are expensive, especially after dark, so its best to fix a price before you get in

A Roof over Your Head…
Good news for budget travellers! Mauritius is among the most affordable destination in the region. There is a wide range of accommodation to choose from- world-class luxury beach hotels, small Indian or Chinese-run hotels and boarding houses also known as pensions de familie. One can even rent an apartment- the longer you stay, the cheaper it gets. Camping on public beaches is another option, but they are not exactly safe.

… a Good Meal, a Great Bargain and more
This tropical island's marvellous blend of cultures is best reflected in its cuisine- a mouth-watering fusion of vibrant tastes and subtle aromas. Indian, Chinese, European/Mediterranean and Creole food will jostle for your culinary attention!
Eateries to suit all pockets, from sophisticated restaurants to cheap coffee joints and stalls are scattered all over Mauritius. Enjoy the nightlife in Port Louise or alternatively at the trendy resort of Grand Baie. For gambling buffs, the L'Amicale Chinese Gaming house provides enough opportunities.

Wander through the Central Market in Port Louise and take your pick of souvenirs from packets of Mauritain spices, ship models, wooden or copper miniature dodos, shells, t-shirts, baskets, quilts,, pottery, jewellery etc. Visit the shopping centers at Quatre Bornes and Rose Hill or checkout the handicraft village beside the Museum in Mahébourg.



…and one Last bit of Advice
Though Mauritius is one of the safest destinations in Africa both in terms of health and crime, yet some precaution never hurts. Keep your passport and tickets safely and watch out for pickpockets, especially in crowded places like markets. Drink only safe water and use sun care products. And of course, don't forget to have a good time!
                                                               
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