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Settled by the Portuguese in 1505, Mauritius was subsequently held by the Dutch, French, and British before the island nation's independence in 1968. Officially known as the Republic of Mauritius, the island nation sits just off the African coast in the southwest Indian Ocean. The region offers visitors any number of natural attractions including pristine waters, stunning geography, and a uniquely French flavored vacation experience.
Together with Réunion and Rodrigues, Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands. Known as an archipelago, this chain of islands was formed by a series of ancient undersea volcanic eruptions. Happily for locals, the region is no longer volcanically active. The island of Mauritius itself is formed around a central plateau, with its highest peak in the southwest, Piton de la Petite Riviére Noire. The island's capital and largest city is Port Louis, in the northwest. The island is well known for its exceptional natural beauty. Writer, Mark Twain, described the island in Following the Equator as, "You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius." When first discovered by the Portuguese, Mauritius was home to a previously unknown species of bird, which the Portuguese named the dodo (or simpleton), as they appeared not too bright. However, by 1681, all dodos had been wiped out by settlers or their animals. Nevertheless, the dodo is prominently featured as a supporter of the national coat-of-arms.
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Ile aux Cerfs and Other Beaches
One of the small islands around Mauritius, Ile aux Cerfs is a paradise for water sports and has probably the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. Visitors cannot afford to miss this tiny island, which is regarded as a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape. One of the best areas for sailing, windsurfing and water skiing is La Cuvette beach. This remarkably lovely cove is located half-way between Grand Bay and Cap Malheureux, and is one of the finest bathing spots on the island. For those wanting to get away from it all, there are miles and miles of white and spotless beaches to be found stretching from Belle Mare to Trou-d'Eau Douce. Blue Bay beach is also one of the most popular bathing spots in the South-East of the island.
World Class Fishing
Mauritius 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. Large fish like the Blue Marlin roam the local waters from November to early May. Mauritius holds several world fishing records including the largest mako shark, blue shark, white tuna and yellow tuna. Fishing boats can be hired from almost all hotels.
Tropical Party Goers
Grand Bay was the first area of Mauritius to fully experience the tourist boom. It has now developed into a shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Bay also happens to be the area where locals head for when they want a night out at the restaurants, bars and local discos. Other fun-filled spots to find entertainment are La Cuvette beach, which was recently renovated, and the fabulous Pereybere public beach, popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs. Balaclava Ruins
Ruins and Settlements
There are a number of notable historic sites in the region. At Vieux Grand Port, the oldest settlements in Mauritius, visitors are treated to the ruins of the first Dutch fortifications. The ruins of the old Baclava Estate are located near the Baie aux Tortues, which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises in the areas waters. Here visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down over a hundred years ago. The Maheswarnath temple is the biggest Hindu temple on the island. Located near the village of Triolet, the temple was first built in 1819 to honor the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.
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