Mauritius may sound like just another island country with its sandy beaches and clear waters, but it is so much more than that. A small country, just about 1.5 times the size of Delhi, you’d be amazed at what all one can experience here.
Whether you are into history, nature, adventure or food, travelling with friends, family, or looking to plan your honeymoon; the island will not disappoint. Here are eight reasons why you should be booking your next holiday to Mauritius:
Indulge in Water Sports
The island of Mauritius offers an amazing diving experience. When you dive here, you enter the world of bright corals, multi-coloured marine life, and shipwrecks dating back to the 18th and 19th Century. If you are not a certified diver you can either get your certification here or opt for one of the uncomplicated dive sites. Of course, there are some sites only accessible to the advanced divers. Mauritius offers a lot of options for those who want to sail the sea. Choose from one of the speed boat tours, catamaran tours or hop onto a traditional boat to spend a romantic day island-hopping.
Go Dolphin Spotting
Mauritius is popular for its dolphin cruise, which ideally starts early in the morning, just a little before sunrise. You are taken to the open sea where you can spot dolphins and even enjoy a refreshing swim with these magnificent creatures. Tamarin Bay or Flic en Fac are the best beaches for this activity.
Visit Chamarel Coloured Earth
Chamarel is a small village in Mauritius and a major tourist draw. What makes this place unique is the seven coloured layers of sand! Climb up the observation deck and marvel at the colours, ranging from yellow, red, brown, violet, purple, green and even blue. Buy test tubes filled with the seven coloured areas of sand of Chamarel as a souvenir. On your way back, stop by the Chamarel Waterfalls for another great photo op.
Spend a Day at Port Louis
Port Louis, the bustling capital of Mauritius boasts of French colonial architecture and offers exciting shopping and entertainment venues. You will also find world-class hotels and restaurants in this area. Visit Champ de Mars, the oldest racecourse in the Indian Ocean region where the official flag-raising ceremony marking the independence of Mauritius took place in 1968. Later, head to Le Capitaine, a popular restaurant where the movie Break Ke Baad starring Deepika Padukone and Imran Khan was shot.
Enjoy a Guided Tour of Ile Aux Aigrettes
Declared a Natural Reserve in 1965, the secluded island of Ile Aux Aigrettes is made up of coral limestone and has been devoid of human presence for a long time. You will find the most exotic species of flora and fauna here, including the famed giant tortoise of Mauritius. Be on a lookout for the Pink Pigeon, a bird which has been rescued from going extinct.
