After a long break, the land of the sun and the sand is open to tourists from October 1st. This spells good news for a legion of tourists who have been missing their favourite holiday destination. This Indian Ocean Island is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. They also have rich wildlife, flora, and fauna, mountains, waterfalls, and rainforests.
It was quite a tough time for the tourism industry when Mauritius had to be shut down for tourism following the pandemic. A large part of the country’s income was heavily dependent on its tourism. There were efforts from the government to salvage its tourism sector. Only those who are fully vaccinated can enter the country. They also need to carry a negative RTPCR test 72 hrs prior to the journey. The visitors are not required to go into quarantine. They can directly visit the tourist spots. In July the rules were slightly different as they were a mandatory 14-day quarantine for the visitors. This new rule was announced by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority director Aravind Bandhan.
At least 70% of the population in Mauritius are Indians. It is said that the Mauritius air is the purest in the world. This is a veritable beach paradise.
And in case you are planning a trip to Mauritius, we have a few suggestions.
Pont Naturel: Pont Naturel (Natural Bridge) is a volcanic rock formation (2 meters or 6.5 feet long) that looks like a man-made bridge, yet it is formed by natural processes. It’s a part of the cliff at Gris-Gris. On the surface, there are many little holes through which seawater goes making tooting sounds. That’s why this place is also called “le soufler” which means “a blower”. Nearby, there’s a nice, wooded area where you can find shelter from the heat. It’s a perfect place for picnics, very popular among locals. Avoid bad weather as the sea gets pretty rough, with 5m-high swell and strong gusts.
Chamarel Coloured Earth: The seven colored earth is a natural phenomenon and a prominent tourist attraction. The colors evolved through the conversion of basaltic lava to clay minerals. It is a relatively small area of sand dunes comprising sand of seven distinct colours (approximately red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow). Due to the tropical weather conditions, all water-soluble elements such as silicon dioxide have been washed out. The remains are the reddish-black iron- and aluminum oxides which create shades in blue, cyan, and purple. The various colors developed due to the different compositions. The Colored Earth of Chamarel has become one of Mauritius' main tourist attractions since the 1960s. Nowadays, the dunes are protected by a wooden fence and visitors are not allowed to climb on them, although they can look at the scenery from observation outposts placed along the fence. Curio shops in the area sell small test tubes filled up with coloured earth. On the premises, you will also find a children's playground and some giant tortoises.
Pieter Both: It is the most iconic mountain in Mauritius and the second highest after Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire. It is named after Pieter Both who was the first Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies before dying in a shipwreck on his way home. Reaching the summit is no longer possible without climbing gear. Climbing the mountain and getting back down is the challenge and should be attempted by experienced hikers only.
White Rhinoceroses: Mauritius is home to Ella and Benjamin, two white rhinos from South Africa. In the aftermath of their respective parents’ poaching, they were brought to Casela, on the West coast of the island. There, a sanctuary has been set up to boost their chances to produce offspring. Still, teenagers, enjoy running and playing in the mud. Private encounters can be arranged in the morning where you can feed and caress the rugged skin of these lovely creatures.
Le Morne Viewpoint: This viewpoint, when viewed will show you the incomparable beauty of nature present in the country. Situated in the southwestern part of Mauritius, this place contains historical significance. Several tourists visit this place for its amazing beaches, which are the best in Mauritius. For adventure lovers, there are water sports like kitesurfing, paragliding, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing. This place looks very beautiful and is one of the best places to visit while in Mauritius. The main highlight of this place is the iconic Le Morne Brabant, which is a looming basaltic rock peak dotted with caves.
Champ de Mars Racecourse: Founded in 1812, it is the oldest racecourse in the Southern Hemisphere and the second oldest in the world. Located in Port Louis, the track held its first races in June 1812, the same year that British forces took over the island from the French. 156 years later, the country finally declared its independence right here at the racecourse. The Champs de Mars Racecourse was created under the auspices of Mauritius Turf Club, founded by Britain’s Colonel Draper. Before 1810, the area was a military training ground for French troops. The course has a circumference of 1,298 meters (4,258 feet), and viewers can spectate from stadium seating as well as private lodges. Inside the course, you’ll find a statue of King Edward VII by sculptor Prosper d’Épinay as well as an obelisk known as the Malartic Tomb, which pays tribute to a French governor. Today, the races meet a high international standard, and racing is one of the country’s most popular sports. The horses and jockeys come mostly from South Africa and Australia, and the racing season extends from April to November, with races held on weekends. You can stroll up to Champ de Mars from the harbor, nestled in a valley surrounded by the country’s jagged volcanic mountains, all while enjoying the soft Indian Ocean breeze. Afterward, you can head back downtown, past the mosques and Chinatown, the British statues, and French-language schools, for any of the country’s many cuisines.
Pointe du Diable: Around 10 kilometres from Grand Port, it is noticeable from the road by series of cannons facing the sea. Built by the French to protect the island from enemies, the fortification and heavy artillery stood the test of time. The place takes its name from the protruding mass of land on this part of the island, whereby Pointe du Diable (Devil’s Point).
Sugar Museum and Factory: This is one of the important places in the history of this island country. Once the visitors visit this place, they will understand the importance of how sugar played a great role in the history of this country. This museum offers the tourists the experience of witnessing the age-old sugar extracting machines. A beautiful botanical garden and some travelling exhibitions are places outside the building of the museum. Considered as one of the important places in the history of the island, this sugar museum and factory show to the visitors how sugar plantation has helped in boosting the economy of Mauritius. The museum helps the tourists understand the economic, cultural, and historic importance of the island. The sugar museum and factory are located in the small village of Pamplemousses, north of the country. This museum contains numerous machinery, evaporates, blenders, Vaccum pens, and many more. The tourists are taken through the Beau Plan Sugar Estate, which is now transformed into a museum. They explain the process of sugar and how it has been of significance to the economy of the island.
Marie Reine de la Paix: Offering the best view you can get in the capital city, Marie Reine de la Paix (Mary, Queen of Peace) is a church on the slopes of Signal Mountain. It is surrounded by bright flowers and lush green foliage. It is here that Pope John Paul II, during his 1989 visit to the island, celebrated mass with fellow Catholics. Go at dusk to see the harbour lighting up as darkness creeps in. You’re in for a definite treat!
Blue Penny Museum: If you are someone who takes an interest in the history and culture of a place, then Blue Penny Museum should be on your list of must-visit places in Mauritius. It is the most well-known museum in the country and is located in the famous Le Caudan Waterfront Mall in Port Louis. The museum takes its name from its most cherished artifact that is probably the most precious treasure on the entire island. These are two of the world’s rarest stamps: the red one-penny and blue two-pence ‘Post Office’ stamps issued in 1847. These stamps are lit up only for 10 minutes every hour at 25 minutes past the hour, in order to preserve their color. Though the most valuable pieces on display, they are not the only fantastic items in the Blue Penny Museum.
Ile Aux Cerfs Beach: A perfect weekend getaway for the water babies, this beach is home to numerous adrenaline-rushing activities and offers a perfect amalgamation of the sun with sand. From shining white sand to beautiful lagoons, the place offers too many beautiful sceneries where you can click numerous memorable pictures. In addition to beauty, this beach also houses some small shacks and stalls selling local goods like jewellery made of pearls and local food items. If you are looking for a place in Mauritius where you can enjoy a session of snorkeling and scuba diving at their best, then Ile Aux Cerfs (Island) Beach is the perfect place for you.
