Characterized by the verdant monolith that towers up to 556 meters (1,824 feet), the Morne Brabant peninsula is a treasure trove of nature and history. Located at the far southwestern end of the Indian Ocean and enveloped by a lagoon, the peninsula brims with an abundance of flora and fauna. Home to two rare species of plants, Mandrinette and Boucle d’Oreille, this peninsula is drenched in rich culture and history as well. While no official records of this incident have been found, the peninsula is associated with a heartbreaking legend from 1835. Out of fear of getting arrested and going back to the life of slavery, the refuge slaves of the island jumped from the massive monolith. They mistook the intentions of the policemen who arrived to free them from the bonds of enslavement. Mauritian Creoles celebrate this day as a reminder of the abolition of slavery and a tribute to the slaves who lost their lives. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the glistening waters of this magnificent peninsula shine brightly, triumphing over the gloomy past of the island.
Mauritius connotes crystal clear beaches and unlimited fun while enjoying a host of activities and water sports. Pereybere Beach is one such popular destination abuzz with tourists and locals. Restaurants, nightclubs, shopping arcades and much more await you at Pereybere. Opt for snorkeling and explore the underwater world and exotic marine life; owing to the deep waters, it's an ideal spot to go diving. After a tiring marine excursion, you can simply sit at the promenade lined up with Casuarina and Palm trees or walk-in at the nearby dining outlets and relish local cuisine. Truly, Pereybere Beach is a great vacation destination!
Spread over a massive area of about 6,754 hectares (16,690 acres), the Black River Gorges National Park is a green haven and a testament to the island's biodiversity that constitutes nearly two percent of Mauritius' expanse. The national park is a rippling sweep of verdant foliage, like a spectacular ocean of green, its massive waves frozen in place, pierced sparingly by rocky outcrops. This park is home to several species of flora and fauna, including trees like the Trochetia Boutoniana, Cassine Orientalis, and Diospyros Tessellaria, as well as birds such as the Pink Pigeon, the Mauritius Cuckoo-shrike, and the Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher. The old-growth ebony forests are the haunt of giant fruit bats, macaque monkeys and wild boar, alongside nine endemic species of birds and hundreds of flowering plants. As it contains such a wealth of wildlife, it is protected by the Mauritian government and has also been recognized by UNESCO as a tentative entry to the World Heritage List. Visitors can enter this park at different locations, and one of them is located near the Grand Riviere Noire.
Backdropped by the infinite waters of the Indian Ocean, the Notre Dame Auxillatrice is one of the most charming sites of Mauritius. Located in the village of Cap Malheureux, the whitewashed Roman Catholic church, topped with a striking red roof, is an embodiment of the tranquility that Mauritius offers. Intricate stone-carved altar housed in the interiors is a sight to cherish for many tourists. The church, built as a tribute to victims of an unfortunate shipwreck, is a popular photo-op destination for couples.
Dotted with strips of white sandy beaches and tranquil neighborhoods, this coastal town is one of the most charming surprises of Mauritius. Earning its name from the Dutch phrase ‘Fried Landt Flaak’, meaning free flat land, the words are fitting for the picturesque landscape of the town. Blessed with immaculate beauty, the white sand Tamarin Beach is deemed to be one of the most spectacular beaches of Mauritius. The jewel-toned blue waters near the town are abundant with coral reefs. The Casela Bird Park of the town shelters the rare endangered Pink Pigeon. Several upscale hotels and resorts have mushroomed to boost the commercial and tourist value of the place. A beautiful balance of nature as well as quaint town life, Flic en Flac is as interesting as its name.
Mauritius is naturally blessed with gorgeous and unique flora and fauna, and with so much precious natural life comes the responsibility of protecting and preserving it. Spread over a massive area, the Casela Nature & Leisure Park is one such entity that preserves this bio-diversity in its own way. This park boasts sheltering about 1,500 birds, tigers, lions, monkeys and a lot more. Marketing itself more as a recreational attraction than a nature reserve, this park is nonetheless an essential trip for kids and adults alike so that they learn more about nature.
Located on the Marina Quay, in the Caudan Waterfront, the Blue Penny Museum holds a treasure of artifacts, documents, stamps, sculptures, and more, that detail the history of the entire island. Primarily known for its stamp collection, this museum boasts a splendid collection, which contains the rare Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps. So if you're curious to know more about the island's history, do plan a visit here. See the website for more information.
Le Caudan Waterfront is a must-visit tourist attraction while you are in Mauritius. It is an huge complex comprising variety of establishments and entertainment options. Shopaholics can splurge on luxury merchandise at the assortment of shopping outlets; fashion brands like Body One and Indya Vogue, jewelers like Vendome Prestige and much more; the choice is unlimited. The space also has an Artists' Corner that regularly hosts art and creative events. If you're tired after your shopping spree, the on-site food court, restaurants and dining outlets offer sumptuous and delicious fare. Le Caudan Waterfront also has world-class accommodation facilities, tourists can choose from Le Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel and Le Suffren Hotel & Marina. For detailed information about the on-site facilities and services on offer, check their website.
There is much more to Mauritius than just beaches, and even the local galleries and museums are worth visiting. Didus Art Gallery is one such creative space that lays a platform for the local artists to display their exclusive art work. Located at the Caudan Waterfront, the gallery showcases paintings and other art forms; blending local art with modern ideas, the collection at Didus represents local life and folklore. Apart from permanent exhibits, it also features nouveau art by upcoming artists. Visitors can shop for postcards, painting reproductions and other art objects to take back home souvenirs of their lovely trip. For additional details and images, check website.
Located at Chaussee Street, L'Amicale de Port Louis Casino is a popular casino. Arcade games, slot machines, roulette tables, the options are unlimited. It also has an on-site bar and restaurant that serves excellent food and refreshments. While you are in Port Louis, do visit the L'Amicale de Port Louis Casino that offers complete fun and entertainment.
Touted as one of the important museums in town, the Natural History Museum puts forth history, geology and culture of Mauritius. The Mauritius Institute Building that houses this museum is a landmark in itself and is declared as a National Heritage Site. Though this museum is not equipped with modern facilities, it is truly a treasure trove of information and has rare items on display. While browsing through its vast collection, you can see specimens of fauna native to Mauritius and exotic varieties of turtles, butterflies, birds and much more. The highlight being the skeleton of Dodo and detailed description of this now extinct bird. For more details, call ahead.
Sader Voyages is a tour company that offers variety of services to the tourists. With efficient planning, the team here ensures that you have a great time in Mauritius. Right from ticketing to city excursions, everything is taken care of. You can also select from the different holiday packages comprising adventure tours, helicopter rides and so forth. For additional details, check website or call ahead.