Holidays in Mauritius – Top Things to Enjoy

Famed for its idyllic beaches, fascinating wildlife, exquisite culinary knowhow, traditional charm, and a plethora of other interesting indulgences, Mauritius is truly a traveller’s delight! Read on and learn about some of the country’s most impressive offerings for the travellers.

Beaches

beaches

Owing to its location in the midst of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is blessed with endless pristine white sand beaches. Ideal to enjoy the best of sun and sand alongside a range of interesting water sports, these beaches are a major attraction in the country. Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, Pereybere, La Cuvette, Blue Bay, Belle Mare and Ile aux Cerfs are among the popular beaches in the island country. Enjoy sunbathing as well as different water sports like snorkelling, deep sea diving and windsurfing. The beautiful cliffs, scenic landscape and the turquoise blue waters add to the overall aura of the place.

Flora and Fauna

Home to several native and endangered species, Mauritius is loved for its unique wildlife too. Be it be reptiles, mammals or birds, there’s a lot for people to spot here on the island. Black-Spined Flying Fox, Rusa Deer, Crab-Eating Macaques, Pink Pigeon, Rodrigues Warbler, Madagascar Fody, Keel-Scaled Boa and Swordtails are few of the animals and birds that can be spotted here. Over 700 species of native plants including Ebony, Takamaka, Manglier Vert and Bois De Natte can be found in the country. Black River Gorges National Park, Islets National Park and Bras d’Eau National Park are some of the prominent protected areas in Mauritius.

Shopping

Whether it’s the traditional streetside markets or the stylish malls, shopping in Mauritius remains a memorable experience for all. From handicrafts to antiques and from textiles to authentic jewellery and model boats, you can buy all sorts of things in the country as souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home. Besides, freshly grounded coffee and flavoured tea bags are rather popular among the tourists. Bazaar de Grand Baie, Goodlands Market, Quatres Bornes Market and Mahebourg Market are few of the busy markets in the region. If you are looking for top brands and labels, you can visit Bagatelle Mall and Le Craft Market.

Food

food

Influenced by different cooking styles such as Chinese, Indian and European, Mauritian cuisine is a big delight. Predominated by tomatoes, garlic, onion and chillies, Mauritian food could be spicy and delicious. Dishes like Dholl Pori, Boulettes, Farata, Bol Renverse and Du Pain Frire are hugely popular in the country; you must surely try them out while holidaying here. Seafood, especially fish and prawns, is served all over the island. When it comes to beverages, Vanilla Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the country.

Festivals

Festivals in Mauritius highlight the different religions, traditions and customs that thrive in the country. Chinese Spring Festival, Cavadee, Père Laval Pilgrimage, Lantern Festival, Yaum-Um-Nabi and Ugadi are some of the most famous festivals celebrated here. Characterised by fire-walking and sword-climbing ceremonies, Cavadee remains a big hit with the tourists. Held annually on the 8th of September, pilgrimage to the tomb of Father Jacques Désiré Laval is an event celebrated with much pomp and show.

Temples

Mostly built by the early rulers of the country, the temples are classic examples of religious influence and traditional architecture in Mauritius. Located in the village of Triolet, Maheswarnath Shiv Mandir is the largest Hindu temple in Mauritius visited by hundreds of pilgrims every year. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ganga Talao and Sagar Shiv Mandir are popular attractions among the devotees. Visit these Shiva temples during the annual festival of Maha Shivarathri (Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of the god Shiva) to witness them in their true glory.

Attractions

Besides the beaches, peninsulas and volcanoes promise an interesting sightseeing experience to the tourists. Seven Coloured Earths, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, Le Morne Brabant, Chamarel Waterfall, Trou aux Cerfs, Blue Penny Museum, L’Aventure du Sucre (Sugar Museum) and Tamarind Falls are among the top sites in the country. Featuring a range of exciting rides and thrilling adventure activities, Casela World of Adventures is one of the most popular theme parks in Mauritius.