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Guide to Mauritius, Mauritius
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Mauritius
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MauritiusOne of the most beautiful islands in the world, Mauritius has an ideal location near Africa in the Indian Ocean, allowing for a paradisiacal climate. However, though it is nestled alongside the African continent, much more of the island is influenced by its British and French ties. Mauritius displays its cultural diversity proudly, especially in its capital city. Factor in the deeply discounted prices throughout the year, and you have yourself an ideal destination (Note: Though Mauritius was not as deeply affected as a number of other Indian Ocean locations, part of its northern region was submerged by the tsunami of 2004. Contact your travel agent or consulate for more information).
When to go:
Mauritius continues to have a steady increase in travelers each year, but there is no real high or low season to mention. The factors to determine your choice of travel date pertain mostly to the islands climatic differences throughout the year. The winter season lastly mostly from July to September, and during this period the weather is absolutely phenomenal. The temperatures stay cozy and warm, and the humidity that comes during the hot season is almost nonexistent. If you cant arrange a flight during this time, you can visit from October to December and youll have a great fishing and diving season.
Getting there and around:
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is quite a distance away from the Port Louis. In fact, its on the opposite end of the island from the capital city. This will either mean a private helicopter ride, or an express bus ride. Buses leave from the airport numerous times a day, but be prepared for a drive that averages 2 hours.
Buses are what transport most of the islands visitors and natives around, and they go just about everywhere, so we recommend them if youre planning on visiting numerous places around Mauritius. If not and youre planning to stay in one area you can rent a bicycle to travel Port Louis. Its not the quickest, but it is the most enjoyable. If youre staying by the coast, you can rent a boat from anywhere between a short period of time, to a few days.
Attractions:
Most travelers stay in Port Louis simply because its the most equipped of the islands cities/towns. Its large, it has a beautiful mountain backdrop, and has everything from luxury hotels to buildings acting as half-way houses. The city is bustling throughout the day with pedestrian and vehicle traffic which makes for an exciting and energizing experience and at night turns to a quite social hub by the ocean. Though there is a casino, numerous bars and restaurants, and cinemas around the area, Port Louis tends to be quite subdued, which makes for a nice night out on the town without the rambunctious atmosphere that thrives in cities around the world.
Curepipe is another sought-out destination on the island, but though many people live and work here, youll find the aura to be quite different. Curepipe is much less ethnically diverse than the capital, and youll find its market-town image and rolling countryside to be very English.
Make your way further south and youll find the expansive Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden. The Garden is arguably the most popular attraction on Mauritius, where youll see unique vegetation ranging from golden bamboo to fish poison trees. The Garden first started as a private vegetable garden in 1735, but after it was altered and expanded, it began to flourish, and eventually grew to what it is today. As you walk through the garden youll notice your senses growing alert to the scents of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, camphor and sandalwood. Theres also a small art gallery on the premises if youre interested.
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