Introducing Mauritius
Mauritius is a fascinating, world-in-one-island slice of paradise. Its very name of conjures up images of tropical luxury and stupendous extravagance. While in many destinations famed for cobalt-blue seas, white sandy beaches and luxury hotels, you may eventually find yourself wishing for something to do besides sunbathing and swimming, it’s often hard to know what to do next in Mauritius. The island is loaded with historic sights, cultural diversity, geographic variation and almost limitless activities to distract you from the daily grind of beach and pool. But perhaps its single biggest asset is the relaxed charm of its warm and welcoming people.
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Mauritius is the most developed of the Mascarene Islands, but with a bit of effort and resourcefulness you can escape the crowds and find your own patch. The smells, noises and bustle of the mercantile capital Port Louis, Africa’s wealthiest city, are never far away, while the busy garment markets in the Central Plateau towns of Quatre Bornes and Curepipe and Black River Gorges National Park's dramatic virgin forests give the lie to Mauritius being just another beach destination. But what beaches! From the stunning sand-rimmed lagoons and popular wide public beaches to the picturesque islands off the country’s coastline, there’s truly something for everyone here. Add to this the joys of Chinese, Indian, French and African cuisine, the rousing beat of séga music and the infectious party spirit of the locals, and you soon understand why Mauritius really is so many people’s idea of paradise on earth.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Which coast has the most
by LoneRunner 14 September 2011
Riaan ! Welcome to Mauritius ! Grand Baie is indeed the Cote d'Azur of Mauritius but still ! Its a good area with no hassle like Patpong…
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Shopping in Mauriitus
by sanjayc 12 September 2011
Hi, my wife and I are travelling to Mauritius this december. Wanted to know if I can get good bargains in mauritius for designer labels/…
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Pre-booking tours?
by JNo80 11 September 2011
My husband and I are going to Mauritius for 2 weeks. We are staying at an all-inclusive hotel but still want to see what the island has…
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Mauritius
Things to do
- All things to do (116)
- Activities (13)
- Entertainment (15)
- Restaurants (38)
- Shopping (19)
- Sights (31)
- Tours (0)
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Our Top Picks For Mauritius
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1 Rodrigues
Decamp to Mauritius' little-known, mountainous cousin, a stunning and friendly island with untouched beaches, charming guesthouses and the country's best diving
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2 Grand Baie
The island's party town has the best restaurants and shopping in the country, not to mention jumping nightlife
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3 Port Louis
Explore the capital's colonial-era buildings, the fantastic daily market and colourful Chinatown
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4 Trou D'Eau Douce
Take it easy in this charmingly relaxed town with great beaches all around and superb restaurants
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5 Eureka
This perfectly preserved colonial-era mansion high up on the central plateau, near Moka, is a must for history buffs
Fast Facts about Mauritius
- Literacy rate
85.6%
- Total coastline
177km
- Population living below the poverty line
10%
- Highest point
Mt Piton (828m)
- Area
2040 sq km
- Unemployment rate
9.4%
- Population
1,250,000
- Life expectancy
72.88 years
- Annual GDP
US$16.7 billion
Our favourite Mauritius Blogs (beta)
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Fireworks on New Years Eve – Mauritius Style!
Blog: The Travel Tart - Offbeat Tales From A Travel Addict - 30 December 2011
Fireworks on New Years Eve – The Mauritian New Year Welcome With New Year’s Eve coming up, I’ve got a guest post from Mauritius Holiday Tips about the crazy tradition...
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5 Mauritius Beaches You Shouldn’t Miss
Blog: Vagobond.com - 10 December 2011
Mauritius, located to the east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean is renowned for its white sandy beaches and also the coconut trees that appear to come straight from a dream. Below you will find 5 of the most interesting beaches that you should not miss when visiting this tropical island.
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Daily Travel Snapshot: Mauritius
Blog: WildJunket - 3 August 2011
An aerial shot of the southeastern tip of Mauritius.
