Mauritius A home away from home!

Mauritius is a beach lover’s dream come true. It’s scenic landscapes and azure waters invite you to break away from monotony and embark on a holiday that transports you to an island nation that shares its origins with India. Here’s a peek into what Mauritius can offer you.

Discovering the Indian connection at Aapravasi Ghat

You will be surprised to know that apart from French and English, Mauritians speak Creole, which has influences from Bhojpuri as some of the first indentured labourers came from the Indian diaspora. As a result, there are many Indian influences that have left a mark on the history and culture of this beautiful island nation. Aapravasi Ghat or the Immigration Depot located in Port Louis District is one such example of a place that still stands as a witness to that historic, bygone era. The building complex gives you a glimpse of the life of the first indentured labourers who were brought from different parts of India, Eastern Africa, Madagascar, China and Southeast Asia to work on the island’s sugar estates, and were an integral part of the workforce. The structure also has been declared a UNESCO‘s World Heritage Site so if you would like to take a step back in time, make sure to head here for a history lesson on a vital part of Mauritian history.

Come face to face with a Dodo at Mahebourg Museum

The National History Museum of Mauritius also called the Mahebourg Museum is a photographer’s delight, but unfortunately, cameras are not allowed inside this French colonial mansion. We managed to get a few clicks of the exhibits on display with special permission. From British East India company coinage, to various maps and drawings, and the bones of a giant tortoise and of the extinct Dodo which were found at Mare aux Songes are also on display. You will also find a collection of fine porcelain, the Bell of Marengo, which was given to Napoleon Bonaparte as a souvenir after his victory against Austrian forces at Marengo, in Piedmont, Italy is also part of the many treasures here.

Say a little prayer at Ganga Talao aka Grand Bassin

A sacred pilgrimage spot, this volcanic crater houses the sacred lake called Ganga Talao. The placid lake holds a special place in the heart of worshipers, who believe that its waters flow from the Goddess Ganga. According to one legend, it’s believed that Hindu god Shiva, who was balancing the Holy Ganges River on his head, was travelling around the Earth with his wife Goddess Parvati. He decided to rest in Mauritius and it was during this time that some drops of the sacred river Ganges fell into the crater and created a small lake — Grand Bassin. That’s why you will find a towering presence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga that stands tall at 108 feet here.

Play mind games at the Curious Corner at Chamarel

Let your mind play tricks on you and fool you into believing an illusion. You can stand in one place and see your world turn upside down in photographs or shrink or enlarge before your eyes. This gallery features a range of interactive optical illusions that will have you and your group of friends both amazed and in peals of laughter. It’s a fun activity that should definitely make it to your travel itinerary.

Sugar tasting at L’Aventure de Sucre

L’Aventure de Sucre museum is a former sugar factory that’s located near the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens. It takes you back in time, breaking down the life of workers on the sugar factory, giving you details about how sugar was processed and made and you also get a peek into the rum trade. At the end of the tour, you can sample more than 15 varieties of unrefined sugar, and can also pick up souvenirs here — packs of different varieties of sugar and bottles of rum made of sugarcane are available as souvenirs.

Visit La Citadelle Du Fort Adelaide for a breathtaking view

Located at 240 feet above sea level La Citadelle Du Fort Adelaide is named after Queen Adelaide. Head here for a breathtaking view of the city of Port Louis. From here you can see some old buildings as they line up against some modern skyscrapers. You will also spot Champs de Mars from this vantage point, which happens to be the only green patch in the busy city of Port Louis.

Take a test tube of The Seven Coloured Earths home

Make sure to sign up for a tour of Chamarel where you can explore natural wonders like the Chamarel Waterfalls and The Seven Coloured Earths (Terres des Sept Couleur in French). The psychedelic dunes in hues of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow were formed due to rare volcanic activity and do not erode even during heavy rainfall. You can take a test tube home of The Seven Coloured Earths as a souvenir. And also enjoy rum tasting at Rhumerie de Chamarel, make sure to pick up a bottle of spiced rum or vanilla rum, at the distillery that is also housed here.

What to try...

Millionaire Salad

Palm Heart Salad, also known as Millionaire Salad, this Mauritian delicacy is prepared using the heart of the palm tree. Palm trees are grown for around seven years and then cut down to extract this part of the tree, which is then used to prepare this salad. It’s finely sliced and eaten raw or cooked in a sauce.

Vanilla tea

Bois Cheri tea estate, in the south of the island, grows black tea, which they then mix with Ceylon tea imported from Sri Lanka, and vanilla flavouring imported from South Africa, to produce a delicious black vanilla tea. Make sure to stock up on it, till your next visit here.

Dholl puri

It draws its roots from the Indian paratha. The Indian immigrants to Mauritius couldn’t source the ingredients to make the bread here, and as a substitute, they fried thin bread and then stuffed it with ground yellow split peas, served it in a pair with bean curry, atchar (achar or pickle) and chutney.

Places to stay...

If you are looking to relax in the lap of luxury, you can check out Beachcomber properties like Shandrani a five-star resort and spa located at Grand Port. All the rooms are sea-facing and you get to wake up to a beautiful view every morning. You can also cut costs by looking at Airbnb.