Nestled up alongside eastern Africa, Mauritius was discovered by the Portuguese in 1505. This small island nation of the Indian Ocean is the most sought after tourist destination. The way Mauritius unwind itself is mind blowing, where ever you go, you will accompanied by the palm trees, trade winds, white sands and blue seas these are what this island consist of. It is the most accessible island in the region, boasting as much tropical paradise as Maui or Martinique. Off late, the bargains offered by Mauritius have made this tropical paradise the perfect destination for budget tourists also.

Its British and French ties influence Mauritius. Mauritius' range of tourist facilities runs the gamut from breathtakingly beautiful beach resorts and organized excursions. Mauritius is the picture perfect destination for a lazy beach vacation amidst luxury.

Geography of Mauritius
Mauritius, independent state, is situated at 890 KM east of Madagascar, between 19°50' and 20°32' of south latitude and 57°18' and 57°46' of East Longtitude. Reunion, french island, is 200 km south west and Rodridues, a dependence of Mauritius is 600 km to the East North East.

Regarding the topography of Mauritius, it has an area of 1860 Km2 and is made up of a central plateau gradually rising towards the south west where it reaches its highest point at 800 metres with the Piton de la Rivière Noire. This plateau is still surrounded with what is remaining from the primary crater in the form of a chain of mountains that are not very high (Moka, Corps de Garde, Pieter Both) and some isolated peaks (Piton du Milieu, Motte à Thérèse).

Climate of Mauritius
In Mauritius, the climate is fairly acceptable to everyone and the heat is never unbearable. You have pleasant weather all through out the year. The temperature varies between Summer (November to April) from 32 degrees on the coastal areas to 24 degrees on the Central Plateau. In Winter the temperature may vary from 22 degrees in coastal areas to 18 degrees on the Central Plateau. one can travel here in any season but make sure you carry clothes according to the season, so you can enjoy the Mauritius to the fullest.

Culture of Mauritius
Mauritius presents a vibrant and colorful culture. More than half of the population in Mauritius is Hindu and approximately one fifth is Muslim. Both religions are descendent of indentured laborers that were brought during British Colony to work in cane fields. The remaining population comprises mainly Chinese and Sino - Mauritians, Creole (descendants of African slaves) and Franco Mauritian who are the original settlers of the island. The latter today still occupy many of the sugar estates and control almost all sugar plantations. The people of Mauritius celebrate festival every religion with same fervor and enthusiasm. The Sega is a dance, which originated from the ritual music of Madagascar and the mainland of Africa. Sega is one of the cultural pleasures to be enjoyed in Mauritius.

Cuisine of Mauritius
Apart from its exotic beaches it offers many mouth-watering cuisine to its visitors. The most common varieties are Creole, Chinese, European and Indian. A typical Mauritian cuisine includes rougaille (A Mediterranean dish of tomatoes), Sounouk (Salted dry fish), Octopus stew, Daube de poisson and Biryani (Mauritian version). Other favorite Mauritian beverages include Alooda (a syrupy brew of agar, milk and flavourings such as vanilla or Almond. You can also try our traditional snacks : Dholl puri (our national food), Gateaux piment, Samoussa and Baja. Locally produced beer and rum are potent, plentiful and cheap; wines are expensive and usually imported from France or South Africa.

Martello Towers
The Martello Towers are the mute reminders of colonial superpower rivalry and symbols of human ingenuity and resilience. The Martello Towers witness a major turning point in Mauritian history, namely the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration. The five Martello Towers are among the last but the finest of the 220Martellos Towers built around the world and based on the single prototype located in Northern Corsica.

Souillac (Gris-Gris), Mauritius
Souillac is a small seaside resort along the rugged coast in the Savanne district. The appeal of Souillac lies in its scenery. In striking contrast to the soft curves of the northern coastline, the high cliffs here drop abruptly to the sea to face the bracing winds of the Indian Ocean as it blows all year round. A charming feature is the garden overlooking the sea, named after Dr. Charles Telfair.

Port Louis, Mauritius
Port Louis is the capital and main port of Mauritius, it was founded by the French governor, Mahe de Labourdonnais in 1735. The harbor lies sheltered in a semi-circle of mountains. The town has plenty of character, and shows in certain quarters signs of its past elegance. This city still has its ancient touch. Most of the construction came up in the 16th, 17th and 18th century. Its Citadel, is on of the previous works produced by the military architecture in France, as well as its rampart. The sea is very near to the city, the coast is full with coves, all protected from the wind.

Off the main square, palm-lined Place d'Armes, there are some particularly fine French colonial buildings, especially the Government house and the Municipal Theatre, which were built during the 18th century. The are also two eye catching Cathedrals, Anglican and Catholic and also a mosque. The Supreme Court and natural history museum are also based in Port Louis.

To see a fascinating cross section of Mauritian life visit the covered market where one can explore the exotic fruits and vegetables including the meat market. Champ de Mars, originally laid out by French for military parades is now a racecourse.

Moreover there is the Worldwide Masks museum which is a private Museum at the heart of the unique and historic site of the ' Parcours Culturel ' situated at the Old Council Road, Port Louis. It displays a wonderful collection of various tribal masks from Africa, America, Asia and Oceania.

Chamarel- Seven colored earth
We all have read in our school days that there generally three types of soil but a visit to Chamarel will add some more type of soils. Here you can find soil of seven colors. A twisting road leads from Case Noyal village to the colored earth at Chamarel. It is one of the oldest sites on the island and is also known as the Seven Coloured Earth. This is a mound of undulating land stretching in contrasting layers of Colour, and the patches of blue, green, red, purple and yellow earth are believed to be the result from the weathering of volcanic rocks. The nearby Chamarel waterfalls emerges from the moors and primeval vegetation and is startlingly beautiful.

Pamplemounsses Garden, Mauritius
Pamplemounsses Garden is consider the jewel in the crown and is known to naturalists throughout the world for its collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies, many species of palm trees especially the unique talipot palm, said to flower once every sixty years and then die. The garden was created by Pierre Poivre in 1767 in the Estate of the French Governor Mahe de Labourdonnais. His Chateau known as 'Mon Plaisir' which was built in 1735 can still be admired here.

Folk Museum of Indian Immigration, Mauritius
Folk Museum of Indian Immigration is located in the town of Moka which is blessed with sylvan landscapes, towering mountains and a number of impressive manor houses. Institute's Folk Museum of Indian Immigration houses around 2000 volumes of Indian archives dating from 1842 to 1910 as well as a small collection of artifacts, such as jewelry worn by early Indian immigrants, traditional musical instruments, books and assorted household knick-knacks.

Eureka House, Mauritius
Eureka House was restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1986. It was built in the 1830s and has a mesmerizing views across the valley. The museum inside has areas dedicated to music, art, antique maps, Chinese and Indian house wares and quirky contraptions like a colonial-era shower.

Grand Basin, Mauritius
Within a short Distance of Mare Vacoas is one of the island's two lakes called Grand Basin. It rests in the crater of an extinct volcano and is a place of pilgrimage for large number of Mauritius of Hindu faith, especially on the occasion of Maha Shivratree which is celebrated in the month of February.

Black River Gorge National Park, Mauritius
This 6,574 hectare park was established in 1994 which protects much of the remaining native forests of Mauritius and provides opportunities for the visitor to enjoy spectacular natural scenery and some of the unique endemic plants and bird life. A boardwalk provides access to the typical dwarf forest of the region and a fenced conservation management area protects a sample of the remaining health land. There is also a number of longer walking trails, including one to the island's highest point, Black River Peak (828 m)

Mauritius which is known for its exotic beaches world over has many

Flic en Flacq, Mauritius
Flic en Flacq is one of the longest beach in Mauritius. It is situated on the West coast and the filaos trees provides an amazing lagoon form swimming and water sports. The area also offers tourism facilities such as exotic restaurants, snacks, shops and apartment.

Belle Mare, Mauritius
Belle Mare is the longest beach, situated in the North East of Mauritius. Belle Mare has a fine lagoon and beautiful beach. The sandy coast sweeps at Palma and Trou d'eau Douce and stretches out to Grand Port. The string of bungalows glamours the area.

Grand Baie, Mauritius
It is the biggest tourist Centre in Mauritius with a variety of accommodations, water sports, shops and excellent Chinese restaurant. It lies 20 kilometres north of Port Louis with its splendid beaches and its deep and sheltered bay. It is the main tourist attraction. One can also find a choice of discotheques and bars. It is one of the most popular reaches of the island which offers facilities for all kinds of water sports like the Semi-submersible rides, Undersea Walk, the submarine apart from a host of other water sport activities.

Cap Malheureux, Mauritius
Cap Malheureux is a well known small fishing village situated in the North of Mauritius and visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of Round Island, Flat Island and Gunner's Quoin Islands.The beautiful graveyard and the chapel on the beach are remarkable for a photo.

Ile Aux Cerfs, Mauritius
Ile Aux Cerfs is a small island Located on the east coast, this emerald lagoon is easily accessed through the regular half-hour boat service that runs to the island from Pointe Maurice. The island features vast beaches fringed with palm tress and a clear blue lagoon. It includes restaurant and water sports. One interesting and unique thing about the island is that its restaurants and other services are located in kiosks with straw roof. A short distance from Ile aux Cerfs is Le Touessrok five star hotels.

Trou aux Biches of Mauritius: is the one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius, situated between village of Triolet and Point aux Cannonier. The beach is well know for children and it is the best place for water sports especially for beginners.

Mont Choisy, Mauritius :A beautiful long beach situated in the north of Mauritius. Ideal place for camping

Perebere, Mauritius : is a well known small beach and is situated on the coast road between Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux.. It has a clear blue water, one of the famous swimming places of the whole island.