etraveladmin Are you looking for an escape from the mundane to a beautiful island paradise hidden behind palm trees and the ripples of warm tropical waves? Mauritius is a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean. In this Mauritius travel blog, I try to answer all of your Mauritius travel questions and dispel the myth that it is “just” luxury. Mauritius is bound to surprise you with its intense Indian cultural roots and, lest we forget, an intriguing past of slave labour.
Mauritius was nothing more than a volcanic island. There was no one around to cause trouble. A flock of dodos thrived on her pink, supple earth until the French voyagers, following in the footsteps of the Dutch and Portuguese, stopped. Dodos eventually made their way from the branches to the clay-pot and became extinct.
Soon after, the French discovered that the island could be used to plant sugarcane. The last traces of African Savannah were quickly replaced by sprawling sugarcane fields. Following that, the British took control of the island.
Indentured labourers were renamed slaves who worked on sugar cane plantations. Instead of mainland Africa, manpower was brought in from India’s east coast. Vessels loaded with our Desi people set sail from Calcutta harbour, dreaming of a “new-found-land” free of misery and toil.
As you travel to the interior of Mauritius, you will pass by sugarcane plantations that gently sway. This is a depressing song.
Activities in Mauritius: Get Out On The Water
The best way to get into the island spirit is to get out on the water, and there are plenty of fun activities to try (depending on how brave you are!) in Mauritius. Because a reef protects many of the beaches, you won’t see any big waves until you get a little further away from the shore. A long row of kite surfers catching some serious height can be found along some parts of the reef (particularly in the south, where we were based).
Wakeboarding and water skiing are also popular activities, but my personal favourite was stand up paddle boarding. I find it very relaxing, and with the water being so nice and warm, falling in didn’t seem so bad!
Other activities available at Heritage Le Telfair include sailing, kayaking, and snorkelling. Plus, on our last day, we boarded a glass bottom boat and were able to see a variety of tropical fish as well as a very cute turtle!
Go to Port Louis.
Take a trip to Mauritius’ vibrant capital, Port Louis, to get to know it better. You’ll see locals doing their shopping, going to work, kids on their way to school, insane traffic, colourful port areas, and more! It’s not particularly ‘pretty’ in comparison to the rest of the island, but it’s authentic, and for me, that’s all part of the travel experience.
Exploring the food market on a Saturday morning was a highlight. It was alive with activity as vendors sold fresh coconuts, limes, Asian vegetables, and tea. I enjoyed seeing all of the exotic produce available, including the famous tea man, who had a tea for every ailment, from heart palpitations to cellulite!
Set Out on a Food Tour
Mauritian cuisine is a fantastic mash-up of Indian and Chinese cultures, and some of the best meals can be found on the streets. Street food is inexpensive, delicious, and should not be overlooked.
Investigate the Waterfalls
Everyone knows Mauritius for its beautiful beaches, but it also has a wild side! Hike up into the forests and nature reserves to find rivers, rapids, and the occasional waterfall. This one was in Chamarel, near the fascinating phenomenon known as the Seven Colored Earth. One of my favourite things to do in Mauritius!
Try The Island’s Rum
Mauritius is also well-known for its rum production. The Rhumerie de Chamarel, one of the island’s newest distilleries, is tucked away in the mountains on the island’s south side. They produce high-quality rums with a variety of flavours, some of which incorporate the island’s abundant spices. You can tour the distillery and sample some of their collection in addition to purchasing a few bottles.
Enjoy the best of Mauritius’s South and South-East.
Mauritius’ southern region is a hidden gem. It is a well-preserved region with many cliffs. The south coast has also had run-ins with history. Many explorers have arrived here in the past.
You can relax on the beaches and watch the stunning sunsets. You can also go snorkelling at Blue Bay Marine Park or visit Le Souffleur, a 30m geyser. The Cavendish bridge, the island’s longest, is a must-see.
