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| Botanical Garden |
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The famous Pamplemousses Gardens, ranking among the finest botanical gardens in the world, was started in 1735 by Mahe de Labourdonnais, with Mon Plaisir Castle once his residence. The 60-acre garden boasts 500 different species of plants, of which 80 are palms. Of particular interest are the giant water lilies (Victoria Regia), a spice garden and the Talipot Palms, said to flower once every 60 years after which they die. |
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| Casela Nature & Leisure Park |
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This beautiful garden and bird sanctuary of some 25 acres is situated in the west part of the island. Almost 1500 birds of 140 different species, are housed in some 90 aviaries. Casela also housed other animals such as tigers, monkeys, lemurs, deers, giant tortoises, wallabies, ostriches, crown-cranes, cassowaries, axis deers and emus. |
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| Chamarel Coloured Earth |
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In the district of Black River are coloured dunes of volcanic ash which are naturally displayed in an orderly pattern of 7 colours – result of weathering – a fascinating phenomenon well worth a visit. |
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| Domaine Les Pailles |
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A unique site where Mauritius can be observed as it used to be. Discover the traditional way of making sugar from freshly crushed sugar cane and see rum being distilled from sugar cane syrup. The little train, a horse-driven carriage and the colonial architecture all blend in to complete the picture. Tours can be done in the nature reserve on horseback or in Landrovers. |
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| Eureka |
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This magnificent colonial estate house contains antique furniture of different periods and has more than 100 doors and windows. It is situated in a five acre estate, which includes an Andreanum garden and a ‘table d'hôte' serving Creole and local dishes. |
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| Grand Bassin |
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This natural lake resting in the crater of an extinct volcano is a place of pilgrimage for all the Hindus, especially on the occasion of Maha Shivaratree.
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| Trou aux Cerfs |
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In Curepipe is a crater of an extinct volcano, 85m deep and more than 200m wide. From here one can enjoy a panoramic view of the western part of the island. |
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| Le Saint Aubin |
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Situated in the south at Bois Cheri. Discover traditional Mauritius by visiting the museum and the factory, as well as visiting the anthurium greenhouses and vanilla plantations. Not to be missed is a visit to the colonial house – Le Saint Aubin, built in 1819. Here one can enjoy a gastronomic meal served in the peaceful surroundings of the exotic garden. |
| Ile aux Cerfs |
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Clear, calm waters and long beaches fringed by filao trees ….. This is a small paradise for lovers of the sea, sand and sun. |
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| Blue Safari Submarine |
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A dive at 40m depth in a real submarine is a rare and unforgettable experience. Comfortably seated in our sophisticated submarines of high technology and complete safety, you will see a variety of corals, the wreck of the Star Hope and a 17th-century anchor during your 40-minute journey. |
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| Beaches |
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No island on earth offers such a variety of beautiful beaches and lagoons. On the West Coast are public beaches of Tamarin, (well-known to surfers for its big waves), Flic en Flac, which provides a fine lagoon with shallow waters, Albion, Pointe aux Sables and Baie du Tombeau among others. The northern coastline has many delightful beaches – Pointe aux Piments, famous for its underwater scenery, Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, one of the most popular; Grand Baie, the main centre for yachting, fishing, waterskiing and Pereybere, probably one of the best bathing beaches. Along the East Coast, are the long, white, sandy beaches like Roches Noires, which extends to Post Lafayette. A few miles away, Belle Mare, Palmar and Trou d'Eau Douce are the names of these fine sweeps of sand and crystal clear water, which are favoured as resorts during the hotter months, (because of the fresh prevailing winds blowing from the sea). Blue Bay in the southeast offers a deep, clean bathing area as suggested by its name. Down south, the coast is made up of high cliffs, which drop abruptly into the sea – a complete contrast with the gentle coastline of the north coast. Le Bouchou, Gris-Gris, Souillac and Baie du Cap are beautiful viewpoints but are not recommended for swimming. However, some good beaches like Riambel and Pomponette do exist on this ‘wild' coast. |
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| Shopping |
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What must one then, bring back from Mauritius?
A wide choice of handmade ship models of ancient vessels can be purchased in various strops. A visit to one of the numerous factories is recommended. All facilities for shipment are available.
Women would prefer a jewel. Jewelry has inherited a long tradition in Mauritius. Very many makers' labels have their production units in Mauritius. Once their allocated quotas have been exported, the left over can be sold on the spot at prices which can hardly be beaten anywhere else.
The gift chapter is also well arrayed. It is as easy to acquire a fine painting in an art gallery, as to unearth some antique or Asian object. Besides, interesting chinaware can be found in the Port Louis Chinese quarter. Mauritius has announced plans to become the world’s first duty-free island in its bid to turn the country into a tourist shopping paradise. Since April 2005 are abolished 80-percent tax on some 1.850 different types of goods, including fabrics, clothing, electronics and jewelry. Creating the Shopping Paradise will occur over the next four years. Don't forget to visit the famous market in Port Louis or Quatre-Bornes.
Fine cuisine fans will be able to take away a colourful range of various spices.
Fresh-cut flowers of Anthurium and Andreanum, specially prepared for traveling, can be bought at the airport to take back as the ultimate souvenir.
Best shopping addresses
FLOREAL SQUARE
Twelve duty free boutiques and factory shops, ready to offer you a variety of adult and kids clothing, home and bath accessories, jewellery, silk fabrics, hand-made carpets, local handicrafts, ship models, exotic spirits, fine food us well a textile Museum.
THE GARDEN VILLAGE
Local traditions and colours from the hands of Mauritius artisans, ship models skillfully crafted by experts, art-gallery – take home the picturesque landscapes of Mauritius painted by local artists, the finest carpets from Kashmir, fine jewellery and watches at the best prices in town and a wide variety of textiles and fashion accessories for all ages.
THE CAUDAN WATERFRONT
Magnificent architecture for this large and luxurious place including Empire-style hotel, shopping centre, fast food, restaurants, cinemas, casino, art and craft market, etc. Overlooking the harbour, this place is really a ‘must' in a unique atmosphere.
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