Planning a holiday with the family is
always fun. Taking into consideration what each member wants to see and
convincing the rest that it will be worth the trip builds up the excitement to
visit a new country and experience their culture. Going through the list of
countries which were offering visa on arrival, Mauritius was one place that
stood out. When we talk about Mauritius, what comes to mind is emerald flora
and clear blue beaches. Surprisingly, the island of Mauritius, though just an
island covering 2040 kms and part of the island nation of the same name off the
coast of Africa, has a lot more to offer. Since I had done my homework, while
boarding our flight from Mumbai, the first thing I wanted to do was pet the
lions at Casela Nature Park, a wish that would be soon fulfilled.
Traveling from Mumbai to Sir Seewoosagur
Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius, the first sights that greeted us
were the vast acres of sugarcane plantations, the roundabout in memory of the
extinct dodo birds and the lychee orchards lining the highway. It was
interesting to know that though sugar is processed on the island it is not used
for local consumption but exported abroad; for consumption, Indian sugar is
given more preference.
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A noted holiday island, Mauritius provides
the service of villas for rent, offering more freedom for families to live at
ease and even cook their own meals. Our villa in Flic en Flac was a ten-minute
walk from the beautiful beach dotted with corals as Mauritius has the world’s
third largest coral reef. With the aid of our driver and tour guide, we were
given more options and more insights into the must see places on the island.
The laid-back nature of the people on the island will make the susegaad Goan
feel completely at home. Though a tourist destination, the shops are rarely
open and the malls close at 5pm. There is hardly anyone interfering in your
business and they are more than happy to help tourists.
Ile Aux Cerfs
Our first stop was Ile Aux Cerfs which has
activities like parasailing and an amazing sea walk. A catamaran trip took us
from Trou D’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs with a visit to Grand River Waterfalls. This
full day relaxation cruise serves you a nice BBQ lunch on the white sandy
beach. The island closes at 4pm.
Casela Nature Park
Casela Nature Park at Casela World of
adventure in Cascavelle, offers a fun filled day for members of every age
group. The earlier one reaches, the more time you will have to enjoy activities
including the safari tour, a walk into bird enclosures and tilapia fishing.
Flacq Market
The Flacq Market is situated in one of the
most important villages of Mauritius. This colourful market attracts people
from different ethnicity living on the island. The juice stalls offer a variety
of drinks and the market is loaded with souvenir shops full of interesing
curios. One of the most famous souvenir is the soil from the Seven Colours of
the Earth.
Grand Bassain (Ganga Talao)
Driving to Grand Bassain (Ganga Talao)
sacred lake, we were welcomed by the sight of the 108-foot-tall stunning statue
of a smiling ‘Mangal Mahadev’. The statue was build by artists using material
brought in from India. Ganga Talao is considered the most sacred Hindu place in
Mauritius and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated on the lake. Another
statue of Durga Maa Bhavani that is also 108 feet tall is being build right
next to the Mangal Mahadev statue.
Chamarel – Seven Coloured Earth
On the same day, one can drive through the
Plaine Champagne and Black River Gorges Nature Park, which boasts of the
waterfalls that emerge from the thick vegetation from a height of 83 metres. At
Chamarel village, we visited the Seven coloured Earth which was formed on the
volcanic rocks with beautiful patterns of colour on the exposed hillside in
patches of blue, red, green and yellow colours.
Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital of the country
and has many historical venues. The Champ de Mars Race Course which was inaugurated
in 1812 is known as the oldest horse racing club in the Southern hemisphere and
one of the oldest in the world. There are still horse stables existing in the
vicinity. From the race course, one can climb up the Fort Adelaide Citadel to
get a panoramic view of the port city.
Pamplemousses Gardens
A nature lover has to visit the
Pamplemousses Gardens which is known throughout the world for their large
collection of indigenous and exotic plants including the giant Victoria regia
water lilies and many species of palm trees.
