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Dutch sailors first visited the island in 1598 and named it Mauritius,
after their ruler Prince Maurice de Nassau. The island was inhabited until
the 17th century. Mauritius basks in splendid isolation in the bosom of
the warmest ocean of all, the Indian Ocean, just inside the tropic of
Capricorn, bounded by Africa, India and Australia. It is about 800km (550
miles) ast of Madagascar. An island most of its coast surrounded by coral
reefs.
Excellent beaches, world-class deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and scuba
diving, intermingled cultures, volcanoes, bird sanctuaries, the Black
River Gorges National Park, shopping, shell hunting and fire-walking
demonstrations are the main attractions of Mauritius. Vitit also
Pamplemousses Gardens. The gardens are known for their large collection of
indigenous and exotic plants, including the giant Victoria Regia water
lilies. Of particular interest is the Talipot palm, which is said to
flower once every sixty years and dies thereafter.
Mahebourg is
one on the main fishing centres. Don't forget the
rambling interior and the multicultural capital Port Louis too.
Here, you
can enjoy a dish of curried chickpeas or a nice Yorkshire pudding on the
terrace of a French café, sipping imported wine or a thick malty ale while
listening to Créole music.
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