The natural beauty of the island and its turquoise waters; the warmth of the population, which is a melting pot of cultures and traditions living in peace and harmony. There is so much to see and experience – green tourism, scuba diving, trekking and fascinating food. All these make Mauritius a unique location where one will want to come again and again.
Safety prevails on the island. There are no diseases and excellent healthcare facilities. One can even drink tap water. Families can spend endless time having fun under the sun and on the beach. You will never get bored.
Capital
You cannot visit Mauritius without checking out its bustling capital, Port Louis that was founded by the French Governor, François Mahé de La Bourdonnais in 1735. It is home to most of the island's trade and commerce and is also where you will find the Central Market - a meeting point for Mauritians looking for anything from curry powder to local gossip.
Aapravasi Ghat Immigration Depot -World Heritage site
The Aapravasi Ghat Immigration Depot is a World Heritage site. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List on 16 July 2006 during the 30th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Vilnus, Lithuania. It is the only surviving remains of an immigration depot typical of depots established in the second half of the nineteenth century to welcome indentured labour immigrants.
Most Mauritians trace the arrival of their forbears from this site, which welcomed over half a million immigrants between 1834 and the 1920s. It holds immense symbolical value for Mauritians and the official commemoration of the arrival of Indentured labourers is held at this site every 2nd November.
The indenture system became the seat of the “Great Experiment” whereby the British would try to show the world that the labour of free men and women rather than slave labour would be more effective. Because the experiment proved to be successful in British terms, it was replicated in other British colonies as well as in French Dutch and Spanish colonies. Over two million people were eventually transported to the colonies from Asia and Africa.
The Central Market
The Port-Louis Central Market, with its exotic oriental smells and fascinating merchandise, is a focal point for everybody. Here, business is being conducted in the same premises and in the same way for over a century, only the pace and pressure has changed. You will thus find, under one roof, all the ingredients that make up the charm of Mauritius: handicraft, vegetables, and the famous dholl puris? As well as the unavoidable seller of medicinal herbs. Those who are good at haggling can make very good bargains.
The Government House
Built under the Governor Nicholas de Maupin (1729-1735), the Government House owes its present splendour to Mahé de La Bourdonnais. Since 1738, the building had undergone tremendous transformation to finally acquire its present structure and has now been proclaimed a national monument. The building displays elegance inherited from the colonial era. The statue of Mahé de La Bourdonnais stands out in the Place d’Armes, which is a vast esplanade that overlooks the harbour
The Citadel
The Citadel (Fort Adelaide) was originally constructed between 1834 and 1840 by the British Royal Engineers at a time of some diplomatic tension between Britain and France. At that time, the British believed an attempt by the French to regain possession of Mauritius was a possibility because there was considerable political unrest over the abolition of slavery. In was in fact the 87th Regiment of H.M the Princess Victoria who was garrisoned in the Citadel in the 1840s. The location is now being renovated and is called upon to become a key tourist attraction very soon.
Chinatown
Next to the market is Chinatown and the sense of the exotic continues. Mopeds and motorbikes noisily race past shops displaying names in bold Chinese letters, while inside, Chinese men and women wait patiently for customers to call. For a moment, you could be excused for thinking you were in Hong Kong or Taipei.
The Jummah Mosqu
Built in 1863; the Jummah Mosque is the oldest mosque on the island. Located on Royal Street of Port Louis, it has an impressive architecture that is reminiscent of Moorish art. Its big entrance door, in solid, sculpted teakwood, is a real masterpiece. A visit nearby will surely confirm that this mosque is undoubtedly the busiest one in the country
The Champs de Mars
Founded in 1812 by Colonel Draper, the Champ de Mars is the oldest racecourse in the southern hemisphere and the second oldest in the world. From May to November, the racing season attracts thousands of Mauritians eager to place their bets. Tourists are most welcome too! It is at the Champ de Mars (named after the Champ de Mars in Paris) that the independence of Mauritius was proclaimed in 1968. In the thirties and the eighties, the Champ de Mars also became a favourite rallying point for large masses of people who gathered in the wake of major political events, which shaped the history of the island.
The National History Museum
The Natural History Museum is located in a stone building erected in 1884 and now proclaimed a historical monument. Skeletons of two dodos and of other extinct birds, as well as a beautiful collection of specimens of marine species constitute the main attraction of this museum. One can also contemplate an enormous cachalot skull and two specimens of the green giant tortoise.
The Port Louis Theatre
Designed by the French architect Pierre Poujade, the Port-Louis Theatre was built in the 19th century under the British Governor Sir Robert Farquhar. Inaugurated in 1822, it was reopened in 1944 after important renovation works. This magnificent building is considered to be one of the most ancient Italian-style theatres in the southern hemisphere. A symbol of cultural life of the country, it had to undergo regular repairs and restoration works in order to resist cyclones and ageing.
Where is it?
Mauritius is of an area of 1865 km², with 330 km of coastline almost surrounded by coral reefs, a vast central plateau and impressive mountains.
It is located in the south east of the Indian Ocean (20° S/ 57,5°E) at approximately 230 km from Réunion, 860 km from Madagascar and 4 700 km from Mumbai. The central plateau, at an altitude of about 600 m, is studded with extinct volcanic craters where rivers and waterfalls cross each other.
The central plateau is hedged by three mountain chains made up of masses of basalt with fantastic shapes, evidence of the volcanic origin of the island. Several peaks emerge from these chains, e.g Piton de la Rivière Noire (828m), Pieter Both (823m) and the Pouce (812m).
 Where to stay
There are resorts all around the island. Accommodation ranges from budget hotels to world-class resorts. There are several child-friendly ones with kids' clubs and plenty of activities. The Mauritian people really have a special way with children and you will find it hard to extract your children out of the kids' club once they have settled in.
Resorts with kids’ clubs/facilities offered
Coco Beach Hotel
Food and Drink
Mauritius has a number of fine restaurants. For those who want a quick bite to eat, there are fast food outlets, some franchised to international chains and others delightfully Mauritian in notion and content. Samousas, rotis, meatballs, soups, noodles, curries, curried rolls and a variety of tropical fruits, often cut into different shapes, can be bought very inexpensively from street vendors.
The rougaille
The cornerstone of the Creole cuisine is the curry and rougaille. Mauritian curries and are many and varied while the rougaille comprises a tomato-based sauce in which scallions, salted meats and fish are simmered. This is then served on a mound of rice, which is often accompanied by an assortment of chutneys and other condiments.
Salad of palm heart
The palm tree heart, braised or served in salad, remains the speciality of Creole cuisine. This dish is known as the salad of the millionaire. The palm tree takes seven years to grow and each heart gives only about 600 grams of edible flesh. Hence the appellation of the millionaire's salad.
The briyani
A speciality of the Indo-Muslim cuisine, the briyani is prepared with Basmati rice that is left to steam and simmer in a big cast-iron pot (deg), with spices, meat or fish. This delicious preparation is generally eaten with cucumber salad.
Fish vindaye
This preparation consists of fish marinated in a mixture of vinegar, mustard seeds, curcuma, together with onions, garlic, ginger and chillies lightly sautéed in oil. Vindaye is eaten cold, with bread or rice.
Rotis
Eaten by all Mauritians, the roti is a round-shaped pancake made from wheat flour. It has many varieties, the most popular being the faratha, which is enriched with ghee (clarified butter). While the chapatti is wide and soft, the puri is a small pancake that gets inflated when it is being fried. Many families still eat the puri at breakfast. Another popular version of the roti is the dhal puri, a soft and light pancake stuffed with dhal (a variety of pulses). The dhal puri is normally eaten in pairs with vegetable curry and can be bought at the hawker round the corner. Be careful with the chilli!
The gâteau-piment
The gâteau-piment is a titbit in the form of a ring, prepared with dhal or lentils and with chillies. It is an excellent cocktail snack that can be served to accompany a drink or as a starter.
The Samousa
Quite as popular as the gâteau-piment, the samousa (titbit of triangular shape stuffed with vegetables or meat) is appreciated by all Mauritians at all times.
Shopping
The island’s reputation as a shopping paradise has been given a boost by the recent government decision to make Mauritius a duty-free island. The visitor will enjoy the diversity and quality of shopping opportunities at attractive prices.
Shopping in the various commercial centres and markets will give you a glimpse of the local talented craftsmen. One can find models of old ships, colonial houses or vintage planes. The work is meticulous and the reproduction absolutely perfect. Airline companies charge for freight on ship models according to size and weight. Basketwork, embroidery, pottery, cut stones and recycled glass are also very much in demand.
Mauritius has an enviable reputation for textile production, namely for knitwear. Leading brands of shirts, trousers, suits, dresses, suits for women, shorts or swimwear are sold at competitive prices. There is no duty on garments or on sportswear.
Furthermore, duty-free items now include popular photographic and cinematographic equipment and accessories, watches and clocks, cellular phones and other types of telephony elements, paintings, engravings and antiques, sunglasses and binoculars.
There is also no duty on leatherwear and jewels, where the shopper will benefit from a top-quality service. Special orders can be placed and delivered within a few days. In Mauritian jewellery shops, East meets West in unique styles and designs. Customs duty has been reduced on perfumes and cosmetics.
Epicureans will be able to take back a wide variety of delicacies: exotic fruit jellies and pastes, chillies and other types of spices, local vegetable pickles, a whole range of teas including vanilla tea, and of course the local rum made from sugar cane.
 Flight Details
| Australia |
Air Mauritius |
A340-300 (294) |
Syd/Mel 1 |
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Perth 1 |
Airports
Facilities at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International airport include duty free shopping in the departure and arrival halls, several banks with currency exchange windows and ATMs. There are several outlets for food and beverages including a self-service restaurant, fast food and a bar. A taxi service and car rentals are available.
Taxis
Some taxis are available at the airport and all over the island. Taxis do have metre systems but it is best to negotiate the fare before the journey begins. The information desk at the airport will advise on standard fares.
Helicopter
Air Mauritius operates a helicopter transfer service from the airport, so that guests can arrive in style. Island tours by helicopter can also be arranged.
Car Hire
All of the major car rental agencies are represented in Mauritius and most hotels have car rental agencies in house. To hire a car, drivers must be 23+ and in possession of a valid driving license. Driving is on the left and it is compulsory to wear a seatbelt.
Organised Transfers and Excursions
There are many local ground handlers in Mauritius who can organize airport transfers, tours of the island, and visits places of interest or even whole holiday itineraries.
What to wear
Smart beach and casual wear is the norm in most tourist venues. However, more formal wear may be appropriate in certain hotels and restaurants at night. In winter (May to Oct) light woollens are advisable for the cooler evenings. Visitors are asked to show due respect in religious places by wearing appropriate clothing and removing leather shoes and belts when entering such premises. Nudism is not allowed. Topless sunbathing is generally tolerated on hotel beaches and pool areas.
Population
The population of Mauritius is approximately 1.2 million including Rodrigues and outer islands and is made up of four ethnic groups. There are Indo-Mauritians, whose forebears came from India; Creoles, people of mixed ancestry who came from Europe and Africa; Franco-Mauritians, the white descendants of the original French colonists; and Sino-Mauritians whose forefathers came from China.
 Health requirements
Smallpox- no vaccination certificate required; Yellow Fever- a certificate is required from travellers from infected areas; Cholera- no vaccination certificate required.
Religion
Mauritians generally practise their religion in colourful ceremonies. Religious festivals light up the calendar all through the year. In the same area, one can come across a church, a temple, a mosque or a pagoda. Mauritians work, play and pray together, showing a harmonious society respectful of each other’s religion.
Language
With such a colourful background, most Mauritians are at least trilingual. English is the official language, but French and Creole are commonly used. Among the many oriental languages, Hindi and Bhojpuri are widely used. Hotel staff are also trained to converse in German, Italian and Spanish. The Mauritian literacy rate hovers around 90%.
Communication
Mauritius is always on line through all the modern communication tools. One is kept informed by the local radios and television network as well as satellite networks and an active local press. Internet services are easily available at cyber cafes and the GSM network keeps the visitor connected to the rest of the world.
Currency and payments
The local Mauritian rupee is divided into 100 cents. The local money is available in coins (R1, Rs5, Rs10 as well as 5 cs, 10 cs, 20 cs and 50 cs) and in notes of Rs25, Rs50, Rs100, Rs200, Rs500, Rs1000 and Rs2000. Change counters offer their services at the airport and all over the island, namely through the banking network and at the main hotels. Most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist shops will take credit cards, namely American Express, MasterCard and Visa. There is a VAT of 15% on payments on goods and services.
Electricity
220 volts. Plugs sockets are either 2 round pin or British 3 pin type. Most hotels have adaptors available.
Tipping
Tipping is common but not compulsory.
Visa Requirements
Visitors must be in possession of a valid passport, with at least six months validity and a return or onward ticket. Holders of a British and Irish Passports do not need a visa to enter Mauritius. A visitor’s visa is normally granted for two- four weeks. This can be extended on request at the Port Louis Passport and Immigration office (Tel: 00 230 210 9312). If in doubt, check with the Mauritius High Commission in London (Tel: 0207 581 0294).
HWK Family Travel Tips
Mauritius is the ideal destination for a family trip where parents do not have to sacrifice quality for convenience. The warm Mauritian welcome, the safe beaches, and gentle seas make the island a great place to have a real family getaway.
Family Day Trips
Mauritius has something for everyone.
Children will enjoy:
· The Interactive Exhibits of L’Aventure du Sucre
· Oversize water lilies, deer and tortoises at SSR Botanical Garden
· Giant tortoises and crocodiles at La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes
· Explore science and technology at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre
· Horse riding, quad biking and horse-drawn carriages and a train to drive you through the beautiful estate of Domaines Les Pailles
· 4 x 4 off road trip of Espace Adventure
· Watch the dolphins on a catamaran at Tamarin.
· A day with birds, monkeys and lions at Casela Bird Park
· The variety of marine life at the Aquarium at Pointe Aux Biches
· A fun day at Caudan Waterpark with train ride and Children Park, and games.
· A day at Trou Aux Cerfs to view a dormant volcano crater
· A day with the lions at Safari Adventures
· Days at the beach!
Things to consider
· Take night flights if possible when travelling with children
· Take plenty of sunscreen and a suitable child mosquito spray for the evenings.
In the Hotel
· Most hotels provide a kid’s club where children can pop in and out throughout the day.
· Upon request, babysitting is also available
· Teen Clubs are also available where kids of same age groups can hang out in the games room, learn new skills such as waterskiing or join in team games.
· Special children pools are available in many hotels.
· Children will enjoy making sand castles on the beach
Click here for Things to Do & See in Mauritius
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